Location: Leeds, West Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Salary: £39,355 to £46,735 per annum
Working Time: Full-Time (100%)
Contract Type: Fixed Term (12 months maternity cover)
Skilled Worker Visa Sponsorship: Available
Application Deadline: Friday, 23 May 2025
Interview Dates: 4 and 5 June 2025
About the University of Leeds and the Priestley Centre for Climate Futures
The University of Leeds is a prestigious institution renowned for its commitment to impactful research, education excellence, and fostering a collaborative, inclusive environment. The University is a global leader in climate research through the Priestley Centre for Climate Futures—an innovative hub driving climate action informed by cutting-edge science. The Centre works collaboratively with governments, businesses, and communities, ensuring the latest climate data and strategies translate into meaningful real-world impact.
As part of its mission, the Priestley Centre seeks an experienced Communications and Engagement Manager to lead its communications strategy and amplify its work’s reach and influence. This role offers a unique opportunity to support world-leading climate researchers by crafting compelling narratives that engage diverse audiences—from policy makers to business leaders and the public.
Key Responsibilities of the Communications and Engagement Manager
As the Communications and Engagement Manager, you will play a vital leadership role in the Centre’s strategic communications and engagement efforts. Your responsibilities will include:
Leading Communications Strategy Development and Delivery
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Design and implement a robust communications and engagement strategy aligned with the Priestley Centre’s strategic goals.
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Collaborate closely with the Centre’s Director, Executive Committee, and professional services teams to ensure consistent messaging and impact.
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Develop creative communications campaigns that highlight climate research breakthroughs and their societal relevance.
Multi-Channel Content Creation and Management
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Oversee content development across various channels including social media, newsletters, press releases, websites, and events.
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Ensure messages are tailored to target audiences, from academic peers and policy influencers to business sectors and community stakeholders.
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Drive innovative use of digital and multimedia platforms to maximize engagement and visibility.
Stakeholder Engagement and Relationship Building
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Build and nurture effective partnerships with internal departments, external collaborators, media contacts, and public sector bodies.
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Act as a key liaison promoting the Centre’s work and facilitating knowledge exchange.
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Organize and support events, workshops, and public engagement initiatives to enhance outreach.
Monitoring, Reporting, and Impact Evaluation
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Measure the effectiveness of communications activities through analytics and feedback.
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Provide regular reports on campaign outcomes, engagement metrics, and media coverage.
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Use insights to refine strategies and demonstrate the Centre’s impact on climate awareness and policy.
Team Collaboration and Leadership
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Support and mentor junior communications staff or interns if required.
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Collaborate across multidisciplinary teams to integrate communications efforts into broader University goals.
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Promote an inclusive, collaborative culture that values innovation and continuous improvement.
Essential Qualifications and Experience
To excel as the Communications and Engagement Manager at the University of Leeds, candidates should meet the following criteria:
Proven Track Record in Strategic Communications
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Significant experience designing and delivering communication strategies, ideally within academic, research, or public sector environments.
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Demonstrable success in managing multi-channel campaigns that engage diverse stakeholders and deliver measurable outcomes.
Expertise in Climate Science Communication (Highly Desirable)
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Experience or strong interest in climate change, environmental issues, or sustainability communications.
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Ability to translate complex scientific information into clear, compelling messages tailored to different audiences.
Exceptional Writing and Content Development Skills
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Strong editorial skills, with the ability to produce engaging, high-quality content for digital platforms, media releases, and reports.
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Experience managing social media accounts and understanding of digital marketing best practices.
Stakeholder and Partnership Management
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Skilled at building and maintaining strategic relationships with academic teams, policymakers, media, and external partners.
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Experience organizing events, webinars, or public engagement initiatives to promote research impact.
Qualifications
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A degree or equivalent qualification in Communications, Public Relations, Environmental Studies, or a related field.
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Additional training or professional certifications in communications or digital media are advantageous.
Personal Attributes
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Self-motivated and proactive, with excellent organizational and project management skills.
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Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
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Strong interpersonal and presentation skills, capable of influencing diverse audiences.
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Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in communications practice.
Benefits of Working at University of Leeds
Joining the University of Leeds offers a competitive package and numerous benefits designed to support your professional growth and personal wellbeing:
Competitive Salary and Pension
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Salary range between £39,355 and £46,735 per annum, reflecting experience and skills.
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Generous pension scheme with University contributions of 14.5% of your salary.
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Life assurance included as part of the benefits package.
Generous Holiday Allowance
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26 days annual leave plus approximately 16 bank holidays and University closure days (including Christmas), totaling 42 days of leave per year.
Health and Wellbeing Support
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Access to The Edge, the University’s state-of-the-art campus gym, featuring a pool, sauna, climbing wall, and more.
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Discounted staff memberships and wellness programs promoting physical and mental health.
Flexible and Hybrid Working Options
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The role is based on-campus with the possibility of hybrid working arrangements.
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The University supports flexible working to help balance professional and personal commitments.
Professional Development and Learning Opportunities
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Access to a wide range of professional development courses via the Organisational Development & Professional Learning team.
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Opportunities for career advancement and networking across the University’s vibrant academic and professional community.
Additional Perks
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On-site childcare facilities.
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Shopping discounts, travel schemes, and other staff benefits.
Skilled Worker Visa Sponsorship and Eligibility
This role qualifies for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship, making it accessible to international applicants looking to work in the UK. However, first-time applicants may need to meet certain salary concessions. To qualify for sponsorship, candidates should:
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Be under 26 years old, or
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Hold a relevant PhD degree, or
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Have held a Student or Graduate visa in the past two years, or
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Already reside in the UK with a Tier 2 or Skilled Worker visa issued before April 4th, 2024.
For questions about visa eligibility and sponsorship, prospective candidates are encouraged to contact the University’s HR immigration team or visit the official UK government visa pages:
How to Apply and Key Dates
Interested candidates should apply online via the University of Leeds careers portal before the closing date:
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Application Deadline: Friday, 23 May 2025
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Interview Dates: 4 and 5 June 2025
For further information or informal discussions about the role, please contact:
Shona Smith
Email: s.c.smith@leeds.ac.uk
Candidates can find detailed job descriptions and application forms on the University’s official job site:
University of Leeds Jobs Portal
Why Join the University of Leeds as a Communications and Engagement Manager?
Make a Real Impact on Climate Action
This role offers a rare chance to work at the intersection of cutting-edge climate science and public engagement, helping to shape policy and public understanding on one of the world’s most urgent challenges.
Work in a Collaborative and Inclusive Environment
The University values diversity, inclusivity, and mutual respect, fostering a workplace where all staff are empowered to bring their authentic selves and flourish.
Enhance Your Professional Profile
Lead high-profile communications campaigns that will be visible to international audiences and stakeholders, building your reputation as a top-tier communications professional within academia and climate sectors.
Access World-Class Resources and Support
From professional development to wellness programs, the University provides a supportive infrastructure that prioritizes your growth and work-life balance.
Conclusion: Your Next Career Step in Communications Leadership
If you are a skilled communicator with a passion for climate change and a desire to lead impactful engagement campaigns, the Communications and Engagement Manager position at the University of Leeds offers an unparalleled opportunity. This 12-month fixed-term role with skilled worker visa sponsorship available is perfect for professionals seeking to advance their career while contributing to vital climate research communication.
Apply today to become part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to shaping the future of climate action, policy, and research impact.
Apply Here: University of Leeds Job Application Portal