Background of department/role

We are seeking an experienced and creative Senior Public Relations Officer to join our ambitious communications team.

As the Senior Public Relations Officer, you will be at the heart of our activities, proactively generating and delivering compelling and engaging content that supports the University’s key strategic aims. Your content will articulate the University’s vision, values, impact and benefits, and achieve high levels of media interest and coverage, raising the University’s profile to external audiences.

You will have excellent communications skills and a strong understanding of the news agenda, proven success and experience in public/media relations or journalism, and be able to work across several key priorities simultaneously, at fast pace. You will enjoy having a varied role that offers the opportunity to be creative, build new connections and work with colleagues within the communications team, the wider department and across the University.

Key Responsibilities:

Pro-actively source and create compelling content, media pitches and press briefings that will raise the profile of the University to the media and external audiences, supporting its student recruitment strategies, research expertise and role as a civic university.
A strong understanding of the news and the ability to position the University's work as relevant and impactful within this context.
To skilfully take complex, academic information and turn into engaging and accessible audience-specific, multi-media communications, including thought leadership, press releases, and social media content.
To build strong relationships with colleagues within the department to ensure content is shared and opportunities maximised across all channels, and maintain collaborative relationships with academics, School leadership and internal stakeholders to continuously uncover and develop newsworthy stories and expert commentary opportunities.
Work with the Media Relations Manager on responding to incoming enquiries from the media, and make recommendations on the University’s response.
To be part of an on-call/out-of-hours media relations support service, advising and liaising with senior members of staff and to work independently in a crisis.

How will you work?

We are committed to supporting flexible methods of working wherever possible.

Campus attendance will vary on a day-to-day basis and across the year but must purposefully align to the needs of our students, staff, and stakeholders. It is expected that there will be a relatively even balance between time spent on and off campus; but in most cases the work location will be determined by the service required or the tasks/activities being undertaken.

How to apply

Start date for applications: 12th of November 2025
Closing date for applications: 30th of November 2025
Interviews are to be held: 8th of December 2025

If you require further information regarding the post please feel free to contact Jeanette Earl, Media Relations Manager, jeanette.earl@canterbury.ac.uk (strictly no agencies, thank you) quoting reference number REQ05949.

Please note, Canterbury Christ Church University reserve the right to bring the closing date of this position forward where a high volume of applications is received.

Employment Visa Clarification: According to the UK Government Points Based System, this position does not fulfil the requirements for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker Route application.

Additional Information

Canterbury Christ Church University truly welcomes fresh perspectives and new voices. We want you to bring the real you to work, so we are committed to building a genuinely inclusive working environment where everyone is welcomed and where everyone can have a true sense of belonging. Our spirit of community will help us to eliminate discrimination and will enable us all to thrive in a culture that is underpinned by fairness and justice. We therefore seek people to join us who will proactively support and shape this aim and contribute in their own unique way. If this is you, then we are waiting to hear from you. #yourCCCU

Our University is deeply committed to shaping sustainable futures as a key part of its mission and values. If you share this passion, we encourage you to join us in making CCCU a more socially and environmentally conscious, sustainable place to study and work

Please ensure you include contact details of two employment referees in your application, one of which must be your current/ most recent line manager.

Please note applications must be made online via the University website; details sent directly via email cannot be considered.

Prior consideration will be given to applicants in the University’s redeployment pool. No agencies, thank you.