Purpose of the post
This is a pivotal role in demonstrating the value of health data research and infrastructure for diseases of the heart and circulation. You will work closely with the BHF Data Science Centre and HDR UK research communities, wider stakeholders, as well as colleagues in BHF, Diabetes UK, the Stroke Association, and Kidney Research UK to develop and communicate a compelling narrative of the BHF Data Science Centre’s impact.
Reporting to the Head of External Affairs in the HDR UK Communications team, you will deliver a range of high-quality communications and events for the BHF Data Science Centre. You will manage the Centre’s brand and a range of communications tools and channels to reach audiences across academia, NHS, industry, charities, as well as patients and the public. The post holder will work closely with colleagues in the Communications team on media relations, external affairs, events, digital platforms and social media, and internal communications, ensuring alignment and maximising impact of BHF Data Science Centre and HDR UK outputs.
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced science communications professional to lead and deliver communications and events on cutting-edge cardiovascular research using large-scale health data and demonstrate how we are making a tangible difference to people’s lives.
Main responsibilities
- Deliver the communications strategy for the BHF Data Science Centre and HDR UK, working with the Communications and BHF Data Science Centre teams.
- 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. Close working with relevant stakeholders will be essential as well as ensuring communications are timely, accurate, accessible, insight-led and user-oriented.
- Provide strategic communications support and advice for senior colleagues within the BHF Data Science Centre.
- Build and maintain good networks with a wide range of stakeholders, including researchers, data scientists, funders, policymakers and other strategic partners.
- Establish effective relationships and ways of working across your two teams: the Communications and External Affairs team and the BHF Data Science Centre team, joining team meetings and enabling good understanding and communication across both teams.
- Ensure all communication materials produced adhere to BHF Data Science Centre and HDR UK brand guidelines, helping to ensure our reputation and visual identity are maintained.
- Carry out day-to-day management of the BHF Data Science Centre websites and channels, working with the Digital Marketing and CRM Manager. Support and oversee the Communications and Administrative Assistant in posting content to the BHF Data Science Centre social media channels and website.
- Organise, co-ordinate and support high quality events for the BHF Data Science Centre to engage with a wide range of audiences. Work with the Events Manager to manage event logistics, evaluate effectiveness and join up event activity across HDR UK.
- Work with the Research Communications Manager to manage relevant media relations opportunities for the BHF Data Science Centre’s research and scientific outputs, as well as handle enquiries and interview requests.
- Work with colleagues to ensure outputs, events and their impact are recorded for governance and funder reporting, and wider dissemination where appropriate.
- Where necessary, commission external suppliers to support delivery of the Centre’s communications, manage relationships and project manage delivery to time and budget.
Knowledge, skills and experience
Essential
- Significant experience of creating and delivering successful science communications strategies and plans to generate impact and engagement
- A strong understanding of science/health research and the ability to synthesise complex, technical information into succinct, crisp copy
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the ability to produce high quality content – both written and visual – for traditional and innovative communications
- Excellent editorial and proofreading skills with great attention to detail
- Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively and confidently with people at all levels, including senior people internal and external to HDR UK.
- Experience of handling sensitive and confidential issues
- Experience of working independently and autonomously, using excellent decision-making and influencing skills
- Project management expertise and strong organisational skills with a proven track record of delivering challenging projects with multiple partners to deadlines in a fast-paced environment
- Demonstrable experience of managing websites using a content management system (CMS) and running social media channels in a professional capacity
- Experience of event management, organising a range of events from start to finish
- Strong analytical skills to evaluate impact of communication activities and deliver continuous improvement
- A background and/or demonstrable strong interest in science and research
Desirable
- Understanding of data protection relating to communications, events and marketing
- Experience of using CRM systems
- Ability to write briefs for and manage freelancers and agencies to deliver a range of written and visual content
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.
We politely request no contact from recruitment agencies or media sales. We do not accept speculative CVs from recruitment agencies nor accept the fees associated with them.
