Communications and Engagement Officer (DARPL)

DARPL is funded by the Welsh Government and facilitated by Cardiff Metropolitan University. We are a community of practice that collaborates with schools, universities, local authorities, and national partners. DARPL implements high-impact projects that influence practices, policies, and professional learning across Wales and beyond. Our focus is on delivering anti-racist professional learning and developing anti-racist research within the education sector in Wales. We are working together to support the Welsh Government's Anti-Racist Wales Action Plan.

We are now seeking a Communications and Engagement Officer to develop and implement a range of high-quality communications and events for DARPL, covering its broad range of Professional Learning, research and engagement activities, whilst being a key point of contact for the network’s stakeholders They will manage DARPL’s brand and a range of communications tools and channels to reach audiences across academia, Education bodies, industry, charities, as well as all Government levels. The post holder will also support DARPL and its members in developing and implementing community engagement and public involvement strategies for research activities.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who enjoys variety, values purpose‑driven work, and wants to contribute to innovative, values‑led projects that make a real difference.

You will lead the way by:

• Designing, producing and delivering high-quality internal and external communications content covering DARPL’s research and engagement activities.
• Produce high-quality and engaging content in a variety of formats, depending on the purpose and target audience: case studies, news stories, blogs, newsletters, posts for social media channels, multimedia and more.
• Acting as a key point of contact for the network’s members and partners, whilst building and maintaining good networks with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Supporting DARPL and its members in the development and implementation of its public involvement in research activities.
• Managing DARPL social media platforms and website by supporting website updates, content uploads, and day-to-day communications activities.

What you’ll bring

You will bring a comprehensive understanding of the communication challenges faced by large organisations, coupled with extensive knowledge of online tools and techniques that enhance audience engagement. Your excellent copywriting and proofreading skills will ensure the production of high-quality content that strictly adheres to brand guidelines, while your effective communication abilities will foster confident collaboration with colleagues at all levels. With a proven track record of developing and editing multimedia communications under tight deadlines, you will leverage your strong IT skills in Microsoft Teams, content management systems, and image editing software. Additionally, your experience within a communications or marketing team, particularly in higher education, equips you with the sensitivity necessary to handle confidential information and the insight needed to create impactful content that resonates with target audiences. Your motivated eagerness to contribute to team success will drive the implementation of innovative communication strategies, ultimately enhancing outreach and engagement.

Why join DARPL at Cardiff Metropolitan University?

We are a value-based University. We are proud of our culture, and we are there for our people. Our community spirit is the golden thread that underpins our values and behaviours. We support and embrace inclusion that enables everyone to feel respected and able to perform at their best. By joining our university, you'll find yourself in a unique environment where a wealth of knowledge and resources are readily available to support your career development.

We offer excellent benefits such as:

• Annual leave of 25 days Annual leave of 25 days, rising to 30 days after 1 years’ service, plus 12 bank holiday / concessionary days (pro rata if part time).
• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme with generous monthly contributions.
• Excellent family friendly policies – take a look on our Policy Hub page.
• Opportunities to learn and develop your skills with access to library and digital services facilities.
• Excellent sports and fitness facilities with subsidised membership.
• Free family access to our independent specialist wellbeing support provider, Health Assured.

Contact us

For more information about the role please contact Josephine Farag on jfarag@cardiffmet.ac.uk.

All applications must be submitted online.

The person specification will be used as a tool for shortlisting; so please make sure you use this information when writing your application. You can find useful hints and tips about how to apply by visiting our Application Guidance page.

Applications may be submitted in Welsh, and an application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.

Should a high volume of applications be received, we may need to close this vacancy early. We therefore encourage you to apply as early as possible.

Cardiff Metropolitan University is proud to be a Disability Confident employer and a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant.

All applicants with disabilities, or those who are part of the Armed Forces community who during the shortlisting process meet the essential criteria for the role will be progressed to the next stage.

The University is committed to creating a highly inclusive culture. We offer family friendly and flexible working arrangements and a range of staff networks, forums and events to support and develop our people. We warmly welcome applications from those traditionally underrepresented in the higher education sector.