Director of Communications

The University of Manchester is part of the prestigious Russell Group of universities and highly respected across the globe as a centre of teaching excellence and research innovation and discovery.

With 25 Nobel Prize winners among our current and former staff and students, we have a history of world firsts, with our impact ranging from splitting the atom to giving the world graphene.

Our purpose is to advance education, knowledge and wisdom for the good of society, putting our three core goals of research and discovery, teaching and learning, and social responsibility at the heart of everything we do.

The Director of Communications will help lead the University of Manchester’s Comms, Marketing and Student Recruitment directorate during a pivotal period of change.

By line managing key communication leaders, the role holder will ensure a cohesive, impactful and strategic approach to internal and external communications.

They will also work closely with the Executive Director of Communications, Marketing, and Student Recruitment to develop and embed a plan that aligns with the University’s new 10-year strategic period, while also supporting other change processes.

The role-holder will protect and enhance the profile and reputation of the University as a leading centre of research and scholarship through the development of strategies that communicate the positive impact of our activities in support of our strategic goals.

They will communicate and engage with our community of staff, students, alumni and external stakeholders, through the development of timely and relevant internal and external communications to build and support a powerful group of advocates, ambassadors and influencers.

In liaison with the Executive Director, the role-holder will provide advice and support to senior leaders (particularly the President and Vice-Chancellor and the Registrar, Secretary and Chief Operating Officer) on corporate communications and messaging, in support of the achievement of the goals outlined in the University’s vision and strategic plan, with an emphasis on equality, diversity and inclusion.

This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated individual looking to advance their career in a collaborative and forward-thinking environment.

We are looking for a highly skilled and experienced Director of Communications , we want a candidate that has experience of:

• Extensive knowledge of strategic communications planning and execution in a large, complex organisation
• Understanding of higher education sector challenges and opportunities
• Track record of leading and delivering during periods of change
• Proven experience leading high-performing communication teams
• Experience working at a senior level with leadership teams
• Strong background in media relations, stakeholder engagement, and crisis management
• Managing and integrating a similar breadth of portfolio
• Strong leadership and people management skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities
• Ability to develop and implement communication strategies that align with organisational goals
• Ability to be bold and opportunistic
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments and influence senior stakeholders
• Strong problem-solving skills with a proactive, solution-oriented approach
• A commitment to the values of inclusion, sustainability, and social responsibility
• Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced and dynamic environment

As one of the leading Universities our employees enjoy exclusive access to excellent benefits and schemes including:

• Generous annual leave allowance, including Christmas/New Year closure
• Pension scheme membership to provide benefits for you and your family
• Well-being programme with counselling, fitness and leading sports facilities
• Learning and development opportunities
• Season ticket loans for public transport
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Workplace nursery scheme
• Staff recognition schemes
• Staff discounts on a range of products and services including travel and high street savings

As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments will be made on merit.

We reserve to right to close the advert early in the instance that we receive a high volume of suitable applicants.

Any CV’s submitted by recruitment agencies will be treated as a gift.

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:

Name: Jen Pass, Talent Acquisition Business Partner

Email: Jennifer.pass@manchester.ac.uk

General enquiries:

Email: People.Recruitment@manchester.ac.uk

Technical support:

https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date. We reserve to right to close the advert early in the instance that we receive a high volume of suitable applicants.