Public Engagement and Communications Manager

Research Services

This post is available full time from the 1st August 2021 on a permanent basis at the MRC Centre for Medical Mycology.

Summary of the role

We are seeking to attract a Public Engagement and Communications Manager (PECM) to lead on the delivery of our ambitious public engagement strategy at the Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology (MRC CMM) at the University of Exeter. This role will be based in the Geoffrey Pope Building on the Streatham campus.

Mycology is an area of urgent medical need, with more than 1.5 million deaths worldwide each year caused by fungal infections. This is an area of infectious disease that has enormous impact on human health globally, but of all microbial pathogens of humans, fungi are the least well studied and understood. The MRC CMM is working to change this by facilitating world-leading multidisciplinary research that will improve the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of fungal diseases in the future.

Public Engagement and Communications (PEC) are a key part of the Centre’s strategy over the next five years with funding secured to achieve the following objectives: (i) Change public perceptions; (ii) Inspire and galvanise young audiences; (iii) Build a two-way dialogue with relevant communities; and (iv) Strengthen a culture where researchers value PEC and are skilled to deliver it.

Mechanisms the CMM will use to achieve these objectives include touring interactive exhibitions, Citizen Science projects, Patient and Public Involvement projects, and digital outreach (including web content), workshops and events, which the PECM will lead on designing and delivering, in collaboration with research colleagues. In addition to having responsibility for the delivery of the PEC strategy through development of activities and projects, the PECM will act as a champion and initial point of contact for engagement internally and externally, developing and strengthening links with individuals, communities and groups. They will also support international units with their outreach planning.

The role will also require to lead on the reporting of activity and impact to the Medical Research Council. The PECM will be a member of the University’s Public Engagement Group and work closely with colleagues across the University to develop an institution-wide focus on embedding engagement within the full research cycle. At times, the role will also be required to work closely with colleagues from the Communication and Marketing Service, and the Events Team.

Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role by clicking on the attachment above.

The University of Exeter

We are a member of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive universities and in the top 150 universities in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2019). We combine world-class teaching with world-class research, achieving a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework Award 2017.

Our research income in recent years means we’re the fastest growing UK Research University with some of the world’s most influential scientists, and we seek to answer some of the most fundamental issues facing humankind today through this. 98% of our research is of international quality (2014 Research Excellence Framework). We encourage proactive engagement with industry, business and community partners to enhance the impact of research and education and improve the employability of our students. Exeter is one of only a few UK cities to have been designated as a UNESCO Creative City. In 2019, Devon was voted as having the best quality of life of anywhere in England and Wales, making it a popular choice for both work and study.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity at Exeter

With over 27,000 students and 6,400 staff from 180 different countries we offer a diverse and engaging environment in which to work. We are an equal opportunity employer, a Disability Confident employer and an Athena Swan accredited institution. Since 2019, the university has also signed an Armed Forces Covenant, demonstrating the University’s commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community. Whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented in the workforce.

Benefits

We offer some fantastic benefits including:

• 41 days leave per year
• options for flexible working
• numerous discounts at leading retailers
• onsite gyms on all of our campus’ and a cycle to work scheme
• sector leading policies around maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (up to 26 weeks full pay), paternity leave (up to six weeks full pay) and a new Fertility Treatment Policy
• stunning campus environments in Exeter and Cornwall, in the beautiful South West of England.

Further information

Please contact Alberto Munoz, A.Munoz-Rodriguez@exeter.ac.uk.