Associate Director – Marketing & Communications

British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS); Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 58,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS) is seeking an Associate Director – Marketing & Communications to lead its marketing and communications strategy as a member of the Senior Leadership Team. Reporting to the CEO, you will shape and drive a contemporary approach that increases BUCS’ profile, reach and reputation across higher education and sport.

You will also use your marketing expertise to build commercial potential and support commercial partners, while keeping members’ needs central

Qualifications

• Senior experience leading, developing and motivating others.
• Significant professional marketing experience and a strong understanding of current and emerging practice, audience engagement and channels.
• Experience developing creative marketing approaches that engage students.
• BUCS encourages you to apply even if you do not meet 100% of the person specification.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for BUCS’ marketing and communications functions
• Develop and deliver a strategic programme that increases BUCS’ reach, reputation and influence across higher education and sport
• Develop creative approaches to marketing with and to students to drive entries to BUCS sport events
• Lead corporate and member communications and drive attendance at member events
• Work with the Director of Sport to promote the BUCS sport portfolio through events, broadcast, storytelling and social media
• Use research, insight and data to inform activity and support the annual Impact Report
• Lead the evolution of BUCS’ brand and visual identity
• Work with commercial colleagues to develop propositions and support commercial partners

Skills

Leadership

Marketing

Audience engagement

Student engagement

Job description

British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS) is looking for an Associate Director – Marketing & Communications to lead its marketing and communications strategy as a member of the Senior Leadership Team.

The Role

Reporting to the CEO, you will shape and drive a contemporary marketing and communications approach that increases the profile, reach and reputation of BUCS, supports its strategy and strengthens the value it provides to students, member institutions and partners.

You will also use your marketing expertise to build commercial potential and support commercial partners, while keeping members’ needs central to BUCS’ approach.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for BUCS’ marketing and communications functions
• Develop and deliver a strategic programme that increases BUCS’ reach, reputation and influence across higher education and sport
• Develop creative approaches to marketing with and to students to drive entries to BUCS sport events
• Lead corporate and member communications and drive attendance at member events
• Work with the Director of Sport to promote the BUCS sport portfolio through events, broadcast, storytelling and social media
• Use research, insight and data to inform activity and support the annual Impact Report
• Lead the evolution of BUCS’ brand and visual identity
• Work with commercial colleagues to develop propositions and support commercial partners

About You

• Senior experience leading, developing and motivating others
• Significant professional marketing experience and a strong understanding of current and emerging practice, audience engagement and channels
• Experience developing creative marketing approaches that engage students
• BUCS encourages you to apply even if you do not meet 100% of the person specification

Key Details

• Location: UK-based hybrid, with regular travel to London
• Contract: Permanent, full time
• Salary: Up to £64,000
• Interviews: 1, 3 and 4 December 2026
• Closing date: 19 November 2026 (11:59pm)