Director of External Affairs

Overview

Responsible to: Vice Principal (Strategy and Planning)

Responsible for staff across four teams:

• Alumni & Fundraising
• Communications & Events
• Marketing
• The Gatehouse Design and Print Studio

Principal Duties

• Oversee the delivery of successful marketing strategies, high profile campaigns and proactive values- based engagement covering student recruitment, marketing, digital advertising, social media, communications and public affairs.
• Build internal and external partnerships to facilitate the successful strategy and campaign delivery.
• Promote our Vision and Strategy with enthusiasm and credibility across multiple platforms to key stakeholders, alumni, opinion formers and decision makers within the government, industry community, business and charity sectors.
• Provide high level strategic advice to support the development and long term cultivation of the University’s brand and identity across a large and complex organisation.
• Enhance our public affairs capacity and advising the Executive and members of the Board on all aspects of media relations; marketing; external communication and brand management.
• Develop and manage an Insights and Analytics plan to identify key areas of opportunity and to understand the effectiveness of our External Affairs activity.
• Oversee the development of integrated digital content, including the creation, adaption and distribution of content across digital platforms and social media channels, ensuring extensive research and engagement.
• Lead and inspire teams of professionals to provide a broad array of communications, marketing and public affairs functions and support long-term skills and development to enhance in-house capacity and capability.
• Demonstrate thought-leadership in areas relevant to higher education policy and being able to identify key trends while being able to shape a University-wide response.
• Develop prioritised plans and targets and using creativity to maximise the impact and value of paid-for multi-media campaigns across all communication channels.
• Work effectively with colleagues from across the institution to oversee the development of high quality, joined up media and editorial content and nurturing effective communications; PR and media relations which clearly reflect the institutional brand identity and strategic priorities for a range of audiences.
• Oversee the contracting of external services and regularly monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of marketing, communications and all forms digital activity.
• Manage crisis communications and advise senior decision-makers as necessary.
• Contribute to a University wide events programme to engage internal and external audiences and enhance the University’s profile and reputation.
• Work collaboratively with existing networks to influence public affairs, and respond to and shape local and national policies.
• Advocate on behalf of the University to influence public disclosure and to communicate effective narratives linked to our mission and values.

Person Specification

Qualifications and Professional Memberships

Educated to degree level, with a relevant postgraduate and/or chartered professional qualification or equivalent experience.

Discipline  and Sector Expertise

• Significant experience of a broad product range, across marketing, communications and public affairs
• Significant knowledge and a proven track record in the successful management and delivery of marketing, brand, insights and analytics
• Knowledge of all marketing channels – social, digital, aggregators and traditional print and above the line channels
• Knowledge of key issues facing the UK higher education sector in relation to marketing, brand management and partnership development
• A sound understanding of public policy, the fundraising sector and the legal and financial aspects of marketing.

Leadership and Management Expertise

• Excellent leadership, business and management skills with an understanding of the management of a large and complex organisation
• An inspirational leader with experience of achieving results through effective change management, both within teams and across organisations
• Collaborative approach with the ability to motivate, manage and bring out the best in individuals and ultimately multiple teams
• Strong commitment to deliver and promote the University’s values around Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
• Experience of engaging with, and influencing, multiple audiences and stakeholders
• Evidence of resilience, tact and diplomacy in high profile and unpredictable situations
• A company and brand ambassador with a track record of developing external relations for a large scale organisation
• Evidence of successful strategy development and implementation.
• Experience of financial management, business improvement and strategy development with strong skills in digital and IT

How to apply

We have engaged the services of Talent Acumen to support the us with this recruitment process.

To apply, submit a CV and covering letter, detailing how you meet the requirements of the role to David.murphy@talent-acumen.com or call 07707 808951 for an informal discussion.