Communication Officer for BRIDGES for Dementia Network
| Posting date: | 03 March 2026 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | Part time |
| Closing date: | 24 March 2026 |
| Location: | Sheffield, S10 2TN |
| Company: | University of Sheffield |
| Job type: | Temporary |
| Job reference: | 2115-44009477 |
Summary
University of Sheffield
Overview
Reporting to the Network Manager, you will play a key role in developing and delivering the communications and marketing activities for the BRIDGES for Dementia Network+, a national EPSRC-funded research network hosted at the University of Sheffield, and involving 7 other UK universities.
This is a part-time role (1 day per week) supporting the Network’s engagement with academic and clinical researchers, people with dementia and their carers, and partner organisations. The role can be worked on a hybrid basis; though regular in-office attendance will also be required. It would suit someone already undertaking a marketing or communications role at the University of Sheffield.
The Network’s aim is to bring together people with lived experience of dementia, researchers, designers, and health professionals to co-develop technologies and practices that help people with dementia live full, connected and independent lives.
Your work will focus on building visibility, engagement and participation across the network, ensuring our outputs and opportunities are shared widely and accessibly. For informal enquiries, please contact neil.lowrie@sheffield.ac.uk
Main duties and responsibilities
-
Develop and deliver a communications plan to engage the network’s target audiences, including researchers, clinicians, people with dementia, carers, and supporting organisations.
-
Create and distribute a monthly newsletter using Mailchimp (or equivalent platform).
-
Curate and collate relevant news, events, and opportunities from within the network and the wider dementia research and practice community.
-
Maintain and update the BRIDGES website (WordPress), including adding news items, event details and outputs.
-
Manage and grow the BRIDGES LinkedIn account and consider expanding to other relevant social media platforms.
-
Develop a printed newsletter suitable for people with dementia and their carers, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity.
-
Liaise with other dementia networks and groups to share and promote opportunities, workshops, and events.
-
Support the organisation and delivery of network workshops, including printing materials, and pre and post-event communications.
-
Monitor and evaluate engagement metrics (e.g., network membership growth, newsletter subscribers, LinkedIn engagement).
-
Ensure consistency of tone, branding and accessibility across all communications materials.
-
Undertake 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 is 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
A good honours degree or equivalent experience
Essential
Application/interview
Demonstrable experience in a communications and/or marketing role
Essential
Application/interview
Experience developing and implementing a communications plan or campaign
Essential
Application/interview
Experience producing communications materials for diverse audiences, including web, newsletters, and social media
Essential
Application/interview
Experience maintaining websites and coordinating updates using content management systems (e.g. WordPress)
Essential
Application/interview
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to adapt tone and content for academic, clinical, and community audiences
Essential
Application/interview
Ability to coordinate information and liaise with a range of stakeholders, including academics, community groups, and partner organisations
Essential
Application/interview
Excellent attention to detail and ability to work independently
Essential
Application/interview
Familiarity with dementia-related issues, health research, or inclusive communications practices
Desirable
Application/interview
Understanding of and commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion principles
Desirable
Application/interview
Experience using analytics tools to measure engagement and report on communication effectiveness
Desirable
Application/interview
Further Information
Grade
6
Salary
£32,080
- £34,610 pro rata for 1 day per weekWork arrangement
Part-time 1 day per week
Duration
Immediate start until 29th Sept 2028
Line manager
BRIDGES for Dementia Network+ Manager
Direct reports
none
Our website
For informal enquiries about this job contact Neil Lowrie, BRIDGES Network+ manager on neil.lowrie@sheffield.ac.uk
Next steps in the recruitment process
It is anticipated that the selection process will take place in the week commencing 13 April 2026. This will consist of an interview, which will include a short presentation.
We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage on the week commencing 6 April 2026. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact neil.lowrie@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 Route
-
A range of generous family-friendly policies
-
paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
-
support for those going through the menopause
-
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 Employer. 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.
Overview
Reporting to the Network Manager, you will play a key role in developing and delivering the communications and marketing activities for the BRIDGES for Dementia Network+, a national EPSRC-funded research network hosted at the University of Sheffield, and involving 7 other UK universities.
This is a part-time role (1 day per week) supporting the Network’s engagement with academic and clinical researchers, people with dementia and their carers, and partner organisations. The role can be worked on a hybrid basis; though regular in-office attendance will also be required. It would suit someone already undertaking a marketing or communications role at the University of Sheffield.
The Network’s aim is to bring together people with lived experience of dementia, researchers, designers, and health professionals to co-develop technologies and practices that help people with dementia live full, connected and independent lives.
Your work will focus on building visibility, engagement and participation across the network, ensuring our outputs and opportunities are shared widely and accessibly. For informal enquiries, please contact neil.lowrie@sheffield.ac.uk
Main duties and responsibilities
-
Develop and deliver a communications plan to engage the network’s target audiences, including researchers, clinicians, people with dementia, carers, and supporting organisations.
-
Create and distribute a monthly newsletter using Mailchimp (or equivalent platform).
-
Curate and collate relevant news, events, and opportunities from within the network and the wider dementia research and practice community.
-
Maintain and update the BRIDGES website (WordPress), including adding news items, event details and outputs.
-
Manage and grow the BRIDGES LinkedIn account and consider expanding to other relevant social media platforms.
-
Develop a printed newsletter suitable for people with dementia and their carers, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity.
-
Liaise with other dementia networks and groups to share and promote opportunities, workshops, and events.
-
Support the organisation and delivery of network workshops, including printing materials, and pre and post-event communications.
-
Monitor and evaluate engagement metrics (e.g., network membership growth, newsletter subscribers, LinkedIn engagement).
-
Ensure consistency of tone, branding and accessibility across all communications materials.
-
Undertake 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 is 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
A good honours degree or equivalent experience
Essential
Application/interview
Demonstrable experience in a communications and/or marketing role
Essential
Application/interview
Experience developing and implementing a communications plan or campaign
Essential
Application/interview
Experience producing communications materials for diverse audiences, including web, newsletters, and social media
Essential
Application/interview
Experience maintaining websites and coordinating updates using content management systems (e.g. WordPress)
Essential
Application/interview
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to adapt tone and content for academic, clinical, and community audiences
Essential
Application/interview
Ability to coordinate information and liaise with a range of stakeholders, including academics, community groups, and partner organisations
Essential
Application/interview
Excellent attention to detail and ability to work independently
Essential
Application/interview
Familiarity with dementia-related issues, health research, or inclusive communications practices
Desirable
Application/interview
Understanding of and commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion principles
Desirable
Application/interview
Experience using analytics tools to measure engagement and report on communication effectiveness
Desirable
Application/interview
Further Information
Grade
6
Salary
£32,080
- £34,610 pro rata for 1 day per weekWork arrangement
Part-time 1 day per week
Duration
Immediate start until 29th Sept 2028
Line manager
BRIDGES for Dementia Network+ Manager
Direct reports
none
Our website
For informal enquiries about this job contact Neil Lowrie, BRIDGES Network+ manager on neil.lowrie@sheffield.ac.uk
Next steps in the recruitment process
It is anticipated that the selection process will take place in the week commencing 13 April 2026. This will consist of an interview, which will include a short presentation.
We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage on the week commencing 6 April 2026. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact neil.lowrie@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 Route
-
A range of generous family-friendly policies
-
paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
-
support for those going through the menopause
-
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 Employer. 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.