Job Purpose 

Lead the development of an engaging external presence for the Glasgow Centre for Data Science & Artificial Intelligence. Work in collaboration with the Centre Manager to develop a stakeholder engagement framework and identify engagement opportunities, external funding opportunities, research and publication opportunities, and organise a series of knowledge exchange events and meetings with relevant stakeholders.

Main Duties and Responsibilities  

1. Develop the Knowledge Exchange and Communications Strategy for the Centre of Data Science and AI in the short, medium and longer term. This includes internal and external communications, the delivery of events and meetings and shaping future research, funding, and externally focused activities.

2. Lead on developing and implementing strategic communications plans which highlight the breadth and depth of the Centre activities and impact. You will develop and implement an engagement strategy to socialise the Centre across the University community and beyond.

3. Work with Centre staff to develop and deliver communication and engagement plans with audience mapping to target external stakeholders that can support the realisation of the Centre for Data Science and AI strategy and objectives.

4. Develop and distribute high quality communication materials and content which promotes the Centre. For example, be responsible for the creation and maintenance of the website, establish and manage Centre social media channels, develop publications/printed material including the production of artwork, sourcing images, collating and/or writing copy for all marketing collateral.

5. Analyse and evaluate the effectiveness of communication strategies and plans using qualitative and quantitative metrics. Use this data to prepare and deliver progress reports to key stakeholders, advising on success criteria and key metrics; ensuring this data informs communication plans and decision making.

6. Establish and maintain effective relationships internally through collaborative working to ensure the Centre narrative is amplified and represented across a range of communications projects, business development and funding opportunities, knowledge sharing initiatives, and external partnership projects. This will involve working across the Research Services Directorate, External Relations, Government Relations, Colleges, and Schools.

7. Lead on creating and commissioning relevant communication content for media channels and other outputs. Providing effective management oversight and professional advice as required. This will include sourcing, researching, interpreting, and drafting relevant material applying knowledge, discretion and judgement.

8. Maintain professional credibility through continuous personal development, keeping informed and up to date with emerging and developing sectoral and communication trends to ensure activity is relevant from a creative, content and channel perspective.

9. Contribute to the development and delivery of a stakeholder network that will bring together professionals, policy makers, academics and community members from across the themes relevant to the Centre.

10. Deal with press and event enquiries.

11. Undertake other reasonable tasks and duties as required.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills & Experience 

Knowledge/Qualifications  

Essential: 

A1 Ability to demonstrate the competencies required to undertake the duties associated with this level of post having acquired the necessary knowledge and skills in a similar communications role or number of different specialist roles. Or Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 9, (Ordinary Degree, Scottish Vocational Qualification level 4), or equivalent (including professional accreditation with relevant formal training), and experience of personal development in a similar or related role(s).

A2 Applied and demonstrable knowledge of issues relevant to the Centre which could include Data science and AI, and any of the research programmes (Medical and Life Sciences, Engineering and Physical science, Arts and Humanities, or Social Sciences).

A3 Knowledge of the University of Glasgow’s knowledge exchange agenda, funding and priorities.

A4 Knowledge of the funding schemes available to support Research and Knowledge Exchange activities.

A5 Excellent knowledge of marketing and communication practices.

A6 Thorough and detailed knowledge of best practice for the development of content for the web and social media.

Desirable: 

B1 Knowledge of Project Management Techniques.

B2 Higher degree or qualification in a relevant area such as STEM or computer sciences and/or relevant experience.

Skills  

Essential: 

C1 Outstanding communication skills with excellent writing ability and demonstratable evidence of message delivery for different audiences - print, digital, social media, broadcast, and internal engagement.

C2 Excellent interpersonal skills, including diplomacy and discretion, and the ability to liaise with staff at different level of seniority, within a wide range of public, third sector and voluntary organisations.

C3 Proven ability to implement strategy and policy and to translate plans into effective action.

C4 Proficient in writing for a range of audiences, such as working, briefing and policy papers, scholarly and public publications, external grant funding applications.

C5 Ability to understand, interpret and summarise complex issues and research across a broad range of disciplines.

C6 Initiative, creativity, energy, and enthusiasm, as well as excellent time management and organisational skills, with the ability to define priorities and work flexibly and effectively under pressure to meet demanding (and sometimes conflicting) deadlines.

C7 Excellent web management skills with an ability to effectively manage social media channels.

C8 Excellent planning and organisational skills used to enable external and internal stories to be developed across a range of channels.

C9 Ability to work collaboratively and to take the lead when required with external funders and partner institutions on complex communications projects and outputs.

C10 High degree of initiative, responsibility and self-motivation, and a professional and proactive approach to problem solving.

C11Ability to influence stakeholders and build relationships at a senior level.

Desirable: 

D1 Excellent project management skills.

Experience 

Essential: 

E1 Significant and relevant experience of working in a similar role, producing communications plans and content.

E2 Proven experience of operating at a strategic level while translating a strategy into clear deliverables.

E3 Significant experience of establishing, managing, and delivering communications strategies for internal and external audiences.

E4 Experience of working collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders and developing relationships.

E5 A track record of credible engagement working with, negotiating and influencing senior leaders.

E6 Clear and evidenced experience of developing, producing, sharing, and embedding high quality written, visual, and audio-visual materials for mainstream, online and social media audiences.

E7 Experience of writing funding proposals and project planning, and track record of leading the development of successful proposals.

Desirable: 

F1 Experience of working within a research environment in the Higher Education sector.

F2 Experience of organising and delivering events.

F3 Experience of working with researchers to develop Research and Knowledge Exchange proposals and applications for funding.

F4 Experience of using the T4 Content Management System.

Terms and Conditions 

Salary will be Grade 7, £40,497 - £45,413 per annum pro rata.

This post is part time (17.5 hours per week) and fixed term for 36 months. 

Relocation assistance will be provided where appropriate. 

Closing date: 9 April 2025 @ 23.45