The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university.
We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more. Find out more about our benefits (opens in a new window) and join us to become part of something special.
Overview
The Media and PR Assistant (Intern) is an integral role in helping the Media and PR team to create a positive and engaging narrative for the University, to set us apart from our peers, drive our reputation and help us to meet our strategic goals.
You will develop existing writing skills to translate complex academic research into creative and accessible content to secure national and international press coverage enhancing the University’s reputation with key stakeholders.
You will support with media enquiries from regional, national and international journalists and arrange broadcast filming opportunities to help raise the profile of the University. You will also develop a broader understanding of the higher education sector and related media activity/issues it faces through the delivery of a media monitoring service, impact reports and other associated reports to senior University staff.
You will also gain broad knowledge and skills by providing support to colleagues across the wider Communications function in the Marketing, Admissions, Recruitment and Communications (MARC) department, including Sustainability Communications, Public Affairs and Internal Engagement.
Main Duties And Responsibilities
- Evaluating media and PR work – Monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of media and PR work and campaigns, measuring their impact and creating daily reports of media coverage, as well as detailed monthly/quarterly reports to demonstrate the team’s outputs and impacts
- Writing - Help the Media and PR team to create a positive and engaging narrative for the University, to set us apart from our peers, drive our reputation and help us to meet our strategic goals. This could include news releases, features and case studies and supporting senior members of the team on reputational statements.
- Media liaison - Dealing with day-to-day enquiries from the press, arranging filming opportunities on campus, pitching stories to the media, building relationships with journalists, creating media lists, monitoring press clippings
- Deliver PR campaigns – Supporting the team with theme and campaign work which aligns with the University’s strategic vision, in order to secure widespread, quality national and international media coverage, maximising opportunities for pathways to impact
- News webpage maintenance - Updating and developing the University’s online News pages
- Social media – Acquiring, compiling and coordinating content on social media in an effective way to help with University aims and objectives
- Research and data analysis – Sourcing potential news stories from around the University to profile the institution’s research excellence and outstanding student experience
- Media Training - Provide support and guidance to help researchers better understand how to engage with the press and public. This will include supporting the roll-out of additional media training, as well as further support with social media
- Customer service - Be the first point of contact for the Media Team, responding efficiently and accurately to journalists and liaising with senior team members where needed.
- Events - Planning, organising and co-coordinating events working in partnership with other organisations to meet the objectives of the individual brief
- Administrative - To provide ad hoc project and administrative support to the University’s Media and PR Team
- Provide communications and administrative support to the wider communications function, covering both external and internal, in Marketing, Admissions, Recruitment and Communications (MARC)
- As a member of our Professional staff you will be expected to demonstrate a commitment to the professional behaviours set out in the Sheffield Professional Framework. Please follow this link for further information: Sheffield Professional Framework.
- As a member of staff you will be encouraged to make ethical decisions in your role, embedding the University sustainability strategy into your working activities wherever possible.
- Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.
Person Specification
Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.
Criteria
Essential Or Desirable
Stage(s) assessed at
A good honours degree or equivalent, having graduated in last two years (either at PG or UG level) or being due to graduate Summer 2025
Essential
Application
Knowledge and interest in the PR, Media and Communications industry
Essential
Application and interview
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience creating content such as news stories, reports, social media posts, and web copy.
Essential
Application and Interview
Confident interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships and communicate effectively with a range of stakeholders, including senior staff and journalists.
Essential
Interview
Strong organisational and project management skills, with the ability to prioritise tasks and meet deadlines under pressure.
Essential
Application and interview
High level of attention to detail, accuracy, and a diligent approach to work.
Essential
Application
Familiarity with content management systems (CMS) and general digital communication tools.
Desirable
Application
Ability to work both independently and as part of a team, demonstrating initiative and a professional attitude.
Essential
Application and interview
Creative thinking and a proactive approach to problem-solving, with the ability to adapt quickly to new challenges.
Desirable
Interview
Awareness of current affairs and an interest in the Higher Education sector
Desirable
Interview
Further Information
Grade
4
Salary
£24,900
Work arrangement
Full-time. Fixed term to September 2026
Line manager
Amy Huxtable, Media Relations Manager
Our website
https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/departments/professional-services/marketing-admissions-recruitment-communications-marc
For informal enquiries about this job contact Amy Huxtable
[email protected]Next steps in the recruitment process
It is anticipated that the selection process will take place on w/c 28 July 2025. This will consist of an interview. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage following the closing date. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact Keeley Mobley,
[email protected].
Our vision and strategic plan
We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in new window).
What We Offer - A minimum of 38 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
- Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
- Generous pension scheme.
- A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
- A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
- Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
- A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes.
- A range of generous family-friendly policies
- paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
- support for those going through the menopause
- paid time off and support for fertility treatment
- and more
More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).
We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.
Possession of a criminal record is not an automatic bar to employment at the University of Sheffield. We recognise the value of steady employment in the rehabilitation process and examine each case in its own right. More information can be found on our Information for candidates page:- sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/candidates (opens in a new window).
We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision (www.sheffield.ac.uk/vision) outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.
