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Communications Manager, Office of the Vice-Provost (Development)

What is your role and what does it involve?

My role as Communications Manager in OVPD is hugely varied and I never find myself doing the same things from one day to the next. Most of what I do supports Â鶹´«Ã½ÊÓƵÍøվ’s philanthropic fundraising campaign, It’s All Academic, which aims to raise £600 million to support projects in four key areas: Health, Students, London and Disruptive Thinking.

I work on a number of projects including managing the It’s All Academic campaign website, making sure it is up-to-date with interesting news items. I also produce case studies to profile key academics, donors, and recipients of philanthropic support; draft press releases to announce incoming gifts or pledges; and support the fundraising teams with proposals.

How long have you been at Â鶹´«Ã½ÊÓƵÍøÕ¾?

I have been at Â鶹´«Ã½ÊÓƵÍøÕ¾ since July 2016. I originally joined in the role of Communications Officer and worked specifically on the Dementia Retail Partnership. I have since progressed to the position of Communications Manager and now work on a wider variety of projects within OVPD.

What attracted you to Â鶹´«Ã½ÊÓƵÍøÕ¾?

The flexibility of Â鶹´«Ã½ÊÓƵÍøÕ¾ and particularly OVPD’s attitude towards supporting flexible working was what attracted me most. It was one of the few places when I was looking for a new job that openly welcomed part-time working. Quite uniquely, I am a professional athlete and ride with the GB Para-cycling Team so was looking for a role that would allow me the flexibility to train around work. Â鶹´«Ã½ÊÓƵÍøÕ¾ allowed me the opportunity to progress my career in communications without sacrificing my training needs.

What working achievement or initiative at Â鶹´«Ã½ÊÓƵÍøÕ¾ (or in previous work experiences) are you most proud of?

I am proud to have worked on the Dementia Research Retail Partnership, a group of nine UK retailers who together have pledged £20 million to support dementia research at Â鶹´«Ã½ÊÓƵÍøÕ¾. The idea was brought about by Sir Malcolm Walker, Chief Executive of Iceland Foods, who decided to donate the 5p bag levy from Iceland Foods to Â鶹´«Ã½ÊÓƵÍøÕ¾ dementia research. He then galvanised eight other UK retailers to follow suit. It was a totally unique way of fundraising and a very interesting project to have been part of.

What is the best aspect about working at Â鶹´«Ã½ÊÓƵÍøÕ¾?

Â鶹´«Ã½ÊÓƵÍøÕ¾ actively encourages you to undertake training and to learn new skills. There are numerous internal training days that are run, and I have also been able to attend specific communications training outside of Â鶹´«Ã½ÊÓƵÍøÕ¾. There is a real ethos of career development and you are encouraged to never stop learning.