Project Communications Manager

Grade 8

The Programme and Project Delivery Group is responsible for the successful delivery of a large capital programme (£60 million over three years), working in collaboration with our customers across the collegiate University, and with third-party suppliers, to deliver new and enhanced IT solutions to support the delivery of the University’s Strategic Plan. This work is carried out through a rolling programme of projects which impact the daily lives of both staff and students.

Ongoing and timely communications are a vital way of ensuring successful adoption of new technology, processes, and new ways of working, in the devolved structure of the collegiate University. Leading a team (around six to eight) of both permanent and contract Communication Officers, the post holder will be responsible for managing and co-ordinating communication of these IT-enabled changes, ensuring consistency in messages, and efficiency in dissemination, so that stakeholders across the collegiate University receive relevant and timely information about changes that affect them. They will also be responsible for promoting the benefits and value of the investment in IT.

Essential selection criteria

  • Extensive experience in delivering and supporting project / programme communications in a large organisation with varied and complex stakeholder groups, and using a range of communication channels and media
  • Excellent writing, editing and proofreading skills, with the ability to develop high quality, accurate and consistent communications materials, newsletters, leaflets, briefings and so on for non-specialist audiences
  • A track record of managing and creating content for websites using a content management system
  • Experience of advising staff on complex communications challenges, including crisis communications 
  • Highly organised, methodical, accurate and with a strong eye for detail
  • Proven ability to prioritise and handle multiple tasks simultaneously while meeting competing deadlines 
  • Strong people management skills, with the ability to lead, manage and motivate a team
  • Excellent oral communication skills, and well developed interpersonal skills, with a customer focus and the ability to communicate and foster strong relationships with staff at all levels

Desirable selection criteria

  • Experience of working in the higher education sector
  • An interest in new technologies for new ways of working
  • Knowledge of the University of Oxford
  • Relevant professional qualifications

Related links