Communications and Engagement Lead
Communications and Engagement Lead
- Posted 30 April 2026
- Salary Grade7, £41,064 - £46,049 per annum
- End date 14 May 2026
- LocationGlasgow
- Job Type Management Professional & Administrative
- Reference197473
- Expiry 14 May 2026 23:45
Job description
Job Purpose
This role is central to developing and implementing the communications and public engagement strategy for the MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research (CVR), strengthening internal and external communication, building capacity, developing partnerships, and promoting our work. The position involves planning, coordinating, delivering and evaluating the CVR’s communication strategy and supporting CVR staff and students in delivering their own public engagement activities.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
1. Support the CVR Research Manager in delivering the CVR’s five-year Public Engagement and Communications (PEC) Strategy, with particular emphasis on the Communications strategy.
2. Develop and manage internal communication channels and activities that involve, engage, and inform staff across the CVR.
3. Develop and manage innovative solutions to ensure effective communication and approaches to engage with external stakeholders.
4. Undertake continuous monitoring of other social and media feeds relevant to the work of the CVR, reporting to the Director as appropriate.
5. Prepare written and graphic material for distribution via the web and in print targeting a range of audiences, liaising with and co-ordinating the work of graphic designers and external suppliers as required, in the preparation of promotional and marketing material to maintain visibility and profile of the CVR.
6. Co-ordinate the development and updating of the CVR website and further strengthen the CVR’s digital presence using appropriate social media channels through the regular creation of engaging content.
7. Prepare reports, graphics, presentations for the CVR Director and Research Manager as required, including contributing to the CVR’s quinquennial review.
8. Co-ordinate the content for the CVR’s internal newsletter.
9. In conjunction with the Research Manager and Research Support Co-Ordinator, plans and organise high-profile events to share and disseminate research findings, such as seminars, academic meetings, and international conferences.
10. Maintain a record of all CVR PEC activities and evaluations for use in funder reports.
11. Support the CVR Research Manager with the preparation of reports on the CVR's research activities, and the organisation and delivery of relevant research support activities.
12. Support planning and co-ordination of visits from a range of stakeholders, including journalists, parliamentarians and patient groups.
13. Liaise with Communication Teams at the University of Glasgow and MRC to alert them to new publications and provide on-site supervision support for press visits.
14. Liaise with colleagues in the College, University and related external organisations to maximise engagement and communications opportunities, share best practice, and establish partnerships.
15. Contribute to the preparation of impact and communication plans where required for external grant applications.
16. Contribute to the enhancement of the University’s international profile in line with the University’s Strategic Plan, World Changers Together.
This is not an exhaustive list but highlights a number of the key tasks which the post holder may be reasonably expected to perform.
Please note that as part of your application you must address and demonstrate how you meet EACH of the essential/desirable criteria. If you do not address each of the criteria in the format explained below, you will not be shortlisted for interview.
Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience
Knowledge/Qualifications
Essential
A1 Ability to demonstrate the competencies required to undertake the duties associated with this level of post having acquired the necessary knowledge and skills in a similar or number of different roles.
OR
A2 Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 9, (Ordinary Degree, Scottish Vocational Qualification level 4), or equivalent (including professional accreditation with relevant formal training), and experience of personal development in a similar or related role(s).
Desirable
B1 BSc or equivalent in a relevant biomedical subject.
B2 Formal qualification in science communication.
Skills
Essential
C1 Demonstrable science writing skills, both for print (in formal and less formal styles) and for the web, with the ability to quickly assimilate scientific information on a new subject.
C2 Strong and confident communicator with ability to communicate complex material clearly and authoritatively at all levels, both internally and externally.
C3 Demonstrable capacity to reach a wide range of target audiences.
C4 Good interpersonal skills and the ability to form effective working relationships internally and externally.
C5 Outstanding organisational skills, managing competing tasks that are often time pressured.
C6 Ability to work on own initiative and use judgement to plan and progress work, manage and prioritise a varied workload, often working to tight deadlines.
C7 Proven analytical and problem-solving capability and the ability to assess project needs and organise resources.
C8 Competent in using a broad range of computerised systems, databases and data sources to support improved communications, information dissemination and project management.
Desirable
D1 Experience in the use of design software, including Adobe Photo Shop and Illustrator.
D2 Demonstrable project management experience.
D3 Familiarity with use of digital equipment including cameras and recording equipment.
Experience
Essential
E1 Substantial practical experience in a similar role with above qualifications OR evidence of progression and development gained through extensive relevant work experience.
E2 Proven experience of designing, developing, managing communication initiatives from inception to completion.
E3 Experience of writing for the web, and designing and producing multi-media communications materials.
E4 Demonstrable experience of working in a complex organisation with multiple stakeholders.
Desirable
F1 Experience of supporting others to find creative ways to communicate their research to a wider audience.
F2 Experience in website-management (Web Content Management Systems) and the management and use of social media platforms as communication tools.
F3 Experience of small and large scale event management.
F4 Experience of using information technology solutions to produce reports, create and maintain databases, prepare presentations, and efficiently provide information.
Additional information
This role offers a valuable opportunity to gain experience within the University of Glasgow and to contribute meaningfully during a defined period, with access to the University’s excellent professional development opportunities, benefits, and supportive working environment.
Hybrid working arrangements may be considered following the successful completion of the probationary period. This would normally involve a minimum of three days on Campus, with up to two days working from home.
Terms and Conditions
Salary will be Grade 7, £41,064 - £46,049 per annum.
This post is fixed term and full time (35 hours per week) however, part-time working hours may be considered subject to discussion and agreement.
This post is to cover maternity leave for up to 12 months or until the substantive postholder returns.
Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to Parini Mankad at Parini.Mankad@glasgow.ac.uk
Please Note: The University would consider a secondment opportunity for this post. Internal applicants should seek clearance for release for secondment from their employers / line manager before making a formal application.
The University of Glasgow has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK. If you require a Skilled Worker visa to work in the UK, you will be required to meet the eligibility requirements of the visa route to be assigned a Certificate of Sponsorship.
Please note that this post (full time hours) may be eligible to be sponsored under the Skilled Worker visa route if tradeable points can be used under the Skilled Worker visa rules. For more information please visit: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa.
As a valued member of our team, you can expect:
1 A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.
2 An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension - pensions handbook https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/payandpensions/pensions/, benefits and discount packages.
3 A flexible approach to working.
4 A commitment to support your health and wellbeing, including a free 6-month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/staff/healthwellbeing/.
We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/.
We endorse the principles of Athena Swan https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/athenaswan/ and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.
We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too. Please visit our website https://www.gla.ac.uk/explore/jobs/ for more information.
Closing date: 23:45 on Thursday 14th May 2026