Communications & Engagement Officer (Research)

University of Reading

Job description

Fixed term to 25/03/2027, Full-time (36 hpw)

Closing date: 17th April 2026

Interviews will be held: between 28th - 30th April 2026

Due to the complexity of the Skilled Worker Visa route and eligibility criteria, applicants requiring sponsorship are recommended to check their eligibility on the Home Office website. We cannot provide advice to candidates at the application stage and will only discuss visa routes with candidates who are invited to interview. *There is further information about this on the*UK Visas and Immigration Website.

We have a fantastic opportunity for a research communications officer to join the University of Reading’s External Relations Directorate.

About the role

The Research Communications and Engagement team provides expert communications strategy, advice, and delivery. We work using a matrix management model to build the University’s reputation, brand and profile, and produce robust, innovative and global communications that grow international reputation and support research engagement, impact and funding targets.

The Communications Officer will support the development and delivery of high-quality communications outputs that reflect the University’s research priorities and capabilities. This will include the planning and creation of content and activities across different channels for a wide range of research audiences. You will work with colleagues within your own team, the wider Communications and Engagement Department, and with research partners to deliver strategic communications campaigns to raise the University’s profile and reputation for research excellence nationally and internationally. You will create and edit content for internal and external newsletters, the research section of the University website, our blog and for social media. You will also support delivery of content for paid, owned and earned media activity.

About you

You will be highly motivated, with enthusiasm and commitment to communicating about research. You will have excellent communication skills, the ability to write concise, engaging material for non-technical audiences, and experience of using the full mix of communications channels. You will have strong interpersonal skills with the ability to prioritise and balance conflicting demands. You will have proven experience in a communications, marketing or PR role and will be able to spot opportunities and respond to them quickly. You will be accustomed to working independently in a fast-moving environment, and committed to high standards, quality and integrity.

You will have:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to summarise complex ideas in clear, non-specialist language
• Track record of developing strong content for websites and other digital media
• Proven experience in a communications, PR or media relations role
• A team player with energy, enthusiasm and passion for communicating about research
• Ability to work effectively with stakeholders at different levels of an organisation
• Good knowledge and experience of digital tools and techniques, content management systems, search engine optimisation, web and social media analytics tools

Contact details

Contact role Research Communications & Engagement Manager

Contact name Kirstine Dunhill

Contact email k.dunhill@reading.ac.uk