Company: The University of Manchester
Location: Manchester
Job Description:
Overview
In this role you will lead communications, marketing and engagement for the University, partnering with the President and senior leaders to strengthen reputation and broaden global understanding of research, education, and societal impact. You will drive an integrated, audience-focused agenda across channels and transform the directorate to enable cross-functional delivery, digital modernization, and strategic influence.
Responsibilities
- Advise senior leadership on communications, engagement and reputation
- Develop an integrated, cross-functional communications strategy across internal/external channels
- Transform the directorate: shape structure, capabilities and ways of working
- Lead digital, data, automation and AI-enabled campaigns to improve engagement
- Oversee media relations, public affairs, brand, campaigns, social media and creative services
- Strengthen relationships with audiences, communities and partners to attract students and colleagues
- Ensure collaboration across central and local teams for effective delivery
- Guide the organisation through complex, high-stakes issues with sound judgement
Key requirements
- Substantial senior leadership experience in communications, marketing, corporate or external affairs
- Track record of delivering strategies that strengthen organisational profile and engagement
- Experience advising chief executives or boards and operating in scrutinised environments
- Outstanding communication and relationship-building abilities
- Experience transforming multidisciplinary functions and building new capabilities
- Technologically confident with evidence of digital and social media campaigns and understanding of emerging technologies
- Experience in higher education or other complex, knowledge-intensive organisations (HE experience welcome but not essential)
- Relationship builder
- Inclusive leadership
- Collaborative mindset
- Digital platforms expertise
- Data-driven campaigns
- Automation and AI in campaigns
…
Posted: October 21st, 2026