The Associate Director of External Relations is the strategic lead for our public affairs and related external relations activities. This strategic role is critical in ensuring that the aims and objectives of the Marketing, Recruitment and External Relations (MRER) Directorate are achieved as these in turn ensure that the University achieves its strategic priorities. You will be responsible for working closely with colleagues in the Directorate, with the Vice-Chancellor's Office and with the Vice-Chancellor's Executive Team to ensure that internally the benefits of effective external relations is understood and externally to ensure that key stakeholders are engaged with the university and its civic and societal agenda.

You will lead, manage and direct the work of the team responsible for External Relations. The team comprises: Public Affairs; Alumni, Engagement and Development (Fundraising); University Events and Conferences; the Arts Team. Working closely with the Associate Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Director MRER and alongside colleagues in Student Recruitment and Marketing and Communications, you will liaise extensively with the Academic Schools, the Vice-Chancellor’s Office (including Chair of Council), International and Regional Partnerships Team, Research and Enterprise Team and Strategy leading the development of an External Relations Strategy, ensuring that both overall objectives and those linked to specific university objectives and markets are met. You will advise on, and be recognised as an expert in, appropriate regional and national issues, legislation and developments related to the area. You will also play a key outward facing role in supporting the implementation of the University's joint master plan with Salford City Council.

This is a strategic and challenging role and is an exciting opportunity for the right candidate to use their knowledge, skills and experience to help redefine the way that External Relations is managed at the University of Salford. Working collaboratively across the University, you will have the freedom and flexibility to develop the service in the way you believe will best generate appropriate political intelligence and awareness, donor and friend prospects and leads to support the University's objectives, and to make a significant impact on the attainment of external relations targets and KPI’s.

The successful candidate will have significant experience of Public Affairs / External Relations including developing strategy based on market evidence and have a detailed understanding of legislation and policy developments affecting the areas of higher education and regional development. You will have commercial acumen combined with an eye for detail ensuring that public engagement activities are engaging and memorable helping the university to deliver real cut through and an increased share of voice amongst our key stakeholder groups. Exemplary team working and leadership skills are critical to this post as is the ability to build effective external networks and negotiate with a wide range of staff and other stakeholders.

Should you wish to discuss any aspect of the role or your personal circumstances prior to submitting an application, please contact Hannah Burchell, Deputy Director of Marketing, Recruitment and External Relations, at [email protected].