Director of Communications and Reputation (Interim – 12 months contract)

Rolling applications – Apply now

Position: Full-Time. Minimum 60% on campus in Birmingham, with flexibility, some international travel may be required

Salary range: Up to £86,000. 

The University of Birmingham is a comprehensive research-intensive institution, ranked in the top 100 universities globally, and home to a diverse community of over 41,000 students from 150 countries and more than 9,000 staff. A £1bn organisation, our heritage as Britain’s first civic university combines with an ambitious contemporary agenda to continue our transformation and become a global top 50 institution. Over 92% of our research is rated world-leading or internationally excellent; our five research themes focus on a thriving planet, life-changing technologies, connecting cultures, global health and a fairer world. We are bolstering our academic quality even further with the recruitment of outstanding new Anniversary Chairs and Fellows. We are the most targeted UK university by graduate employers and are a diverse community, with staff and students from Birmingham and the West Midlands, across the UK and around the world. We played a leading role in the hugely successful Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, confirming our long-standing role at the heart of a dynamic and thriving city region. This is an exciting time to join the University as it celebrates its 125th anniversary with a diverse, year-long programme of activities and engagements.

We are seeking an exceptional communications leader and professional to fulfil the role of Director of Communications and Reputation (on a 12 month contract) leading a team of 25 people, responsible for Media Relations, Public Affairs, Research Communications, Brand, Campaigns and International Reputation, Social Media and Web Content, Stakeholder Engagement, and Internal Communications. Reporting to the Director of External Relations, this position will also provide line management to two Deputy Directors responsible for these areas as well as to the Heads of Marketing and Communications based in the University’s five Colleges, to ensure cohesive, collaborative, effective and efficient delivery of the University’s strategic priorities across these areas.

The post holder will have strategic oversight of this diverse portfolio and will be a senior champion to drive our communications and reputation activity to help ensure strategic success. The successful candidate will be an experienced and creative leader, comfortable at operating at a senior level within the University, working closely with members of University Executive Board to ensure there is alignment across shared agendas around research, reputation, and engagement. 

The University is committed to building a fully inclusive and diverse community. We welcome and encourage applications from candidates from all backgrounds with the qualifications and experience to undertake this role, including under-represented groups.  

To apply please submit your CV via https://candidates.perrettlaver.com/vacancies/ quoting reference 7852. We will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis, so early submissions are advised. For an informal conversation please contact Harvir Bain at Harvir.Bains@perrettlaver.com.  

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