Graphene Flagship Press and Communications Coordinator. Role-specific information

Transcription

1 Further Information Job title Graphene Flagship Press and Communications Coordinator Grade 8 Salary range 34,576-46,414 Staff Group Department / Institution Academic-Related Cambridge Graphene Centre Role Summary Role-specific information The mission of the Cambridge Graphene Centre (CGC) is to investigate the science and technology of graphene, carbon allotropes, layered crystals and hybrid nanomaterials. The Cambridge Graphene Centre also hosts the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT), in Graphene Technology. The CDT works closely with industry to ensure that successful students are properly equipped to follow careers in both industry and academia. The Graphene Flagship Press and Communications Coordinator will run the communications activities of the European Graphene Flagship and the Cambridge Graphene Centre. The EU flagship is a 10-year, 1 Billion Euro research initiative and the Cambridge Graphene Centre is a founding partner of the flagship. The Graphene Flagship coordinates 142 academic and industrial research groups in 23 countries, and consists of a number of associated members. Communication and dissemination of the results of this huge public investments is of paramount importance to justify the unprecedented level of funding and to ensure the results are widely known outside the specialized scientific community. The Press and Communications Coordinator will thus be a senior role of key importance. The Press and Communications Coordinator will work together with the Graphene Flagship Science Writer to manage the communications activities for 142 academic and industrial research groups in 23 countries. Specifically, the Press and Communications Coordinator will create press releases and make sure these are disseminated in the EU and world-wide media, and reach politicians, funding agencies, other press offices and the general public. The Press and Communications Coordinator will be responsible for managing the network of national press officers in the Graphene Flagship member states. The role will require frequent travel within Europe, and possibly worldwide, often at short notice, including week-ends. Key Responsibilities Main Responsibilities Key duties and responsibilities There are five main target groups: (1) press-officers in GF member states; (2) researchers already involved with Graphene Flagship (GF); (3) researchers who could be potentially involved with GF or with interest in graphene, related layered materials and hybrid systems; (4) politicians in UK, EU and affiliated member states; (5) media and general public. Each of the five target groups require different strategies for communication that have to be developed by the Dissemination work package. % time spent/ frequency HR7 Further Information, Version 9, 31/10/14 Page 1 of 10

2 1 Communications and Marketing Strategy 40% The role-holder s primary responsibility is to develop and implement the Communications and Marketing Strategy for the GF and will work closely with researchers and GF directors to achieve this. The role-holder will: Establish a network with existing communications staff across the member states to increase the impact of the GF activities. Oversee a review of branding and design of all communication materials. This may include commissioning a professional designer, as appropriate; Create and disseminate an internal communications strategy policy for GF: Oversee the use of branded materials; 2 Networking and Media Relations 30% The role-holder has the responsibility to identify and initiate contacts/potential sponsors to promote and communicate the results and activities of the GF. The role-holder will create a Communications and Marketing Strategy, gain agreement to this strategy and set in place a suitable operating structure to implement the strategy successfully. Duties will include: Liaising with partners within GF; Liaising with and answering enquiries from media; Researching, writing and distributing press releases to targeted media; Monitoring media coverage with focus on: annual reports to EU, daily news reviews on website; Writing and editing in-house magazines, case studies, speeches, articles, presentations, letters and annual reports; Editing and writing reviews to articles written by the GF groups; Inviting media for events including press conferences, exhibitions, open days and press tours; Managing the PR aspect of a potential crisis situation; Developing media contacts; Informing members of the public (as well as the press) about events and initiatives; Keeping up-to-date with all issues that affect the GF; Accompanying staff on visits (particularly relevant to politicians or other figures in the public eye); Organising media events and promotional activities; Generating ideas to gain more media coverage. Managing the communication strategy of over 143 different institutions EU-wide. 3 Website and social media 10% The role-holder is responsible for communications in the academic and, industrial and political (UK, EU and worldwide) communities and the general public, through development and maintenance of a website, social media, newsletters, press releases and creating contents for various media. The role-holder will ensure the content covers the whole area thus making the website the focal point of contact for the GF. The role-holder is responsible for reviewing the design of the website and keeping it up to date, with appropriate news, events, and research outputs targeted towards GF s various audiences including interviews with researchers, people from industry etc. The role-holder will: review the website design and structure to make sure it is easy to navigate, and so that different audiences can easily access content relevant to them; HR7 Further Information, Version 9, 31/10/14 Page 2 of 10

3 compose draft material for the site, for revision and approval by senior academics, prior to release ; work with research staff to prepare short articles, editing as appropriate for the target audiences including adding presentations from various graphene conferences; daily review of website to ensure a professional and positive appearance relevant to key stakeholder groups; regularly updates the news section of the website. The role-holder s duties in terms of increasing presence on social media will include: collating relevant items for distribution on Twitter and LinkedIn; landing page on Twitter and/ or Facebook; the YouTube account updating Graphene Wikipedia (including an archive of useful information, formulas and details regarding graphene) 4 Other Communications: Newsletter, Annual Report etc 10% The role-holder is responsible for: Newsletter: Developing the monthly Graphene News Review which is commented by scientists from the GF. This newsletter is distributed electronically, and includes the latest news from research projects as well as interesting and relevant developments elsewhere in the sector. It may also promote training and other events run by GF and external organisations. Annual Report: The role-holder is responsible for preparing, designing and distributing annual report for GF. The role-holder will: Monitor the publication of Annual Reports by related organisations to identify successful report strategies Work closely with the Director to design an overall structure for each Annual Report. Identify those stories and items of interest from the past year appropriate for the report, and where necessary liaising with industrial sponsors to ensure consistent messaging. Draft material for publication, for revision and approval by senior academics and collaborating on specific components of the report as appropriate. Work with research staff to get them to prepare short articles, editing as appropriate for the target audience. Liaise with industrial partners to ensure compliance with brand guidelines, agreements, etc. Commission and supervise external contractors (graphic designers, printers) to complete design and publication. Contribute to maintaining the database of the contacts for the Centre. Video and podcasts: The role holder is responsible for raising awareness and impact of research findings by converting them into short videos or podcasts to be released on the GF website and YouTube, and designed to be appropriate for a broad non-research audience. For each video/ podcast, the role-holder will: work with researchers and academics to identify suitable ideas and insights that can usefully be communicated by video or podcast. work with researchers and academics to convert the outputs and messages of conventional research reporting into a story-form HR7 Further Information, Version 9, 31/10/14 Page 3 of 10

4 appropriate for a short video or podcast. film and edit the video/ podcast using simple techniques. The videos should have very simple forms based entirely on own footage with a focus on communicating stories, rather than on glossy production values. Overview the production of professional videos produced and filmed with the support of professional subcontractors review the video with the academics, research staff, and representative viewers, and adjust as appropriate launch the video online (using the GF website and itunes site) and promote as appropriate. 5 Management Responsibilities within dissemination Team 10% Allocates tasks, and checks the quality/ quantity of the work (e.g. for web master, marketing team, etc.) Provides feedback and guidance in situations where the work is not at the required standard. Cases where conduct or performance is unsatisfactory would be referred to the Chair of The Executive Board for consideration through the formal procedures Identifies the training and development needs of an individual in the team as well as the whole dissemination team Is responsible, when required, for formal performance management processes. HR7 Further Information, Version 9, 31/10/14 Page 4 of 10

5 Person Profile This section details the knowledge, skills and experience we require for the role. Person profile Essential knowledge, skills and experience required for role Education & qualifications Specialist knowledge & skills Interpersonal & communication skills Relevant experience Additional requirements A degree in relevant science and/or journalism subjects. A proven background as editor in major science magazines, or for general news-media, or as science writer. A track record in public relations and general journalism is desirable. Candidates with PhD and a post-doctoral experience in relevant science or journalism subjects will be particularly welcome. A working experience in science magazines, general news-media or industry PR is necessary. Web and social media experience at least in the basics of design and implementation Good understanding of business to business sales and marketing techniques and tools Understanding of what is required to create and maintain a distinctive brand Able to gauge likely sensitivity of material for publication, in order to achieve maximum media exposure Excellent listening skills Ability to communicate effectively verbally, in writing and using numeric and visual media Ability to build effective interpersonal relationships with people from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. Confident in working with business and academic people at senior and junior levels Writing skills to communicate to both specialist and non-specialist audiences Ability to create and communicate compelling stories; Marketing and communications experience, ideally in a technical context Website commissioning and design. o Experience of developing and using audio and video media in websites. o HTML and active content management systems Ability to deal with fairly high level of uncertainty Comfortable with innovation and ideally with some aptitude for it The job is self-starting and self-motivating: need to have ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously, set priorities and meet deadlines as required; Extensive EU travel, even at very short notice, is expected, during any period of the year. HR7 Further Information, Version 9, 31/10/14 Page 5 of 10

6 Terms and Conditions Location Working pattern Hours of work Length of appointment Probation period Annual leave Pension eligibility Retirement age Cambridge Graphene Centre, 9 JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 OFA, UK Full-Time There are no conditions relating to hours and times of work but you are expected to work such hours and days as are reasonably necessary for the proper performance of your duties. Your times of work should be agreed between you and your head of institution. 2 years, renewable. 6 months Full time employees are entitled to annual paid leave of 6.6 weeks (or 33 days), plus public holidays. Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) Pension scheme details are available on our web pages at: Information about the legal requirement for the University to automatically enrol its eligible jobholders into a qualifying workplace pension scheme from 1 March 2013 is available at: The University does not operate a retirement age for unestablished academicrelated staff. Screening Check Requirements We have a legal responsibility to ensure that you have the right to work in the UK before you can start working for us. If you do not have the right to work in the UK already, any offer of employment we make to you will be conditional upon you gaining it. If you need further information, you may find the Right to Work page within the Applying for a job section of the University s Job Opportunities pages helpful (please see Application Process To submit an application for this vacancy, please click on the link in the Apply online section of the advert published on the University s Job Opportunities pages. This will route you to the University s Web Recruitment System, where you will need to register an account (if you have not already) and log in before completing the online application form. The closing date for applications is Wednesday 6 April If you have any questions about this vacancy please contact Professor Andrea C Ferrari (acf26@eng.cam.ac.uk). If you have any questions about the application process, please contact the HR office (hr-office@eng.cam.ac.uk) or HR7 Further Information, Version 9, 31/10/14 Page 6 of 10

7 The University of Cambridge General Information The University of Cambridge is one of the world s oldest and most successful Universities, with an outstanding reputation for academic achievement and research. It was ranked first in the 2011 QS World University Rankings and its graduates have won more Nobel Prizes than any other university in the world. The University comprises more than 150 departments, faculties, schools and other institutions, plus a central administration and 31 independent and autonomous colleges. The University and the Colleges are linked in a complex historical relationship. The Colleges are selfgoverning, separate legal entities which appoint their own staff. They admit students, provide student accommodation and deliver small group teaching (supervisions). The University awards degrees and its faculties and departments provide lectures and seminars for students, determine the syllabi for teaching and conduct research. There is much more information about the University at which we hope you will find helpful. Department of Engineering The Department of Engineering at the University of Cambridge is a vibrant and leading international centre for research. It is the largest department in the University of Cambridge, representing approximately 10% of the University's activities by the majority of common metrics, and is one of Europe's largest integrated engineering departments. It achieves the highest standards in both research and teaching. Its international reputation attracts the best students, academics, sponsors and partners from around the world. The two best regarded world rankings place Cambridge as number 1 outside the USA for technology. The UK Research Assessment Exercise 2008 not only placed the Department top in General Engineering but with a score that would have placed it at the top in any other scientific or engineering area. Ninety percent of the research submission was judged to be either world-leading or internationally excellent in terms of originality, significance and rigour. These results reflect the excellence of individuals comprising the Department s 136- strong faculty and also show the power of uniting these academics in a single integrated department. The Department spans a wide range of engineering disciplines and, within this one department, staff can easily team up to work collaboratively to address the world s most pressing challenges. The Department seeks to benefit society by creating world-leading engineering knowledge that fosters sustainability, prosperity and resilience. We share this knowledge and transfer it to industry through publication, teaching, collaboration, licensing and entrepreneurship. By integrating engineering disciplines in one department, we can address major challenges and develop complete solutions, serving as an international hub for engineering excellence. HR7 Further Information, Version 9, 31/10/14 Page 7 of 10

8 The Department has six academic divisions as follows: Division A Acoustics, Energy, Fluid Mechanics and Turbomachinery Academic Divisions Division B Electrical Engineering Division C - Mechanics, Materials and Design Division D Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering with Sustainable Development Division E Manufacturing and Management Division F Information Engineering Services Divisions Division V HR Office, Research Office, Graduate Studies Office, Teaching Office (including Faculty Board and Exams), Finance Office, Library Division S IT Services Division Division W Design and Technical Services Division All staff are assigned to the appropriate Academic or Support Service Division on appointment so that the line of management responsibility is clear and this post is based in Division B. More information on the Department can be found at Cambridge Graphene Centre The mission of the Cambridge Graphene Centre ( is to investigate the science and technology of graphene, carbon allotropes, layered crystals and hybrid nanomaterials. This engineering innovation centre allows our partners to meet, and effectively establish joint industrial-academic activities to promote innovative and adventurous research with an emphasis on applications. The facilities and equipment have been selected to promote alignment with industry, by filling two main vacuums. The first is the lack of intermediate scale printing and processing systems where the industrial upscale and optimization of inks based on graphene, related carbon nanomaterials, and novel two dimensional crystals can be tested and optimized. The second vacuum stems from the challenge posed by the unique properties of graphene: the centre facilities aim to fully cover those properties necessary to achieve the goal of "graphene-augmented" smart integrated devices on flexible/transparent substrates, with the necessary energy storage capability to work autonomously and wireless connected. The Department has also been awarded an EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT), in Graphene Technology. The CDT works closely with industry to ensure that successful students are properly equipped to follow careers in both industry and academia Students enrolled with the CDT will take a one year course of assessed research projects and taught modules, with satisfactory completion leading to the award of the Master of Research (MRes) degree. Successful students will then undertake a three year research project with successful completion leading to the award of a PhD. The Cambridge Graphene Centre is based on the West Cambridge Site, and headed by Professor Andrea Ferrari. It provides a central focus for graphene research in Cambridge. New facilities are under HR7 Further Information, Version 9, 31/10/14 Page 8 of 10

9 construction, designed specifically to accommodate specialist research equipment and to provide space for researchers working on interdisciplinary research based across Cambridge and partner universities. What the University can offer you One of our core values at the University of Cambridge is to recognise and reward our staff as our greatest asset. We realise that it's our people who have built our outstanding reputation and that we will only maintain our leading position in the academic world by continuing to attract and retain talented and motivated people. If you choose to come and work with us, you will find that we offer: Excellent benefits You will be eligible for a wide range of competitive benefits and services, including numerous discounts on shopping, health care, financial services and public transport. We also offer defined benefits pension schemes and tax-efficient bicycle, car lease and charity-giving schemes. We will help you balance your home and work life by providing you with generous annual leave entitlement and procedures for requesting a career break or flexible working arrangements if you need them. You will also have access to a range of well-being support services, including in-house Occupational Health and Counselling services. If you have childcare responsibilities, you may also benefit from the enhanced maternity/adoption pay, two nurseries and a holiday play scheme that we provide. We are keen to welcome new employees from other parts of the UK and other countries to Cambridge. If you will be relocating to Cambridge on a centrally funded appointment of two years or more, you may be eligible for our relocation expenses scheme. The University Accommodation Service ( will also be available to help you find suitable rented accommodation and to provide advice on renting arrangements and local facilities, if required. In addition, certain academic and academic-related appointments are eligible for the Shared Equity Scheme which offers financial assistance with the purchase of living accommodation. A welcoming and inclusive environment - We will help you settle into your new role and working environment through a central University induction event, local induction activities and our online induction package. Where appropriate to your role, you will have a probation period to provide a supportive framework for reviewing your progress and discussing your training and development needs. If you are relocating to Cambridge, you and your family will be welcome to attend the Newcomers and Visiting Scholars Group, which provides an opportunity to find out more about Cambridge and meet other people new to the area. Extensive development opportunities - The encouragement of career development for staff is one of the University's core values. We put this into practice through various services and initiatives, including: - A wide-range of training courses and online learning packages. - The Staff Review and Development (SRD) Scheme, which is designed to enhance work effectiveness and facilitate career development post-probation. - Leave for career and personal development, including long-term study leave for assistant staff and sabbatical leave for academic staff. - The CareerStart@Cam programme, which supports assistant staff roles without higher education qualifications to develop their skills, experience and qualifications. Assistant staff may also apply for financial assistance for study which results in a qualification. - Reduced staff fees for University of Cambridge graduate courses. - The opportunity to attend lectures and seminars held by University departments and institutions. - Policies and processes dedicated to the career development of researchers and the implementation of the principles of the Concordat, which have led to the University being recognised with an HR Excellence in Research Award by the European Commission. You can find further details of the benefits, services and opportunities we offer can be found in our CAMBens Employee Benefits web pages at A range of information about living and working in Cambridge is also available to you within the University s web pages at and HR7 Further Information, Version 9, 31/10/14 Page 9 of 10

10 Equality of Opportunity at the University We are committed to a proactive approach to equality, which includes supporting and encouraging all underrepresented groups, promoting an inclusive culture and valuing diversity. We make selection decisions based on personal merit and an objective assessment against the criteria required for the post. We do not treat job applicants or members of staff less favourably than one another on the grounds of sex (including gender reassignment), marital or parental status, race, ethnic or national origin, colour, disability (including HIV status), sexual orientation, religion, age or socio-economic factors. We have various diversity networks to help us progress equality; these include the Women s Staff Network, the Disabled Staff Network, the Black and Minority Ethnic Staff Network and the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Staff Network. In addition, we were ranked in the top 100 employers for lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) staff in Stonewall s Workplace Equality Index 2013 and we hold an Athena SWAN silver award at organisation level for promoting women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Medicine. We are supportive of staff with caring responsibilities, such as through our flexible working, career break and returning carers schemes. We encourage individuals to include details of any breaks in employment due to caring responsibilities in applications for employment so that these can be taken into consideration in assessments made, where appropriate. Information if you have a Disability The University welcomes applications from individuals with disabilities and we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process. We will make adjustments to enable applicants to compete to the best of their ability wherever it is reasonable to do so, and, if successful, to assist them during their employment. Information for disabled applicants is available at We encourage you to declare any disability that you may have, and any reasonable adjustments that you may require, in the section provided for this purpose in the application form. This will enable us to accommodate your needs throughout the process as required. However, applicants and employees may declare a disability at any time. If you prefer to discuss any special arrangements connected with a disability, please contact, contact the HR Office, who is responsible for recruitment to this position, on or by on hroffice@eng.cam.ac.uk. Alternatively, you may contact the HR Business Manager responsible for the department you are applying to via hrenquiries@admin.cam.ac.uk. HR7 Further Information, Version 9, 31/10/14 Page 10 of 10