UK Data Archive
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a part-time copywriter and editor in the UK Data Service and UK Data Archive, based at the University of Essex. As a national partnership organisation, we curate and provide access to the largest collection of social science and population data in the UK. Funded by UK Research and Innovation through the Economic and Social Research Council, we have been a critical part of the UK's research infrastructure since 1967.
Duties of the Role
This role will be responsible for helping raise the profile of the UK Data Service and UK Data Archive with key stakeholders.
The primary aims of the post are (a) to promote the UK Data Service and UK Data Archive through communications activities, the Service website and associated channels and (b) to support the design and production of online and printed materials for data users, policy makers and other audiences.
The post holder will produce digital and print content for various formats, including the web, social media, blog posts and traditional print publications and reports, and will have responsibility for quality control of content, including editing and proofing content, ensuring web standards compliance and monitoring and analysing web statistics.
The successful applicant will be able to identify and create multi-channel news stories from high profile events and work that our Directors and subject experts are leading on; link impactful research from the Impact team with campaign activities to key audiences, in addition to the traditional writing and editing for digital and print publications and our websites.
A full list of duties and responsibilities can be found within the job pack.
Qualifications and Skills required
Applicants are required to hold an undergraduate degree or equivalent qualification or experience, preferably in a Social Sciences related area. A communications qualification or significant experience in journalism, communications and/or marketing for non-profit sector is also essential.
You will have a keen interest in social and economic issues and how data and research can potentially help shape policy and improve society, with the ability to create compelling news stories, often by extracting detailed information from technical and academic subject matter. In addition, you will have experience of producing high quality content for print and web with practical experience of using digital content.
In order to aid the selection process, candidates who are shortlisted for interview will be asked to submit an article they wrote previously, that demonstrates their skills and appreciation of writing for a specific audience, ideally about a technically complex subject.
This is a fixed-term, part-time post until 31 March 2021, due to the nature of the funding. The post involves access to Government systems, information or data and will be subject to the staff vetting process. Further information can be found in the job pack.
At the University of Essex, internationalism and diversity is central to who we are and what we do. We are committed to being a cosmopolitan, internationally oriented university that is welcoming to staff and students from all countries, faiths and backgrounds, where you can find the world in one place.
To support this commitment we have our Global Forum, a staff-led network that promotes and celebrates the rich cultural diversity among Essex staff, and our Colchester campus based Faith Centre, which hosts regular services, meetings and events organised by our chaplains and faith representatives. For more information see: https://www.essex.ac.uk/life/student-facilities/religion-and-faith
Please see the attached job pack for a full job description and person specification, which outlines the full duties, skills, qualifications and experience needed for this role plus more information relating to the post. We recommend you read this information carefully before making an application. Applications should be made on-line, but if you would like advice or help in making an application, or need information in a different format, please telephone the Resourcing Team (01206 876559).