Head of Communications

The Russell Group, which represents 24 leading universities in the UK, is currently seeking a Head of Communications. This is a permanent full-time post based in Central London.

The successful candidate will provide high-level strategic support to the Chief Executive on all communications and media issues in a political and policy-led environment. Responsibilities will include:

• Working at a strategic level with senior colleagues at the Russell Group, as well as Directors of Communications and Heads of Public Affairs at our member institutions
• Carrying out strategic planning with regard to communications at the organisation including general horizon scanning and forward planning activities to ensure knowledge systems were fit for purpose
• Monitoring developments in the media and the UK Parliament which impact on Russell Group universities, informing the Chief Executive as appropriate with the aim of enabling the Group to anticipate lines of enquiry and to prepare statements and news releases as appropriate
• Managing a small Communications team and ensuring they take a proactive approach to delivering high quality outputs and impact
• Increasing stakeholder and advocate engagement, including liaising with businesses and increasing communications with member organisations
• Promoting our highly successful brand internationally, speaking at public events, and delivering an increased/improved digital presence for the organisation, as well as taking overall responsibility for conference organisation Candidates will need to demonstrate that they can manage and prioritise a challenging and varied portfolio of work, meet tight deadlines, embrace change, and work cooperatively and flexibly as part of a team. Candidates must be able to demonstrate the following knowledge, skills and experience:
• Applicants will have held the top position in a communications function, engaging directly with the organisational head on strategic issues, not just execution roles
• A solid foundation of working in multiple communications disciplines and effective practitioner skills would be an advantage
• Significant career experience in communications or an adjacent profession is essential
• Experience of managing an external affairs function or operating in a political environment is desirable
• A good understanding of the HE sector both nationally and internationally would be an advantage
• The successful candidate will be able to build relationships within the Russell Group and its member institutions, and externally. They will demonstrate emotional intelligence in their dealings with others
• They will be capable of evaluating complex arguments and taking account of different inputs, but will be able to take decisions in a timely manner

This is a grade E post with a salary range of £63,000-73,000 dependent on skills and experience. A higher salary may be available for an exceptional candidate. The post is based in Central London. Benefits include a generous career average pension, enhanced parental leave/pay and flexible working polices, an interest-free travelcard loan, a cycle scheme, and a subsidised canteen.
 
Closing date for all applications: 5pm, Wednesday 8th January 2020

Only applicants invited to interview will be contacted. If you have not heard by Friday 24th January 2020 your application will not have been successful.

To apply, please submit the following to [email protected] by the deadline:

1) An up-to-date curriculum vitae including:
a. details of your current and past employment including your current salary
b. your degree qualification(s)
c. two references: your current/most recent employer; and a former line manager who
could be contacted during the recruitment process

2) A supporting statement (maximum 750 words) addressing the following two points:
a. how your knowledge, skills and experience meet the requirements of the role
b. why you are interested in working for the Russell Group

3) A completed Equal Opportunities Monitoring form which is also available from our website