External Communications Officer - UKIFS

Company Description

Company Description: 

UK Industrial Fusion Solutions (UKIFS) Ltd, a subsidiary of the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), is at the forefront of developing fusion sustainable energy.  Through the design and delivery of STEP (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production) programme we aim to build a prototype fusion plant, targeting first operations around 2040.

UKIFS will lead delivery, collaborating with industrial partners and building a fusion supply chain with an estimated global sector value of £7tn per year.

UKIFS employees can be based at either of our sites; West Burton, Nottinghamshire or Culham, Oxfordshire, however, this role will primarily be based at Culham, due to the current locations of key stakeholders and related services. Onsite working is expected for 3 days each week; however, we actively support requests for Flexible Working.

Job Description

As an employee of UKIFS, you will benefit from:

• Outstanding defined benefit pension scheme, details of which can be found at the end of this advert.
• Corporate bonus scheme up to 7% and a Relocation allowance (if eligible).
• Flexible working options including family friendly policies and the right to request flexible working from the start of your employment.
• Employee Assistance Programme and trained Mental Health First Aiders.
• Generous annual leave allowance starting with 25 days, plus 3 days Christmas closure and 2.5 privilege days, in addition to UK bank holidays.
• Wide range of career development opportunities.
• A vibrant culture committed to being fully inclusive.

A full list of our benefits can be found here https://careers.ukaea.uk/life-at-ukaea/employee-benefits/

The salary for this role is £39,610 + excellent benefits including outstanding pension.

Please note the closing date for this position is the 25th of September. 

The Role:

UK Industrial Fusion Solutions (UKIFS) is leading the UK’s most ambitious energy programme – STEP (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production) – to deliver a prototype fusion energy plant by 2040. As we build a new organisation to deliver this nationally significant mission, we are seeking a strategic and creative External Communications Officer to help shape how the world sees and understands our work.

This is a pivotal role in a fast-paced, high-profile environment. You will be responsible for developing and delivering external communications strategies that build UKIFS’ reputation, engage stakeholders, and inspire public confidence in fusion energy. From media relations and stakeholder engagement to brand development and event planning, you’ll be at the forefront of telling the STEP story to the world.

You’ll work closely with the Head of Communications and Engagement and the Senior External Communications Manager, acting as a trusted adviser and content creator. This is your opportunity to influence public perception, build relationships across government, industry, and media, and contribute to a programme with global impact.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategy & Planning:

• Develop and deliver the external communications and stakeholder engagement strategy.
• Build a deep understanding of STEP’s priorities and audiences to shape messaging and campaigns.
• Lead the planning and execution of external events, conferences, and marketing initiatives.
• Ensure alignment and consistency across all external communications platforms.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including government, media, and the scientific community.
• Act as the main point of contact for UKAEA group communications colleagues.
• Provide expert advice on external communications to colleagues at all levels.

Media Relations & Content Creation:

• Develop and manage media strategies to grow awareness of UKIFS and STEP.
• Build relationships with local and national media outlets.
• Write and distribute press releases, briefings, and other media content.
• Manage crisis communications and respond to media enquiries.
• Ensure spokespersons are well-briefed and supported for public engagements.

Brand & Campaign Management:

• Lead the review and evolution of the STEP brand, ensuring consistent application across all channels.
• Manage branded merchandise and promotional materials.
• Support senior colleagues and partners with brand-aligned messaging and event preparation.
• Leadership & Culture
• Embody UKIFS’ leadership behaviours and organisational values.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and collaborative team environment.
• Act as a cultural ambassador, promoting professionalism, integrity, and innovation.

Qualifications

Essential:

• Degree in Communications, Public Affairs, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Experience organising and delivering stakeholder or community events.
• Proven experience in complex, matrixed, or programme-based environments.
• Strong understanding of government structures and public sector engagement.
• Experience working with local and national media.
• Knowledge of branding and marketing campaign development.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong stakeholder relationship-building skills.
• Creative, innovative, and solutions-focused mindset.
• Ability to act as a confident ambassador for the programme.

Beneficial:

• CIPR or other relevant communications qualifications.
• Experience working on large-scale infrastructure or transformation projects.
• Experience in start-up or rapidly growing organisations undergoing significant change.

Additional Information

For more information on UKIFS visit : https://careers.ukaea.uk/wp-content/uploads/download/UKIFS_CandidateRecruitmentPack.pdf

We welcome talented people from all backgrounds who want to help us achieve our mission. We encourage applications from under-represented groups, particularly from women in STEM, ethnic minority backgrounds, people with disabilities, and neurotypical individuals. Our Executive team, and our EDI Networks actively promote Inclusion and takes steps to increase diversity within our organisation. We reinforce best practices in recruitment and selection and evaluate approaches to remove barriers to success.

This role requires employees to complete an online Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), including The Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks for criminal convictions and possibly a search of open-source data.

For applicants applying from outside the United Kingdom or those who have spent time outside the UK in the last five years, please visit the following link for information on criminal records checks:  https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/criminal-records-checks-for-overseas-applicants . If your country of residence or previous residence is not listed on the website or if the UK Government does not have information on obtaining a criminal records check from that state, we regret to inform you that we cannot process your application.

Please note that vacancies are generally advertised for 4 weeks but may close earlier if we receive a large number of applications.  We may consider your application for future positions or similar positions within the organisation.

We have a number of exceptional opportunities available at the moment, to view them all please visit Careers - STEP.