External Relations Officer

Department Communications Location Joseph Priestley Building Salary £32,006 to £35,331 per annum Fixed Term - 12 Months Post Type Full Time Release Date 23 April 2026 Closing Date 23.59 hours BST on Sunday 10 May 2026 Reference M126014

About Birmingham City University

At Birmingham City University, we are a diverse and inclusive learning community of over 31,400 students from more than 120 countries. We aim to become an exemplar anchor institution, creating and sharing knowledge for a better and more inclusive society. We are committed to providing a transformational educational experience, supporting world-class research, and fostering a collaborative and supportive working environment for our staff.

Recognised as one of the UK’s Top 250 employers (Financial Times & Statista), we pride ourselves on being a place where colleagues feel valued, supported, and able to grow their careers while contributing to the success of our students and communities.

Our student demographic reflects the rich cultural and ethnic diversity of Birmingham itself, with a significant proportion of students from minoritised ethnic backgrounds and the majority of our home students coming from the West Midlands. This diversity is a strength, and it calls for a workforce that is equipped to challenge deficit narratives and thinking — those assumptions that position students from underrepresented groups as lacking rather than recognising their assets, strengths and potential.

By embracing this perspective, we aim to create an environment where all students and colleagues can thrive, and where our work contributes positively to the social, cultural and economic life of Birmingham and beyond.

Role Summary

We are seeking an External Relations Officer to join our Marketing, Recruitment and Communications Department as maternity cover for a 12-month period, supporting the delivery of high-quality communications that enhance the University’s profile and reputation.

Working within a collaborative team, the role partners with academics, researchers and senior leaders to showcase innovative teaching, research and partnerships across social media, media channels and events. Responsible for promoting BCU’s local, national and international collaborations, the postholder ensures external communications are creative, strategic and aligned with student recruitment, investment and reputation goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver external communications that enhance the University’s reputation and support student recruitment, investment and partnerships
• Identify and develop compelling stories, producing high-quality content across media, digital and social channels
• Work closely with academics, researchers and senior leaders to promote teaching, research, innovation and civic impact
• Manage media enquiries, support out-of-hours cover and contribute to crisis communications as required
• Build and maintain strong relationships with regional, national and international media
• Support the delivery of events and campaigns that showcase the University and its collaborations
• Collaborate across Marketing, Recruitment and Communications to ensure a joined-up, creative approach
• Monitor and evaluate activity to improve effectiveness and impact
  
  

Essential Requirements

• Proven experience in media relations, communications, public affairs or events, and a strong track record of producing high-quality content for external audiences
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to spot strong stories, simplify complex information and tailor content for media, digital and social channels, including social media content creation
• A proactive, self-starting approach with the ability to manage competing priorities, work calmly under pressure and build effective relationships with stakeholders
  
  

Desirable Requirements

• A relevant professional qualification (e.g. CIPR, CIM) and/or evidence of ongoing professional development
• Experience working in higher education, public service or a similarly complex, knowledge-based environment
  
  

Further Information

If you are excited by the opportunity to help shape the future of Birmingham City University, we would love to hear from you.

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Phil Gordos, External Relations Manager at phil.gordos@bcu.ac.uk.

Why not explore our campuses using our interactive map: https://www.bcu.ac.uk/about-us/corporate-information/environment-sustainability/map

The appointed candidate will normally be employed through our subsidiary company, BCU Support Services Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Birmingham City University. Appointees with prior LGPS membership who wish to re-enter the scheme may do so and will be employed directly by the University.

Why work for us

• Work–life balance – Generous leave and hybrid working (role dependent).
• Career development – Opportunities to grow, develop and progress your career.
• Reward and wellbeing – Competitive pay, pension, wellbeing support and staff benefits.
• Inclusive culture – A supportive, diverse environment where everyone belongs.
  
  

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and to an environment that supports lawful free speech and academic freedom. We will continuously review and improve our policies, practices, and procedures to ensure that we are promoting these in all aspects of our operations. We believe that by working together, combining our many different backgrounds and life experiences, we will empower each other to reach our full potential.

Disability Confident Employer

Birmingham City University is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. Disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role will be guaranteed an interview.

Further Details

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