Chief Internal & Student Communications Officer

The University of Sheffield; Sheffield; Hybrid; GBP 63,000 - 71,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

41 days annual leave

Hybrid working

Generous pension scheme

Staff discounts and rewards

Development opportunities

Job summary

The University of Sheffield is seeking a high‑impact Head of Communications to lead internal and student communications across a large, research‑intensive university. You will inspire and direct a team of communications professionals, providing strategic guidance to the Vice-Chancellor and senior leadership on engagement and reputation.

You will drive initiatives across complex projects, manage budgets and external partners, and ensure excellent evaluation and continuous improvement in service

Qualifications

• Proven ability to lead strategic staff and student communications within a large organisation.
• Strong knowledge of staff and student audiences and their needs.
• Experience leading and evaluating large cross-university communications projects.
• Ability to provide specialist guidance during crises/incidents and change.
• Proven budgeting and resource management across complex programmes.

Responsibilities

• Develop the strategic approach for internal and student communications with measurable outcomes.
• Provide strategic leadership to Internal and Student Communications teams.
• Lead engagement for large cross-university projects and change programmes.
• Oversee campaigns to drive staff and student engagement, pride and advocacy.
• Lead crisis and incident communications with trained staff and protocols.
• Build relationships with Vice-Chancellor, Executive Board and senior leaders.
• Collaborate with peers and sector bodies to lead engagement across the sector.
• Ensure robust reporting, evaluation and continuous improvement.
• Represent the University on internal and external project teams and committees.
• Manage resources, budget, external agencies and suppliers for value and impact.
• Align CER activities with wider departmental and organisational aims.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Crisis communications

Policy development

Team leadership

Communication strategy

Education

Honours degree in Communications or related subject

Job description

The University of Sheffield is seeking a high‑impact Head of Communications to lead internal and student communications across a large, research‑intensive university. You will inspire and direct a team of communications professionals, providing strategic guidance to the Vice-Chancellor and senior leadership on engagement and reputation.

You will drive initiatives across complex projects, manage budgets and external partners, and ensure excellent evaluation and continuous improvement in service