Communications and Public Relations Officer

Aga Khan University Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations (AKU-ISMC) in London requires a full-time Communications and Public Relations Officer to take responsibility of its internal as well as external communication and outreach functions. The position reports to the Head of Administration of the Institute. The incumbent will be required to develop, implement and maintain strong communication policies and materials for the Institute and to develop a comprehensive network of valuable contacts in the media and other relevant institutions.

Responsibilities

• Develop and review internal and external communications strategies of the Institute;
• Provide strategic communications advice and implement communications programmes/activities;
• Develop and maintain annual budgets for Communications and Public Relations function;
• Plan, implement and evaluate outreach activities in collaboration with the Director, Faculty and Resource Development Officer;
• Raise the profile of the Institute nationally and internationally and communicate its educational and research ambitions;
• Identify and build strong relationships with academic and non-academic institutions both within and outside the UK;
• Maintain excellent relations with press and media to promote the Institute’s work;
• Generate global media coverage (print and online), oversee media requests for interviews, organise PR events;
• Write press releases, write ups (as required);
• Deal with external enquiries about the Institute;
• Represent the Institute in various outreach events, as requested by the Director;
• Develop and maintain a range of communications materials including newsletters, leaflets and other publications;
• Coordinate all logistics for PR activities and events.

Requirements

• Educated to degree level, preferably in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations
• Proven experience in communications;
• Expertise and experience of local, national and specialist media relations;
• Experience of strategy development and implementation;
• Excellent oral and written communications and leadership skills;
• Strong commitment to working in a multicultural environment that fosters diversity;
• Strong computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office software;
• UK/EU citizen or appropriate permission to work in the UK

To Apply
Candidates should send a letter of application; curriculum vitae; names, phone numbers and email address of three referees by September 19, 2008 to:

Human Resource Department
AKU-ISMC
4 & 5 Bedford Square
London
WC1B 3RA
Fax: 020 7907 1030

OR

Email: ismc.personnel@aku.edu (preferred)

Disclaimer
AKU-ISMC is part of Aga Khan University (AKU), an international university with operations in ten countries. By submitting an application to AKU-ISMC you agree to revoke your rights under the Data Protection Act 1998 thereby permitting ISMC to share the contents of your application with relevant colleagues at our headquarters institution AKU Karachi, and with its nominated agents for the purpose of completing this recruitment exercise. AKU-ISMC does not communicate with candidates unless they are to be short-listed for interview.