Manager, PR and Communications

Job Description

Manager, PR and Communications role is to communicate and promote the university's global brand identity and a favourable public image to prospective students and parents, the public, employees and other stakeholders through an effective communications and PR strategy.

The role holder will work with the executive leadership team and academic leaders to support the university's corporate communications and outreach goals as well as internal communication priorities. The role holder will be an excellent communicator, create high quality content which includes writing press releases, thought leadership articles and seek media opportunities to showcase the university. He/she will deliver innovation in the use of digital communication to significantly enhance the University's local and regional profile and reputation and to provide an integrated brand-led communication which helps deliver the campus strategy and student recruitment.

The role holder will also lead on the delivery of effective communication in a crisis, working with colleagues across the university, external agencies, and public bodies, where necessary.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

1. To develop and lead the delivery of a campus communication and PR plan which significantly enhances the University's reputation and standing in Malaysia and the wider region. working with the university management team and the global teams.
2. To develop, deliver and evaluate demonstrably effective communication campaigns and plans targeted at key audiences and stakeholders that fully utilise digital channels and techniques and the media, to tell the compelling story of our campus and its academic achievements.
3. To work closely with the senior leadership team, specifically the Provost/CEO, COO, to proactively manage and enhance internal and external communications, that will also include crisis communications.
4. Work as a global communications team, across the UK, Dubai and Malaysia to develop global content and deliver a fully integrated communications strategy ensuring its continued relevance to and links with the overall University strategy.
5. Working with external agencies and partners to seek and identify news opportunities proactively rather than reactively delivery of high-quality professional communication plans and services (media relations, social media engagement, public relations (PR), public advocacy (PA)) and the successful delivery of corporate events, annual reports and distinguished Lectures.
6. Directs in-house and external graphic designers, photographers, and other media-production specialists integral to the completion of marketing projects.
7. To plan and create content (both internal and external) to support all courses, the University and marketing campaigns to raise awareness and build reputation.
8. Effective maximisation of social media channels to showcase outcomes that boost the brand image of the University.
9. Lead contributor to internal newsletters, production of annual reports, website maintenance and updates, writing and maintaining content as well as ensuring relevance, timeliness and effective alignment with strategic goals.
10. Excellent written and verbal communication skills; excellent copy editing and proofreading skills – should be capable of writing, editing, and distributing content, including opinion pieces, expert comments, Q&A, press releases, website content, newsletters and other marketing material that communicate our activities, products and/or services.
11. To develop and maintain excellent working relationships with media contacts and communication professionals in key external organisations such as the MQA, British High Commission Malaysia, etc which will deliver tangible advantage and benefits to the university.
12. Ensure the delivery of effective communication in a crisis, working with colleagues across the university and external agencies and public bodies, able to respond to media inquiries, arrange interviews, and draft materials on behalf of spokespeople.
13. Stay up to date with new innovations, processes and developments in professional communication, especially about the use of digital channels, to ensure that Heriot-Watt is applying best practice and is seen as a leader in the field by our peers.
14. Proactively monitor and evaluate the success of campaigns and a broad range of PR activities to drive continuous improvement.
15. Define key performance indicators for each communications channel which will indicate a campaign's level of success.
16. Work closely with the Global communications team to oversee and development of brand collateral for Malaysia Campus.
17. Work closely with the Development and Alumni team on alumni events and activities.
18. Work closely with various stakeholders on events, such as MOU signing ceremony.

All HWUM staff endeavours will embody our shared values of: Inspire, Collaborate, Belong, and Celebrate. 

Please note that this job description is not exhaustive, and the role holder may be required to undertake other relevant duties commensurate with the grading of the post and its general responsibilities. Activities may be subject to amendment over time as the role develops and/or priorities and requirements evolve.

Person Specification

This section details the attributes e.g. skills, knowledge/qualifications and competencies which are required in order to undertake the full remit of the role.

Essential

• Degree in Marketing, Communications, Mass Communication, Public Relations journalism, strategic communications.
• Experience in Corporate Communication in Higher Education/ MNCs/ PR agencies will be an added advantage
• Experience in copy editing and proofreading skills, excellent in written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient in English language is a MUST
• Strong, versatile copywriting skills
• good organizational, planning, and coordination skills.
• Ability to multi-task and re-prioritize as needed.
• Desire to take full ownership of assigned projects and can work independently.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Possesses a sense of urgency; is self-motivated and detail minded.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build collaborative relationships.
• Good verbal presentation, group dynamic, and facilitation skills
• Proactive approach in resolving problems and issues.
• Has technical experiences with Office 365 and creative in video/written content for effective delivery if information

Desirable

• Degree in Marketing, Communications, Mass Communication, Public Relations journalism, strategic communications.

Essential Criteria – these are attributes without which a candidate would not be able to undertake the full remit of the role.  Applicants who do not clearly demonstrate in their application that they possess the essential requirements will normally be eliminated at the short-listing stage.   

Desirable Criteria – these are attributes which would be useful for the candidate to hold.  When shortlisting, these criteria will be considered when more than one applicant meets the essential criteria.

Application Process

Applications should be submitted to Careers system.   

Applications must be submitted by 5 December 2025. If you are not contacted by the selection committee by 20 December 2025 then please assume that on this occasion your application has been unsuccessful. 

The University is committed to equality of opportunity.