Be part of the world-famous WorldPop Research program at the University of Southampton (UoS), a top 100 university globally (QS World Rankings 2021). WorldPop is an award-winning global cross-sector team of researchers, technicians and project specialists working to produce data on population distributions and characteristics at high spatial resolution. Our mission is to improve the spatial evidence base about where people live, how populations are changing, and how these patterns affect health, development and human outcomes. By combining census, survey, satellite and mobile phone data with advanced geospatial and statistical models, WorldPop supports governments, UN agencies and NGOs with timely and accurate data for policy and planning. Our work supports efforts in public health, disaster response, migration, and sustainable development by providing detailed insights into populations at the local and global levels.

We are seeking to hire an Engagement and Communications Manager to serve as the first point of contact between WorldPop Research Group and key stakeholders. The role will support the implementation of WorldPop’s engagement strategy through its relationships with media, WorldPop data users and the general public. The successful candidate will bring significant experience in communications related roles and will be able to demonstrate a dynamic and independent approach to developing a communications approach aligned with wider WorldPop strategies.

You will be an open-minded individual who will identify and foster relationships with potential partners to help facilitate collaboration and funding that can help our data and methods reach as many users as possible. The role will need to monitor and report on engagement with WorldPop communications and may also need to support the coordination of in-person events as WorldPop looks to develop a stronger community of practice around its data.

The individual will provide a vital component of WorldPop’s external engagement and will therefore have opportunities to work with UN agencies, governments and researchers around the world in crafting content that communicates our impact. The successful candidate will also maintain a number of important internal relationships such as the WorldPop leadership team, project leaders, university media and communications to take a holistic view of the WorldPop offering and identify narratives and mechanisms to enhance the research group’s reputation.

The College of Geography and Environmental Sciences is committed to promoting a culture of… Equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from suitably qualified candidates, and particularly encourage applications from candidates from groups under-represented in academic positions at the University, including, but not limited to: people from black, Asian and minority ethnic communities, and people who identify as LGBTQ+; People with disabilities and from poor and disadvantaged backgrounds.

The University of Southampton offers excellent benefits including flexible working, a generous 30 days holiday allowance and an additional 6 university closure days in addition to bank holidays. We’ll support your long-term future too, with access to a generous pension scheme through the University Superannuation Scheme (USS), supported health and fitness facilities and a range of employee discounts.

For a full list of role tasks and responsibilities, please see the attached job description and person specification.