Executive Communications Manager

The University of Manchester; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious university in the UK is seeking an experienced Communications Manager to spearhead executive communications for the President & Vice-Chancellor. This senior role involves crafting high-quality speeches and managing the university's communication strategy to ensure impactful engagement with internal and external stakeholders. The ideal candidate will possess strong executive communication skills, an excellent writing style, and the ability to work effectively with senior leaders. Flexible working arrangements may be available.

Benefits

Market-leading pension scheme

Generous annual leave

Strong learning and development support

Cycle to Work scheme

Qualifications

• Strong experience in executive communications, speechwriting, or senior-level communications.
• Excellent writing style that is clear, persuasive, and adaptable to different audiences.
• Ability to capture the authentic voice of senior leaders.

Responsibilities

• Set and deliver a clear communications plan for the President & Vice-Chancellor.
• Identify and secure opportunities for media appearances and writings.
• Work with internal communications to maintain engagement with staff and students.

Skills

Executive communications

Speechwriting

Interpersonal skills

Judgment and discretion

Adaptability to audiences

Job description

You will work closely with the President & Vice-Chancellor to shape how the University's leadership is heard and understood, inside and outside the institution. You will help support the President as a credible and influential voice in higher education, civic leadership, and national debates that matter to the University and the sector. You will identify the moments that count, shape strong messages, and produce content that reflects the authentic voice of senior leaders. You will advise on emerging issues and responses that protect and strengthen the University's reputation. This role suits someone with sound judgement, excellent writing skills, and the confidence to operate at a senior level.

Key responsibilities

• Set and deliver a clear communications plan for the President & Vice-Chancellor and the University Executive Team, aligned with the University's priorities and its new institutional strategy.
• Identify and secure opportunities for speeches, opinion pieces, media comment, and public appearances.
• Write high-quality speeches, articles, blogs, and other content that accurately reflects the voice and intent of senior leaders.
• Work with the internal communications team to maintain a steady rhythm of internal communications with staff and students, including newsletters, video messages, and town halls.
• Anticipate reputational risks and opportunities, and provide clear, practical advice to senior leaders.
• Help shape timely, well-judged responses on sensitive or high-profile issues.

Required experience and skills

• Strong experience in executive communications, speechwriting, or senior-level communications.
• An excellent writing style clear, persuasive, and adaptable to different audiences and platforms.
• The ability to capture and convey the authentic voice of the University's senior leaders.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with senior stakeholders.
• The ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver high-quality work under pressure.
• Good judgement and discretion when handling sensitive or complex issues.

We are looking for an experienced Communications Manager to lead executive communications for the President & Vice-Chancellor and the University Executive Team at The University of Manchester. This is a senior, trusted role at the centre of a world-leading university. You will help ensure the University's leadership engages with clarity and impact with colleagues, students, partners and national and international audiences.

The University of Manchester is recognised globally for its research, teaching, and social impact. We are a member of the Russell Group and ranked 7th in the UK and 35th in the world (QS World University Rankings). We are a global community of more than 44,000 students, 12,800 staff, and 550,000 alumni. Our work tackles some of the world's biggest challenges, and our social and environmental impact is ranked among the best internationally.

Benefits

• A market-leading pension scheme
• Generous annual leave, including Christmas and New Year closure
• Strong learning and development support
• Season ticket loans and a Cycle to Work scheme

We are positive about flexible working, and hybrid arrangements may be available.