Job Description
Job Title:  Internal Communications Officer
Posting Start Date:  08/04/2026
Job Id:  2401
School/Department:  Marketing Admissions Recruitment & Comms
Work Arrangement:  Full Time (Hybrid)
Contract Type:  Permanent
Salary per annum (£):  £32,080.00 - £36,636.00
Closing Date:  07/05/2026

The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university.

We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more. Find out more about our benefits (opens in a new window) and join us to become part of something special.

 

Overview

 

As Internal Communications Officer you will join the central communications team in the Marketing, Admissions, Recruitment and Communications department. Our perfect candidate cares deeply about internal communication and employee engagement. You know how to use your skills and experience to help people feel informed, connected, and purposeful at work. You will work with our Internal Communications Managers on a range of University-wide and targeted staff communications, projects and events.

 

Main duties and responsibilities

 

  • Support the planning and delivery of internal communications across multiple channels, including web, email, newsletters, briefings and events

  • Develop plans and write content for a range of organisation-wide and targeted internal communications 

  • Provide communications support for complex University-wide initiatives, such as change programmes, strategy and policy updates, engagement campaigns and incidents

  • Oversee communications plans to track progress and monitor impact

  • Help organise and deliver an annual programme of staff engagement events

  • Build strong relationships with stakeholders across the University to plan, coordinate and develop communications and projects

  • Provide specialist advice on staff communications and engagement to internal stakeholders, attending meetings to represent the internal communications team 

  • Monitor, manage, and respond to enquiries, escalating issues to the Internal Communications Managers and other colleagues

  • Support the delivery of corporate publications and materials, including the University’s Annual Report

  • Act as deputy for the Internal Communications Managers when required

  • Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post

 

Person specification 

Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and are respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.

 

 

Criteria

Essential or desirable

Stage(s) assessed at

Excellent communication skills and experience in a communications role

Essential

Application / Interview

An understanding of internal communication and staff engagement theory, approaches and best practice 

Essential

Application / Interview

Experience of planning and delivering internal communications across multiple channels

Essential

Application / Interview

Experience of planning and producing a range of organisation-wide and targeted internal communications in support of institutional values and priorities

Essential

Application / Interview

Experience of planning, managing, delivering and evaluating multiple short, medium and long-term communication and engagement projects, campaigns and events concurrently

Essential

Application / Interview

Ability to make sure that communications planning and outputs are inclusive and accessible, and meet high standards of accuracy, tone, clarity and consistency 

Essential

Application / Interview

Experience of developing strong relationships with stakeholders at all levels

Essential

Application / Interview

Experience of working to tight deadlines and prioritising a demanding workload

Essential

Application / Interview

Experience of using judgement to identify potential controversial or reputational issues, and of dealing with sensitive situations and confidential information 

Essential

Application / Interview

A strong team player. Committed to collective success and making things happen, with a strong attention detail and the ability to hold the bigger picture in mind

Essential

Application / Interview

Excellent knowledge of higher education and the challenges and opportunities in the sector

Essential

Application / Interview

 

Further Information

Grade

6

Salary

£32,080.00 - £36,636.00

Work arrangement

Full-time 

Line manager

Internal Communications Manager

Direct reports

 

For informal enquiries about this job contact Somer Finlay, Head of Internal Communications, at: s.finlay@sheffield.ac.uk

 

Next steps in the recruitment process

  • Week commencing 18 May 2026: We will let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage

  • Week beginning 1 June 2026: The selection process will take place. This will include an in-person interview and interview test and/or activity

  • If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process, contact Keeley Mobley: k.mobley@sheffield.ac.uk

 

Our vision and strategic plan

We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in new window).

What we offer

  • A minimum of 38 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.

  • Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.

  • Generous pension scheme.

  • A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.

  • A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).

  • Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.

  • A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes; integrated with our Professional Services Shared Skills Framework 

  • A range of generous family-friendly policies

    • paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies

    • access to menopause support in the workplace

    • paid time off and support for fertility treatment

    • and more


More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).

 

We are a Disability Confident Leader (opens in a new window). If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.

Closing Date : 07/05/2026 

 

We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision (www.sheffield.ac.uk/vision) outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.