We’re looking for a consultant to ramp up our strategic communications approach, set new ambitions and methods for how we reach members of the public and commissioning bodies alike, and consider what platforms we need to be fit for the next five years, and how they should look and feel. This role will help us take advantage of a key moment of transition as Sciencewise begins its new 2024-2030 programme, led by a consortium of Involve, the British Science Association, and the NCCPE.
Contract details: Approximately 8 hours per week for 3 months (Sept-Dec 2024) at our senior freelance rate of £700 per day
Location: Flexible. Must be comfortable with some travel across the UK.
Reporting to: Director of Capacity Building and Standards
Background
For nearly two decades, Involve has been responsible for managing the UKRI funded Sciencewise programme – an internationally recognised public engagement programme which enables policy makers to develop socially informed policy with a particular emphasis on science and technology by providing up to 50% funding, delivery support, quality assurance, and evaluation.
The Sciencewise programme is the UK Government’s exemplar of how to develop robust evidence on public views to inform policy development in areas of scientific and technological innovation. Established in 2004, the programme has supported over 50 dialogue projects and set a new standard for ongoing participatory research.
But while it has always been ahead of the curve in what it delivers – in quality and innovation – Sciencewise has not always reached or been understood by diverse public audiences and key political stakeholders. We want to develop a long term, strategic approach to improving our communications in order to increase our reach and widen access to Sciencewise funding.
Key responsibilities
You will be responsible for:
- Planning, co-ordinating, and delivering an autumn communications plan for Sciencewise, with the aim of capitalising on the post-election period and raising the programme’s profile
- Developing a messaging framework showing how key dialogues and innovations can be used as a hook to highlight the relevance of Sciencewise to the wider public and commissioners
- Identifying future opportunities to strategically grow Sciencewise’s networks
- Reviewing the current Sciencewise website
- Broadening and deepening Sciencewise’s relationships in the science, tech and health sectors, by building strong links between media contacts and key members of the Sciencewise team, and maintaining accurate record for these contacts
- Writing and publishing 2-3 blogs or articles in science and tech publications
- Managing day-to-day communications during the transition to the new Sciencewise contract
Details
This is a short term contract from 16 September 2024 to 13 December 2024.
To succeed in the role, you must have an excellent, practical understanding of how to develop and implement a communications strategy, experience of leading successful efforts to increase the profile of a campaign, programme or organisation in the science and tech sector, and experience of leading successful efforts to acquire national media coverage, ideally on science, data and/or technology issues.
You will have proven expertise in developing and managing relationships with a range of people at all levels and you are able to understand wider contexts and strategic objectives and apply these to developing and delivering our thinking and work. You are able to write clear and persuasive copy for a range of audiences and purposes and an excellent ability to embody an organisation’s Tone of Voice, with limited time to get accustomed to it.
Download the role description at the bottom of the page to read more about the role, its responsibilities, and the competencies we’re looking for.
How to apply
Apply online via the link below. The closing date for applications is 12pm Monday 2nd September (please note that this has been extended from August 29th).
The online application form will ask you a series of questions:
- Where did you hear about this freelance opportunity?
- Personal details
- Diversity monitoring (optional)
- Why you are interested in this role (max 400 words)
- A CV of no more than two sides of A4
- Up to three links to work you’ve done previously, that we should review in advance of interviews and that best demonstrate the competencies listed in the profile
- Contact details for two references
