Communication & Marketing Manager

Do you have broad experience of managing multi-channel marketing and communication campaigns?

We are looking for a Marketing & Communications Manager to join the Innovation Observatory (IO).

In this role, you'll be based at our Catalyst building - part of the helix development in Newcastle city entre - that has fantastic transport links and state of the art facilities. You will be part of an existing programme team, of 80 members, based in Newcastle, and will work with national stakeholders to promote and communicate the services and activities of the IO on a global basis. We offer a hybrid and flexible working model.

Reporting to Dawn Musgrave (Industry Partnership Lead), you will work as a key member of the team to design, develop and deliver marketing and communications activities that reach a diverse range of audiences, internally and externally, including accessible and engaging communications to audiences with diverse needs.
You will implement marketing & communications strategies and plans, to support the engagement, brand awareness, growth and promotion of our data, horizon scanning and research expertise nationally & globally. This activity will be aimed at the IO stakeholders & partners, current clients and industry, public. The role will ensure that the IO messaging is integrated and aligned to wider NIHR, stakeholders and partners, Local Government and University communications.

Working closely with the IO partners & stakeholders nationally in the healthcare sector, you will provide expert guidance on reputation building, brand awareness and communications matters to meet the IO' s aims and ambitions.

This is a full time position until 31 March 2026, Marketing and Comms strategy Lead, manage and develop the IO's internal and external marketing and communications strategy for digital and data projects, working with national stakeholders, local government & partners Research and develop targeted user personas to achieve awareness and generate new ideas for content to leverage the unique strengths of the IO's data and products
Relationship Management Build and nurture highly productive relationships with colleagues across the NIHR, Stakeholders/Partners and Newcastle University, including fellow NIHR communications colleagues and those within Newcastle University communities that share common goals with the IO. This will include networking and engaging with appropriate partners to create a holistic CRM system to manage communication activities across the IO Be an influential & active member of pertinent steering groups and committees sharing regular updates with colleagues and delivering themed workshops, where appropriate Work closely with the Press Offices and the marketing & engagement teams within the IO's host institution and the NIHR and appropriate stakeholders, to be the interface to facilitating the inclusion of the IO in the relevant NIHR communication channels. To ensure alignment with the universities strategies, share best practice and undertake joint planning to maximise impact
To lead on special projects as they arise within the IO
Content Creation Lead, manage and develop a range of multi-channel campaigns for the IO's data and digital projects by highlighting successes, products, events, and workshops. This will include copywriting, PR, social media, events, website builds & updates, producing newsletters/marketing collateral, drafting blogs/vlogs/video content. It will require proactively researching, developing/writing, to promote stories of services available, research supported and achievements including public involvement activities Be the key operational point of contact for the IO's products (reports, insights, publications and articles) by providing advice and guidance on all reputation marketing and communications matters gaining buy-in from stakeholders & partners including industry and public
Produce, and/or liaise with relevant colleagues/partners/stakeholders to arrange creative design, photography, infographics/imagery and video content to support marketing and communications activity for the IO's products and events
Events Management Manage the IO's key events such as conferences, networking events, celebrations, workshops where appropriate and, ensure a presence at partners' key events
Social Media and Website Management Create a plan to monitor and improve the user experience across the website and to improve the site performance. Undertake regular reviews of the web content to ensure it is up to date, correct and fit for purpose to ensure maximum engagement
Data Analysis Benchmark, track and produce monthly reports & analytics for the IO including press coverage, social media platforms, web traffic and downloads

Any other duties as required in-line with the general nature/scope of this role

A broad experience of managing multi-channel marketing and communications demonstrating creative campaigns to create national brand awareness through the development of marketing strategies and plans including the development of inclusive & clear communication packs for projects & products Ability to undertake independent research, to inform communications activities Ability to undertake independent research, to inform communications activities through the use of excellent writing skills with attention to detail and a proven ability to produce clear, concise copy for online and offline publications. The ability to summarise complex material clearly and succinctly for a range of audiences Advanced IT skills including the use of Microsoft Office suite, in particular PowerPoint, Word, Excel, and Outlook, and a high level of competency in researching information using the internet & utilising AI to create content and for research. Including experience of web
management software Experience of working in a customer-focused environment including event management skills and experience of planning national events (workshops, networking & conferences)
The ability to deliver projects independently and as part of a team, whilst managing conflicting priorities and working to appropriate deadlines
Excellent interpersonal, negotiating, influencing and relationship/team building skills and the ability to communicate effectively with a range of stakeholders and partners across multiple media
Evidence of a proactive and creative approach to problem-solving
Political awareness of healthcare policy & economic development policy including inward investment and internationalisation including working with government agencies & departments
Desirable Experience of working with the HE sector

Attributes and Behaviour
Acts in a collaborative, inclusive, transparent and open manner showing integrity and the ability to build high levels of trust and respect Clearly demonstrates confidence and professionalism in all personal interactions with colleagues and a friendly demeanour, able to establish and maintain good working relationships with colleagues and others at all levels whilst having the ability to negotiate and influence where appropriate, both within and outside the University, to ensure consistent high-quality communications
Anticipates change and prepares for it, keeps an open mind to alternative ways of doing things, clearly demonstrating creative thinking
Uses clear, concise and accurate communication, tailoring the approach accordingly and encouraging two-way communication
Sets own priorities in conjunction with team and programme objectives and has the ability to quickly identify what is important and act accordingly
Possesses high drive, professional resilience and the ability to use own initiative
Self-confidence in advising senior colleagues, stakeholders & partners on matters of policy and procedures, Qualified to degree level or equivalent plus relevant experience demonstrating development through a series of progressively more demanding relevant roles or substantial vocational experience in a similar setting
CIM, CIPR or marketing qualification preferrable
Desirable
Clear current CPD evidence of development across digital marketing & website design/development

The vision of the IO is to support the healthcare sector, stakeholders, partners, public/patient and industry with world class data (research, reports, publications & dashboards) to influence government and stakeholders in this landscape and to support the growth of the healthcare sector within the UK and to promote the IO work globally.

The National Institute for Health and Social Care Research (NIHR) aims to increase the generation and use of public health research and has made substantial investment of c.£28 million (over a 9-year contract) in the NIHR Innovation Observatory (IO) which has a national remit to support this., Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. As a University of Sanctuary, we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all, offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution.

We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society. We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams, we believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and experiences reflect the diversity of our university and student population.

At Newcastle University we hold a silver Athena Swan award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality. We also hold a Race Equality Charter Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education REC. We are a Disability Confident employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role as part of the offer and interview scheme.

Salary: £33,966 to £36,024 with progression to £44,263 per annum

Newcastle University is a great place to work, with excellent benefits . We have a generous holiday package; plus the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.