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Form of work
SalaryRAND Europe is a not-for-profit policy research organisation. Our mission is to help improve policy- and decision-making through evidence-based research and analysis. We realise our mission by undertaking objective, balanced and relevant research, sharing the insights and information widely, and working in partnership with a range of clients and collaborators.
RAND Europe has offices in Cambridge and Brussels, and employs approximately 170 staff: just over half of our research staff have doctorates with the balance holding other post-graduate degrees. Our work lies on the continuum between that of universities and consultancies, combining the academic rigour of universities and the professional, task orientated approach of consultancies. In addition to our strong ethos of evidence-based research, RAND Europe is a values-driven organisation, and our experience shows that our most successful researchers closely align their behaviours with our value set.
We are now looking to recruit a Head of Communications to support the Communications and Partnerships Director to increase RAND Europe’s impact and implement the communications strategy.
Key responsibilities- Supporting the Communications and Partnerships Director to execute and monitor RAND Europe’s communications strategy and priorities.
- Supporting the Communications and Partnerships Director to grow RAND Europe’s reputation and promote its brand.
- Managing communications expenditure against budget, and reporting progress to the Communications and Partnerships Director. Implement activities to build on positive variances and address negative ones.
- Motivating colleagues at all levels to be active partners in RAND Europe achieving more impact, through disseminating RAND Europe’s research and growing its reputation.
- Ensuring excellent external and internal correspondence and documentation, such as reports, briefings, applications, presentations, or other collateral items.
- Working closely with the comms & partnerships director, and research teams to devise strategic communication plans and nurture an open working relationship between the communications team and researchers.
- Supporting the development and maintenance of relationships with key media contacts in the UK and EU.
- Overseeing the delivery of RAND Europe’s digital strategy, including the development of the website and social media channels.
- Leading RAND Europe’s online social media channels, developing content and driving engagement on LinkedIn, X (formerly Twitter), Facebook and any other social channels used, taking ownership of both content strategy and production to ensure discoverability, accessibility, relevance, and quality.
- Supporting the Communications and Partnerships Director by leading press briefings, driving media coverage and managing complex media enquiries.
- Managing the Communications team, including overseeing publications to ensure continued compliance with RAND Europe’s publications standards.
- Develop campaigns for RAND Europe research to raise awareness, enhance RAND Europe’s reputation and support business objectives.
- With the Communications and Partnerships Director, identify, initiate, and foster positive, strategic relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including reporters to ultimately drive forward the ambitions of RAND Europe and support our mission.
- Carrying out other duties as deemed appropriate by the Communications and Partnerships Director.
- Complies with all company policies and RAND Europe Management Systems.
Requirements
- Experience of managing high profile, complex stakeholder and media issues as well as building an organisation’s brand and improving stakeholder recognition.
- Be capable of motivating, influencing and inspiring others both inside and outside an organisation.
- Extensive understanding of the UK’s and EU’s political and policy-making structures.
- Significant experience across all areas of media relations.
- Knowledge of and interest in engaging reach across digital platforms including social media.
- Excellent writing and editing skills and extensive experience of leading a team and delivering successful communications strategies.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Experience of client management software.
- Master’s degree or equivalent in communications or relevant area
Benefits
- Pension - 8% Employer contribution;
- 33 days holiday allowance, including the Bank Holidays;
- Annual salary review;
- BUPA medical insurance;
- Generous company sick pay;
- Enhanced family friendly policies;
- Group income protection scheme;
- Group life assurance;
- Compassionate leave;
- Flexible working arrangements;
- Learning and development opportunities;
- Employee wellbeing training and support;
- Fresh fruit every day;
- Free on-site parking;
- Cycle to work scheme;
- Access to company bikes;
- Service awards.
If you believe you are suited to the above role, please submit an application comprising of a CV and covering letter. The deadline for applications is 14/04/24.
If you have not been contacted within 30 days of application deadline, please assume your application has not been successful.
