Communications Strategy

Description

The Communications Manager is responsible for informing and engaging our community about our construction projects throughout all RIBA stages. They will use strategic, proactive campaign planning with clear key messages and milestones that highlight how each project enables Imperial's academic mission and enhances the community's experience. This will be underpinned by careful definition and understanding of the relevant internal and external audiences, selection of appropriate channels and timing for messages, and coordinated delivery in liaison with communications professionals across the university, including Media and PR colleagues where appropriate. We will also support Property Division colleagues with communications such as messaging and presentations, to ensure their activity aligns with our overarching strategic communication objectives. 

Engagement 

  • For effective communications in planning and delivery, the Project Manager (PM) must engage with a Communications Manager. 
  • The PM must advise the Communications Manager about what budget, if any, is available to support communications activity (e.g. wayfinding/hoardings etc.) to be used during the construction period.
  • The PM must advise the Communications Manager on any known sensitivities around the project. 
  • The PM must also engage separately with the Brand Team (brand@imperial.ac.uk)

Forms & Links

The Communications Manager will update this page to include all major projects: Property Division Current Projects

Approvals & Compliance Review

The PM will have oversight of all communications activities and will give final approval on content at key milestones. The PM will also determine whether communications plans need to be reviewed by the relevant Project Board, again on a case-by-case basis. The Communications Manager will advise, on a case-by-case basis, when senior sign-off within the Communications Division is required. 

Repeated Subsequent RIBA Stages

Communications planning will take into account the full timescale of the project from RIBA Stage 0-7. 

RIBA Stages 0-1

The Communications Manager must be involved from RIBA 0-1 for the project inception/kick-off meeting to determine level of communications support is required.

RIBA Stages 2-4

RIBA 2-4 can typically be light in terms of communication required. At the conclusion of RIBA 4, the PM should re-consult with the Communications Manager to update the communications plan and re-engage communications activities.

RIBA Stage 5

RIBA 5 can require tactical, reactive disruption management in collaboration with operational and project colleagues (e.g. Property Facilities Manager / Campus Director / Academic Lead).

RIBA Stages 6-7

RIBA 6-7 is often the most visible stage for the Imperial community where the Communications Manager will exert effort to celebrate the success and benefits of the project, collaborating with other communications colleagues including the photographer, social media and internal communications teams.