Strategic Communications Manager

Strategic Communications Manager

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At the Satellite Applications Catapult, our mission is to grow the UK economy by supporting our best companies to accelerate the invention and adoption of space data and technology. We are looking for a Strategic Communications Manager who can amplify our influence and ensure that our expert voice is heard in the places where innovation, policy, investment and impact intersect. This role is for a highly skilled communications expert who can shape strategic narratives and content, connect with high‑value audiences across government, industry, academia and media, and ensure that our messages are relevant, compelling, and timely.

The ideal candidate will understand the policy, innovation and technology landscape we work in, and know how to build the right partnerships, place our experts in key conversations and strengthen our position as a national asset.

Strategy and Planning

• Develop and deliver clear, achievable strategic communications strategies in collaboration with business teams for the Catapult’s major interventions, covering our Missions, Defence, Business Growth and Corporate Communications.
• The role also requires senior‑level engagement, acting as a senior communications representative and advisor with members of the Catapult’s Leadership Team to ensure visibility of plans and delivery, and to ensure delivery against objectives.
• The role will also have budget responsibility for your activity areas.

Thought‑Leadership

• Delivery of highly relevant, expert thought‑leadership with messaging designed to establish our credibility with key audiences.
• Creation of ongoing thought‑leadership campaigns which highlight our expertise and influence key audiences, moving the dial to support the uptake of space data and technology and help the Catapult work with exciting companies using space in their products and services.
• Thought‑leadership activities could include articles, white papers, video and podcast content, op‑eds, media engagement, and webinars and events, but the role also has the remit to think creatively to maximise the visibility of our work and place content where key stakeholders look for it.

Media

• Proactively build relationships with journalists, editors, podcast hosts and media outlets relevant to our work in innovation, sustainability, space, data, infrastructure and the future economy.
• Use media channels regularly to land thought‑leadership, opinion pieces and provide expert commentary on the space sector.
• In this role, you may be required to act as a spokesperson with media on behalf of the Catapult from time to time.
• Maintain a close view of the media landscape to include media monitoring, reactive and proactive engagement and preparation of key messages and FAQs.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Work closely with our Partnerships, Policy and Place team to deliver a wider range of stakeholder activities for the business.
• Work closely with internal teams to map key stakeholders for each of the Catapult’s major intervention areas.
• Help to deliver a range of stakeholder engagement activities including round tables, 1‑on‑1 meetings and parliamentary receptions to educate and inform key stakeholders of our work.

Team Management

• Lead the Digital Team to ensure effective delivery of digital activities as part of strategic communications plans, and collaboration with other business teams on strategic communications activities.
• Lead and develop the team towards a broader focus in line with the priorities for this role.
• Manage the Graphic Designer to ensure timely and effective delivery of graphic design activities for the business.

Essential Skills And Experience

• At least 8 years’ experience in a strategic communications role, ideally in innovation, science, technology, public policy or adjacent sectors.
• At least 5 years’ experience in managing media relationships across both national and trade industry titles, with demonstrable evidence of pitching and placing key stories and op‑eds.
• Demonstrable experience of the use of strategic communications…