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GBP 7498 Communications Assistant

University of Exeter Internships
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Job Summary

 

The University of Exeter’s Faculty of Health and Life Science is looking for a new Communications Assistant to create content for their website and social media channels, as well as supporting a wide range of communications activities around key areas of research including dementia, diabetes and cancer. You will help tell student stories and support world-leading researchers to optimise their communications reach regionally, nationally and internationally to a range of audiences. Working with a wider communications team, you will receive on-the-job training in skills including news writing and video creation, and will assist in producing web, news and social media packages.

 

This role is part of the Graduate Business Partnership Scheme (GBP) and offers full-time hours (36.5 hours per week) for 12 months. You will have access to offices on St Lukes Campus in Exeter and you will have the opportunity to work remotely.

 

 

Key Dates

 

Closing Date: 5/11/24

Interview Date: 12/11/24

Start Date: ASAP

End Date: 12 months after start date

 

Pay/Salary: £25,007

 

 

 

Purpose of the Role

 

The University of Exeter’s Faculty of Health and Life Science is committed to transforming human health and well-being through discovery, translation and impact arising from our world-leading research, education and partnership at the interface between health, the climate and a socially just society. Encompassing the University of Exeter Medical School, it is a welcoming, inclusive, flexible and dynamic community in which to work. 

 

You will support a team that is integral to communicating the faculty’s exciting world-leading health and life sciences research and education work to external audiences. We often communicate advances on some of the greatest health challenges of our time, such as dementia, mental health, cancer and genomics. The role involves creating visual and written communication assets for both external and internal communications activities. 

 

This is a busy and fast-paced position with scope to gain experience across a wide range of communications activities, particularly within health research. The role is part of the press office, supported by our skilled External Engagement and Global directorate, providing varied opportunities for training and advice. You will receive on-the-job training in skills including news writing and video creation, and will assist in producing web, news and social media packages. They will create and promote engaging content using a range of media and write newsletters for different audiences. The post will entail maximising the potential for communications across a range of platforms.

 

 

Duties and Responsibilities 

 

  • Generating content for channels including web pages and social media channels
  • Creating and sourcing visual (images / video) and written content to share across a range of communications channels
  • Supporting academics to optimise their own social media activity
  • Collating and sourcing information from colleagues across the University where appropriate relating to media events and news stories.
  • Supporting events which may require logistical arrangements, liaising with colleagues across the Faculty and the External Engagement and Global department, including the University’s senior team
  • Working with colleagues to optimise communications to groups including students, staff and external audiences, including through newsletters
  • Working closely with other key areas within the Professional Services
  • Being dedicated to delivering a high-quality customer-focused service.

 

 

Training and Development - What Skills and Experience will this Opportunity Provide?

 

  • You will report to and be supported by the Head of External Communications for the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, who has more than a decade of experience in both journalism and science communication, and qualifications in both fields.
  • The relationship with the line manager will be one based around training and mentorship, with daily contact, including in-person at least twice a week.
  • You will also have support from the wider press office team, as well as colleagues across External Engagement and Global, which includes specialists in a wide range of marketing and communication fields.
  • As well as this on-the-job training, you will have access to the University’s wide range of learning and development resources.
  • You will be encouraged to engage with national career development opportunities, for example through the science communication network STEMPRA
  • Depending on skills, experience and need, we would also consider additional external training and education opportunities
  • This is a truly developmental role, where you will gain a wide range of experience and an impressive CV, as well as support in applying for the next step in the career pathway. Previous interns have progressed to roles working in social media, press offices, in health journalism and some have progressed within our department.

 

You will be asked to complete the university’s mandatory online training in: 

  • Prevent Duty - Inclusive, Cohesive and Safe Universities
  • Equality and Diversity Introduction
  • Health and Safety Introduction
  • Information Governance

 

 

Support Available

 

  • Regular meetings with the line manager
  • Workplace buddy or mentor
  • On the job training/shadowing
  • The university offers extensive support to staff, including a structured Professional Development Review and Wellbeing Service plus 1:1 support from the Internships Team.

 

 

The Benefits

 

You will have access to a wide range of benefits, rewards and recognition from the University including: 

  • Flexible/hybrid working
  • Generous pension
  • A holiday allowance of 39 days per year
  • Totum Card (student discount)
  • Salary Exchange Schemes such as the Cycle to Work Scheme
  • Discounted membership to the University's sports facilities including cricket centre, indoor/outdoor pools, squash courts and fitness centre’s.
  • The university offers extensive support to staff, including a structured Professional Development Review and Wellbeing Service plus 1:1 support from the Internships Team.
  • All Graduates are offered a ‘how to make the most of your internship’ guide.
  • You will have access to the university’s Career Mentor Scheme and career consultancy opportunities.
  • You will have access to the university’s extensive suite of online training which includes Excel, presentation skills, and negotiation skills.
  • You will be invited to quarterly networking and professional development events through ‘The Graduate Network’.

 

About You (Person Specification)

 

Degree and Attainment

 

  • Open to recent graduates from a UK-based university who has graduated in the last 3 years.

 

Skills

 

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including copywriting
  • Ability and confidence to photograph using iPhone and basic understanding of photo quality standards
  • Ability to shoot and edit video content on iPhone
  • Strong time management ability

 

Knowledge and Experience 

 

  • Experience of using MS Word / Excel / PowerPoint is essential
  • Experience of handling a complex workload with competing demands is essential
  • Experience of using Canva or an alternative to create visual assets is desirable
  • Experience of WordPress is desirable

 

Personal Qualities and Attributes

 

  • A confident communicator, able to network and develop contacts
  • Organised, with the ability to deliver on plan / to deadline
  • Willingness to learn and develop, and act positively on feedback
  • Team player, who can also work autonomously where needed
  • Self-motivated and use initiative to find solutions / deliver on a task
  • Interest in communications and / or science communication

 

 

About the University Department

 

The Press Office serves as the primary liaison between the University and the external media, playing a vital role in managing and enhancing the University’s public and media presence. We collaborate closely with local, regional, national, and international newspapers, magazines, online platforms, and broadcast outlets to promote the University’s activities and achievements.

 

Graduate Business Partnership (GBP) Scheme Requirements

 

  • To undertake a graduate role through the GBP scheme, you must have either achieved your degree or be in your final year at any UK-based university.
  • If you are in your final year, your working hours may be reduced to 15 hours per week (for undergraduates) or 6 hours per week (for postgraduates) to ensure you have the capacity to successfully complete your degree. More hours can be completed if your academic agrees and provides written confirmation.
  • If you do not pass your degree, the GBP role will end early.
  • You must have graduated in the UK within the last 3 years of your most recent degree (we will consider extenuating circumstances of potential applicants that may have prevented them from undertaking a graduate role within 3 years of graduation).
  • The University of Exeter is committed to developing an environment which promotes equality of opportunity, values diversity and inclusivity. 
  • We are committed to creating an inclusive culture and engage with evidence-based charter frameworks for gender (Athena SWAN and Project Juno for Physics), race equality (Race Equality Charter Mark) and LGBTQ+ inclusion (Stonewall Diversity Champion)
  • Learn about the university’s commitment to the Disability Confident scheme here
  • At the time of starting employment, the successful candidate must have permission to work in the UK and evidence must be provided in advance of the appointment.  Examples of suitable evidence can be found in the Intern Guidance- Proving Right to Work the UK guide. Candidates should continue to have permission for the duration of the GBP contract. This includes British citizens, individuals with an EU Pre-Settlement or EU-Settlement Status; and those with a Graduate Route Visa.
  • All graduates need to reside in the UK whilst undertaking this role.

 

How to Apply

 

  • Download and complete the attached 2024-25 Internship Application Form. CVs cannot be accepted. Please make sure you have downloaded the latest copy of the Internship Application Form.
  • Guidance and useful tips for completing your application are found on the Internship Application Form.
  • Refer to the job details contained within the advert when writing your personal statement.
  • Use the STAR approach to evidence each requirement in the Person Specification.
  • You should insert the correct reference code on the application form: GBP 7498
  • Please save your Internship Application Form as ‘your name - GBP 7489’
  • The University is a Disability Confident employer and as such this policy applies to recruitment through GBP Scheme. Applicants who identify a disability on the application form will be offered an interview if their application demonstrates they meet the essential criteria.
  • Please also include details of any reasonable adjustments you may need for an interview or to undertake the role.
  • You should explain why you would like to work for the employing organisation and why you think you would be a suitable candidate for this role.
  • Send your completed application (not by OneDrive) to internships@exeter.ac.uk, with the reference code: GBP 7498 in the subject bar of your email, by the closing date.

 

Further Guidance and Support

 

  • (Exeter graduates only) You can refer to the My Career Zone Digital resources on application and interview preparation here.
  • (Exeter graduates only) If you need support with your application, you can book an appointment with a professional Careers Consultant by emailing careers@exeter.ac.uk.
  • Unless stated, interview expenses will not be paid.
  • It is recommended that you check your online presence on social media to ensure it represents you well, as some employers may undertake online research of their applicants.
  • If you have any questions, you can email the Internships Team at internships@exeter.ac.uk