Main Purpose of the Job

The NGI Communications Manager will lead on the development and support the delivery of the communications activities for a large capital infrastructure programme, Next Generation Infrastructure (NGI).

NGI is a programme of significant capital investment and business change to improve and evolve the research capabilities of the John Innes Centre (JIC) and The Sainsbury Laboratory (TSL) at the Norwich Research Park. The proposed investment would transform the existing capabilities of both centres via new and shared interdisciplinary research facilities with a goal for the facility to be near net-zero.

This role will raise awareness of the programme and demonstrate the potential benefits that this investment will facilitate. In doing so, the post holder will promote the Healthy Plants, Healthy People, Healthy Planet (HP3) vision as an ambitious Norwich Research Park wide plan for the future to attract new collaborators, partners and funding to enable the full delivery of the NGI programme.

Reporting to the John Innes Centre’s Head of Communications and Engagement, the NGI Communications Manager will be embedded within the JIC Communications and Engagement team. They will work extremely closely with Communications colleagues at TSL, BBSRC and the NGI programme office to raise awareness of the impact of the capital investment, aiming to leverage further support for the programme and our broader research and innovation activities.

The post holder will provide strategic communications expertise, particularly in relation to large infrastructure investment programmes, and ensure our communication activities remain aligned across our diverse portfolio of research and innovation.

Key responsibilities include supporting the development and delivery of the NGI communications and stakeholder engagement strategy through developing and embedding clear narratives, thus ensuring a compelling case for fundraising and strategic engagement activities.

Key Relationships

Reporting to the John Innes Centre’s Head of Communications and Engagement, the NGI Communications Manager will be embedded within the JIC Communications and Engagement team, and will work extremely closely with colleagues at TSL, BBSRC, UKRI and in the NGI programme office.

The post holder will build relationships with senior scientists, lab managers, the Director of the John Innes Centre, the Executive Director of The Sainsbury Laboratory, the Programme Director, Construction Director, Chief Operating Officer and others across the two institutes.

The role will also build relationships with key stakeholders including the Anglia Innovation Partnership LLP, the New Anglia LEP, the University of East Anglia, the Earlham Institute, the Quadram Institute, as well as with local and national funders, media and organisations.

Main Activities & Responsibilities

Develop, implement, review and evolve a comprehensive communications strategy for the programme, in collaboration with communications teams and appropriate senior staff across TSL and JIC.

Design, develop and deliver strategic internal and external communication and engagement activities, materials and opportunities appropriate to support the communications, stakeholder engagement and fundraising activities of the programme.

Lead the development and delivery of engagement and consultation events internally and externally and facilitate the cascade information from the programme to key stakeholders.

Maximise the impact of the investment by building the profile of the NGI programme as well as JIC and TSL – this will include fielding enquiries from and pitching stories to journalists and media outlets to promote the programme to key audiences.

Enable and manage ongoing partnerships and relationships, communicating JIC and TSL’s activities, research and programme progress to major funders, collaborating organisations, private sector organisations and philanthropists.

As agreed with the line manager, any other duties commensurate with the nature of the post

Education & Qualifications

Requirement

Importance

A degree or equivalent in a relevant subject area.

Essential

Qualification in a relevant communication, PR or marketing subject, or chartership to a relevant organisation (e.g. CIPR).

Desirable

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

Requirement

Importance

A thorough working knowledge of research communications, and the skills required to lead the development of a communications strategy for a large capital infrastructure programme.

Essential

Knowledge of best practice to optimise communications channels, including face-to-face communication and a range of printed and electronic publications.

Essential

Proven ability to manage communication channels and opportunities effectively.

Essential

Strong understanding of how to monitor and evaluate communications and engagement initiatives.

Essential

Skills and experience to prepare and coach scientists, senior managers and directors for media engagement and internal communications.

Desirable

Knowledge and experience of high-profile media management.

Desirable

Relevant Experience

Requirement

Importance

Experience as a creative and collaborative communications professional working with research capital projects, large infrastructure programmes, or equivalent.

Essential

Experience in formal and ad hoc communications and programme teams.

Essential

Evidence of delivering a communications strategy in a complex system facing competing short- and long-term challenges and priorities.

Essential

Ability to rapidly assimilate the multi-faceted nature of the activities and promptly action ideas into outputs.

Essential

Proven ability for communicating complex ideas to non-expert audiences.

Essential

Experience in a research-intensive environment, organisation or institute.

Desirable

Experience of working in marketing or fundraising.

Desirable

Experience with performance targets and working with a range of key stakeholders, including funders, media and industrial partners.

Desirable

A thorough understanding of the UK research environment with respects to policy and government, especially the role of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).

Desirable

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

Requirement

Importance

Ability to horizon-scan to identify and mitigate potential reputation risk.

Essential

Ability to follow instructions/Standard Operating Procedures

Essential

Exceptional written and oral communication skills, over a wide range of subjects and different audiences, including the ability to present complex information with clarity.

Essential

A communicator with gravitas, excellent interpersonal, collaborative and relationship building skills.

Essential

Demonstrated ability to work independently, using initiative and applying problem solving skills.

Essential

Good interpersonal skills, with the ability to successfully work within a team and to deliver projects in partnership.

Essential

Excellent time management and organisational skills.

Essential

Additional Requirements

Requirement

Importance

Promotes equality and values diversity

Essential

Attention to detail

Essential

Willingness to embrace the expected values and behaviours of all staff at the Institute, ensuring it is a great place to work

Essential

Ability to maintain confidentiality and security of information where appropriate

Essential

Able to present a positive image of self and the Institute, promoting both the international reputation and public engagement aims of the Institute

Essential

Ability to provide out-of-hours professional media relations and communications support, when necessary.

Essential

John Innes Centre

The John Innes Centre is an independent, international centre of excellence in plant and microbial genetics, carrying out fundamental and strategic research, to train scientists and making our findings available to society.

Our research makes use of a wide range of disciplines in the biological and chemical sciences including; cell biology, biochemistry, chemistry, genetics and molecular biology.

For more information about working at the John Innes Centre, please click here.

We pride ourselves on being a welcoming and inclusive working environment for all. We have a diverse and multicultural scientific community and thrive on our European and international links, appointing staff from across the world. Any candidate who would like further information on current or anticipated immigration requirements can contact the HR Team on +44 (0)1603 450888 or nbi.recruitment@nbi.ac.uk.

We are proud to hold a prestigious Athena SWAN Gold award, recognising the impact of our work in promoting gender equality in science. We are also a proud member of the Stonewall Diversity Champion’s programme, a founding signatory of the Tecnician Commitment and, as a Disability Confident employer, guarantee to offer an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the post.

The John Innes Centre is a registered charity (No. 223852), limited by guarantee (registered in England No. 511709).

Department

Communications & Engagement

Living in Norfolk

• Visit Norfolk
• Schools in Norfolk
• Childcare in Norfolk

NGI Communications Manager
Salary:            £42,050 to £51,950 per annum depending on qualifications and experience.
Contract:        2 years, part-time (30 hours)
Location:        John Innes Centre, Norwich, UK.
Closing date: 6 April 2023 
Reference:     1004417

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Communications Manager to join the John Innes Centre Communications and Engagement Department, to support the delivery of the Next Generation Infrastructure programme.

About the John Innes Centre:

The John Innes Centre is an independent, international centre of excellence in plant and microbial sciences. We nurture a creative, curiosity-led approach to answering fundamental questions in bioscience, and translate that knowledge into societal benefits. Our strategic vision, Healthy Plants, Healthy People, Healthy Planet, sets out our ambitious long-term goals for the game changing impact of our science globally. 

Our employees enjoy access to state-of-the-art technology and a diverse range of specialist training opportunities, including support for leadership and management. Click here to find out more about working at the John Innes Centre.

The role:

The NGI Communications Manager will lead on the development and support the delivery of the communications activities for a large capital infrastructure programme, Next Generation Infrastructure (NGI). 

NGI is a programme of significant capital investment and business change to improve and evolve the research capabilities of the John Innes Centre (JIC) and The Sainsbury Laboratory (TSL) at the Norwich Research Park. The proposed investment would transform the existing capabilities of both centres via new and shared interdisciplinary research facilities with a goal for the facility to be near net-zero. 

The Communications Manager role will raise awareness of the programme and demonstrate the potential benefits that this investment will facilitate. In doing so, the post holder will promote the Healthy Plants, Healthy People, Healthy Planet (HP3) vision as an ambitious Norwich Research Park wide plan for the future to attract new collaborators, partners and funding to enable the full delivery of the NGI programme.

The post holder will provide strategic communications expertise, particularly in relation to large infrastructure investment programmes, and ensure our communication activities remain aligned across our diverse portfolio of research and innovation. 

Key responsibilities include supporting the development and delivery of the NGI communications and stakeholder engagement strategy through developing and embedding clear narratives, thus ensuring a compelling case for fundraising and strategic engagement activities.

The ideal candidate:

The ideal candidate will be educated to degree level with a thorough working knowledge of research communications, and have the skills required to lead the development and delivery of a communications strategy for a large capital infrastructure programme.  

They will have proven ability to manage communication channels appropriately and effectively and evidence of delivering a communications strategy in a complex system facing competing short- and long-term challenges and priorities.

Additional information:

We welcome applications from candidates seeking job-share, part-time or other flexible working arrangements.

Interviews will be held on 23 April 2023.

Please note, this post does not meet UKVI requirements to provide visa sponsorship.

We are an equal opportunities employer, actively supporting inclusivity and diversity.  As a Disability Confident organisation, we guarantee to offer an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for this vacancy. We are proud to hold a prestigious Gold Athena SWAN award in recognition of our inclusive culture, commitment and good practices towards advancing of gender equality. We offer an exciting, stimulating, diverse research environment and actively promote a family friendly workplace. The Institute is also a member of Stonewall’s Diversity Champions programme.

The John Innes Centre is a registered charity (No. 223852) grant-aided by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council.