External Relations Officer

HRUC

HRUC (Harrow, Richmond and Uxbridge Colleges) is a highly ambitious merged College Group. Based in the diverse London boroughs of Harrow, Hillingdon, and Richmond upon Thames, we have five vibrant, modern campuses supporting its 16,000 extraordinary learners.

In this role, you will bring expertise to strengthen HRUC’s external presence and its growing, wider reputation. You will lead the way in building vibrant communication channels, developing engaging content, and fostering positive relationships with key stakeholders and partners. With a focus on innovation and impact, you’ll champion fresh ideas, provide expert advice, and continually enhance our communications, ensuring our colleges are visible, connected, and celebrated in the wider community.

The role will include:

• Working with stakeholders to develop engaging news and announcements for a range of external communications channels.
• Supporting with the delivery of key events that enhance the visibility of HRUC’s colleges, and its engagement with external stakeholders.
• Supporting potential enrolment by establishing a positive pipeline of news stories and content by working closely with students, schools, and curriculum staff.
• Helping devise and deliver an external communications plan and any associated campaigns.
• Leading in the development of the HRUC press office.

We are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic individual who can demonstrate the following:

• Qualifications in media, PR or journalism, complemented by at least 3 years' experience in external relations or a press office role.
• Good judgement and awareness of reputational risk, and the principles of public relations.
• Ability to write outstanding and impactful stories; able to translate complex information and data into content for media releases and social media.
• Ability to build and maintain excellent working relationships with internal colleagues and external stakeholders.
• Existing relationships with local and or sector media, or a proven ability to cultivate positive relationships with journalists.

The post holder will be based at either Harrow, Richmond or Uxbridge campus and must be willing and able to travel to other college sites when required.

Please note, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role.

HRUC is an equal opportunities employer. We encourage applications from all people, irrespective of disability, race, gender, age, sexual orientation, transsexual or gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership, religion/faith or pregnancy and maternity leave.

HRUC is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults, and we expect all staff to share this commitment. To ensure that we meet our safeguarding commitments we will carry out all necessary pre-employment checks, including undertaking an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring check for all successful candidates.