Communications and Engagement Manager

The University of Portsmouth is a global employer of choice where exceptional people create, share and apply knowledge that makes a difference.

Experience the pride of being part of a select group – one of only four universities in the south-east of England to achieve a prestigious Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework. Additionally, we proudly rank among the top 140 universities globally in the Times Higher Young University World Rankings.

Ambition, Responsibility and Openness drive our every endeavour. Join our esteemed institution with a proven track record of success, and where dedication to excellence is key. We want people to make their mark in a professional community that truly values people, innovation, and achievement.

The Role:
The University of Portsmouth Information Services department is delivering an ambitious programme of digital transformation designed to enhance the experience of students and staff, improve operational efficiency, and support the University's strategic objectives. Achieving successful adoption of these initiatives requires a coordinated and proactive approach to communications, engagement, and change. The postholder will lead communications activity across a diverse portfolio of digital transformation programmes and projects, translating complex technical and organisational change into clear, engaging, and accessible messages for a wide range of stakeholders. They will articulate the benefits of change, explain how initiatives will impact different audiences, and support the successful adoption of new technologies, services, and ways of working.

The postholder will develop and deliver a comprehensive communications and engagement strategy that supports the Digital Transformation Portfolio, ensuring a consistent and integrated approach across major programmes, projects, and business-as-usual services. Recognising the interdependencies between technology initiatives and wider institutional change, they will work collaboratively with colleagues across Professional Services, Faculties, and senior leadership teams to identify, develop, and share compelling content that demonstrates progress, outcomes, and benefits realisation.

Working closely with Portfolio, Programme, Project, Change, and Service teams, the postholder will deliver targeted, evidence-based communication campaigns that are measurable and data-driven, using engagement metrics and insight to continuously improve effectiveness. They will build strong partnerships with the Marketing and Communications Directorate to ensure alignment with wider University communications activities, helping to foster awareness, engagement, and confidence in the University's digital transformation journey.

Whilst there is a need to be in Portsmouth a few days a week, hybrid working is available for this role, including the opportunity to work from home, flexible start and finish times, and condensed hours. We may be able to consider offering reduced hours to a minimum of 30 hours per week.

If you have any queries regarding this position, please contact Tom Varco at tom.varco@port.ac.uk

Employer, External Only: University of Portsmouth Academic Services Ltd (UASL)

Discover the advantages of joining our university. We offer a range of attractive benefits and opportunities to enhance your work experience:

• Competitive salary, including incremental progression within your scale.
• Generous pension scheme.
• Generous leave entitlement of 32–35 days a year, plus bank holidays, and an additional Christmas closure.
• Family-friendly policies supporting flexible working.
• Staff discounts and loyalty schemes.
• Staff car parking and discounted public travel.
• Excellent training and development opportunities.
• Staff wellbeing programmes.
• Recreation facilities, including discounted gym membership, food on campus schemes, use of the Library and staff social activities.
• Discounted learning.
• Start-up business mentoring from expert entrepreneurs via our Entrepreneurs in Residence programme.
• The perks don’t stop there - click ‘apply’ for further information on My Reward and Benefits

Salary Information:
New appointments will routinely be made to the entry spine point (minimum) for the advertised grade, from where the individual will (in addition to receiving annual cost-of-living-related increases) progress through the pay range to the maximum for the grade, within a reasonable timeframe.  This ensures fairness, consistency and transparency in our pay structures.  A higher starting salary or market supplement may be available for a truly exceptional candidate when circumstances fully justify a departure from our normal policy.

UKVI Statement
Prior to submitting your application, kindly ensure that you can either demonstrate or acquire the necessary right to work in the UK. If you currently do not possess the right to work in the UK, please be aware that our offer of employment is conditional upon you obtaining it.

ED&I Statement:
We are committed to upholding the University’s values of being ambitious, open and responsible, in an inclusive working environment that promotes dignity and respect.

Please note that this vacancy may be closed earlier than advertised, so early applications are advised.

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