Communications Officer

About the Role

This is an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic, international research team dedicated to improving mental and physical health outcomes in low- and middle-income countries. The role sits within two National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Research and Innovation for Global Health Transformation (RIGHT-6) funded projects:

– ACROSS (Affordable Cardiac Rehabilitation: An Outreach Interdisciplinary Strategic Study)
– Moving on ABC (Integrated Psychosocial Care Plan for Comorbid Depression in Breast Cancer Patients in Low-Resource Settings)

As Communications Officer, you will play a key role in developing and implementing communication strategies that amplify the impact of these projects. You will work closely with academic and clinical colleagues in Manchester, Glasgow, and international partner institutions to translate complex research into engaging, accessible content for diverse audiences — including healthcare professionals, policymakers, and the public.

This is a varied role that combines creativity and coordination, offering the opportunity to contribute to global health awareness and strengthen research visibility and impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in the development and implementation of communication strategies to convey research findings related to Global Mental Health, Cultural Psychiatry, and cardiac rehabilitation in LMICs.
• Collaborate with the ACROSS and Moving on ABC project teams to support communication strategies and materials.
• Help create and distribute content for communication channels, including reports, publications, and social media.
• Assist in developing communication materials such as newsletters, press releases, and website content.
• Support liaising with media outlets and partner organisations to amplify the research impact.
• Coordinate communication activities with relevant teams to ensure consistency in messaging.
• Participate in knowledge transfer activities and support the sharing of information within the research community.
• Undertake administrative tasks such as scheduling meetings and managing communication-related documentation.
• Support the writing and dissemination of newsletters and updates for stakeholders.
• Assist in budget management and procurement for communication-related resources.
• Collaborate with the Programme Manager to ensure clear communication and timely completion of tasks.
• Assist in maintaining mailing lists and tracking communication activities.
• Coordinate with junior staff or interns to support communication activities and ensure consistency in messaging.
• Liaise with ACROSS and Moving on ABC Capacity and Capability leads and support communication and collaboration with The Global Health Network for the delivery of their respective ACROSS communication strategies.
• Collaborate with the Moving on ABC project Chief Investigators (Professor Nasim Chaudhry, and Professor Parveen Ali, University of Manchester/Pakistan Institute of Living and Learning), the Moving on ABC Programme Manager, and Programme Administrator to develop and implement a communication strategy for Moving on ABC.
• Collaborate with the ACROSS project Chief Investigators (Professor Rod Taylor, University of Glasgow, and Professor Imran Chaudhry, University of Manchester/Pakistan Institute of Living and Learning), the ACROSS Programme Manager, and Programme Administrator to develop and implement a communication strategy for ACROSS.
• Support in development and implementation communication strategies to effectively convey research findings and initiatives related to Global Mental Health, Cultural Psychiatry, and cardiac rehabilitation in LMICs for the ACROSS project and psychosocial care for breast cancer in low-resource settings for the Moving on ABC project.
• Support the writing and dissemination of public newsletters/blogs, and regular network updates for researchers/other stakeholders.
• Participate in identifying opportunities for media engagement and sourcing case studies.
• Support the development of training materials for patient and public involvement and engagement (PPIE).
• Participate in collaborative initiatives to support capacity building and communication strategy for ACROSS and Moving on ABC.
• Perform any other duties as required.

General

• Support the University’s policies and procedures to promote Equality & Diversity.
• Maintain confidentiality of information in line with data protection requirements.
• Contribute to sustainability and social responsibility agendas.
• Perform any other duties commensurate with the grade and role.

Person Specification

Qualifications:

Essential: Educated to degree level in a relevant subject.

Desirable: Postgraduate (Master’s level) qualification.

Experience:

Essential:

• Experience of supporting communication activities, including content creation.
• Experience of working in a communications/marketing role, particularly in a health or research environment.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Experience in managing or supporting events or similar activities.
• Experience in writing and preparing communication materials for varied audiences.

Desirable:

• Involvement in supporting network activities and public consultation.
• Previous experience in health research or working with patient and public involvement.
• Experience of communication in a scientific or healthcare context.

Skills:

Essential:

• Ability to draft clear, concise written materials for different audiences.
• Ability to develop communication materials across various platforms.
• Good organisational and time management skills.
• Strong attention to detail and proactive attitude.
• Team player, able to collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams.
• Ability to use social media platforms and assist in content management.
• Problem-solving and ability to prioritise tasks.

Desirable:

• Familiarity with content management systems and digital tools.
• Experience with LinkedIn content creation or similar platforms.

Knowledge:

Essential: Understanding of social media platforms (Facebook, LinkedIn, X) and their usage in communication.

Desirable: Knowledge of working with lived experience partners or in a health communication context.

Our Commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

As an equal opportunities employer, we support an inclusive working environment and welcome applicants from all backgrounds regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, or transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.

Our University is positive about flexible working – you can find out more here: https://www.manchester.ac.uk/connect/jobs/flexible-working/

Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:
Name: Professor Nusrat Husain
Email: humna.nashir@manchester.ac.uk

General enquiries:

Email: People.recruitment@manchester.ac.uk

Technical support:

https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.

Please see the link below for the Further Particulars document which contains the person specification criteria.