Social Media Officer

The John Innes Centre is looking for a Head of Media and Content to lead the press office, media strategy and content development of a busy, internationally leading research centre on the Norwich Research Park.

About the John Innes Centre:

The John Innes Centre is an independent, international centre of excellence in plant and microbial sciences. We nurture a creative, curiosity-led approach to answering fundamental questions in bioscience, and translate that knowledge into societal benefits. Our strategic vision, Healthy Plants, Healthy People, Healthy Planet, sets out our ambitious long-term goals for the game changing impact of our science globally. 

Our employees enjoy access to state-of-the-art technology and a diverse range of specialist training opportunities, including support for leadership and management. Click here to find out more about working at the John Innes Centre.

The role:

The Head of Media and Content will ensure an integrated approach to communications activities, and to grow the reach and impact of our institute. The post holder will bring creativity and good judgement to shape and deliver high-profile, high-quality campaigns and coverage of our research, opinions and vision for the future in collaboration with researchers, fundraisers and senior managers across the John Innes Centre and The Sainsbury Laboratory.
Reporting to the John Innes Centre’s Head of Communications and Engagement, the Head of Media and Content will be embedded within the JIC Communications and Engagement team, and will manage the JIC press office function and wider content creation.
This role will line manage the Press and Media Manager and the Digital Communications Officer. The role will be responsible for press releases, pitches, news stories and content for website, and will deliver the institutes flagship magazine, ‘Advances’, along with other print and digital publications.

The post holder will provide strategic press and campaign experience, combining strong storytelling and marketing expertise to support the development and delivery of a fundraising media and campaign strategy to amplify our reputation and research and showcase our impact with key stakeholders, alongside delivery of our scientific press office activities.

The ideal candidate:

You will have a degree or equivalent in a relevant subject area. You will have a thorough practical and theoretical knowledge of press office functions, content development and Social Media platforms, and the ability to horizon-scan to identify and mitigate potential issues, or areas of reputation.

The post holder will have demonstrable experience in as a communications professional, including clear evidence of managing relationships with the media and it is advantageous if the successful candidate has experience working in marketing or fundraising as a communications or media specialist.

Additional information:

We welcome applications from candidates seeking job-share.

Interviews will be held on 1st and 2nd May 2024.

Please note, this post does not meet UKVI requirements to provide visa sponsorship.

We are an equal opportunities employer, actively supporting inclusivity and diversity.  As a Disability Confident organisation, we guarantee to offer an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for this vacancy. We are proud to hold a prestigious Gold Athena SWAN award in recognition of our inclusive culture, commitment and good practices towards advancing of gender equality. We offer an exciting, stimulating, diverse research environment and actively promote a family friendly workplace. The Institute is also a member of Stonewall’s Diversity Champions programme.

The John Innes Centre is a registered charity (No. 223852) grant-aided by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council.