Marketing and Communications Manager

This is a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious marketing and communications professional to work in the heart of the UK’s vibrant life sciences community and make an important contribution to Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst’s development and build their career.

The Marketing and Communications Manager will work with the CEO and Business Development Director to raise the awareness and understanding of and engagement with Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst (SBC) to support attainment of its business goals. Specifically, the Marketing and Communications Manager will be responsible for managing and co-ordinating the SBC’s marketing and communications programme and will lead its efficient and effective execution.

The is a new role and reports to the Chief Executive Officer.


About Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst
Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst is co-located with the GlaxoSmithKline R&D facility in Stevenage and is a leading location for companies to develop and commercialise cutting edge therapeutics.

The Campus is home to major organisations including GSK, the Cell & Gene Therapy Manufacturing Catapult, LifeArc and Cytiva alongside a cluster of over 45 early-stage life sciences companies which together have raised over £1.6bn in funding since 2012. In total some 4,300 employees work on the Campus, of which around 1,000 are based within SBC buildings, creating a vibrant culture of innovation and co-operation.

The SBC laboratory and office accommodation is provided within three separate buildings, with plans for future expansion underway. The facilities have been designed to foster co-operation, scientific and commercial dialogue, and interaction between entrepreneurs. Access is offered to business support, scientific equipment and scale-up facilities that would otherwise be beyond the reach of small or medium-sized companies.

The Role

1. Key responsibilities

Programme development and co-ordination

  • Support the development of the annual marketing and communications programme
  • Creative input and ideas to ensure impact, efficiency and effectiveness
  • Co-ordinate the execution of tactical activities, managing a calendar of activities and opportunities
  • Day-to-day contact for external providers

Branding and collateral

  • Effectively promote the brand internally and externally through a range of media channels
  • Brief and oversee work of creative agencies, photographers and printers
  • Coordinate and order promotional merchandise and print collateral as required

Content strategy and Creation

  • Prepare and project manage the internal weekly newsletter and other ad hoc internal comms
  • Support and project manage the external newsletter (bi-annual), working with writers and designers
  • Research and write copy and marketing collateral including brochures, flyers etc
  • Support presentations for internal and external purposes

Media relations

  • Research, prepare and distribute Press Releases, working with external agencies if required
  • Identify news and media opportunities
  • Manage media distribution list
  • Develop key media contacts and manage incoming media enquiries
  • Co-ordinate press release and media requests from SBC occupants

Website and e-marketing

  • Responsible for day-to-day maintenance and updating of the corporate website, including content writing, design co-ordination, SEO improvements and lead generation ideas
  • Manage social media channels of the company driving traffic to the website, including content writing for Twitter and LinkedIn
  • Monitor, track and report on the performance of the company website and social media channels, using these analytics to drive improvements

Events

  • Work with the Chief Business officer to prepare a calendar of events
  • Lead marketing and support business events (on-line, on-site and off-site)
  • Day to day contact for conference and event organisers

Stakeholder management

  • Manage internal communications relating to activities and events
  • Day to day contact for trade associations, to ensure SBC gains maximum value form its membership
  • Work with on-site and off-site stakeholders and lead the cross-park communications group

Creative and ad hoc opportunities

  • Manage additional marketing and communications campaigns, initiatives, and opportunities as they arise

Budget and Reporting

  • Support annual budget planning
  • Manage marketing budget and prepare quarterly reports

2. Key position requirements

  • Educated to degree level – ideally in either a life sciences discipline or in marketing/PR
  • Excellent English and copywriting skills
  • Experience of the Adobe suite including photoshop and inDesign and website CMS (Django)
  • Proficient in Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook
  • Knowledge of Mailchimp, Survey Monkey and Hootsuite, and GDPR requirements
  • SEO copywriting (desirable)

3. Key experience and characteristics required

  • At least two years marketing/communications/PR experience, in house or in an agency
  • Social media experienced and digitally minded
  • Excellent organisational and time-management skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Ability to multi-task
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to think independently as well as working well within a team and various key stakeholders
  • Flexibility and can-do attitude
Application Instructions: 

Applications to: sara.sawetz@stevenagecatalyst.com with a CV and covering letter

Deadline: 30 November 2020

Process: Long-listed candidates will be asked to complete and writing test. Short-listed candidates will be invited for a interview (digital)

Application Closing Date: 
30 November 2020