Senior Communications Officer

De Montfort University; Leicester; On-site; GBP 39,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK university is seeking an experienced communications professional to lead the development and delivery of proactive communications aligned with strategic objectives. The role requires a strong ability to advise and influence senior stakeholders and to navigate complex situations with professionalism. Ideal candidates will have significant experience in communications, strategic thinking, and a collaborative approach. The salary ranges from £39,906 to £43,482 per annum.

Benefits

Trusted professional judgement

High-impact communications activity

Supportive team environment

Qualifications

• Significant experience delivering communications in complex organizations.
• Ability to advise and influence senior stakeholders.
• Experience in handling sensitive and high-pressure situations.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and delivery of proactive communications.
• Shape conversations and influence decisions.
• Evaluate impact to inform continuous improvement.

Skills

Communication skills

Strategic thinking

Advisory skills

Collaboration

Job description

Main duties and responsibilities

De Montfort University (DMU) is an ambitious, globally‑minded institution with a strong focus on delivering quality teaching and learning and a campus‑wide focus on providing a sector‑leading student experience. As a culturally rich university with a deep commitment to the public good, the DMU community strives to maintain a stimulating and inclusive environment where staff and students are able to thrive. The University prides itself as being a vibrant, multicultural hub of learning, creativity and innovation.

Role

You will lead the development and delivery of proactive communications and engagement activity aligned to strategic objectives, acting as a trusted adviser to senior stakeholders by shaping conversations and influencing decisions. You will support stakeholders to define clear communications objectives before solutions are agreed, while championing an audience‑first approach and acting as a gatekeeper for staff and student audiences. You will design thoughtful, insight‑led communications strategies, adapting tone, messaging and channel choice to suit different audiences, contexts and levels of sensitivity, and produce high‑quality content across digital, social, intranet, email and campaign channels. You will navigate sensitive, high‑profile or ambiguous situations with professionalism and sound judgement, evaluate impact to inform continuous improvement, and work collaboratively within the communications team by sharing information, flagging issues early and contributing to effective prioritisation.

Ideal Candidate

We’re looking for experienced communicators who bring credibility, clarity and confidence, and who understand the responsibility that comes with shaping messages for large and diverse audiences. You will have significant experience delivering communications in a complex organisation, with a proven ability to advise, influence and constructively challenge senior stakeholders. You will demonstrate strong strategic thinking, translating big‑picture priorities into effective operational delivery, and clear experience of adapting tone, messaging and approach for different audiences. You will bring a strong audience‑first mindset, understanding communications as both a gatekeeping and advisory function, alongside experience handling sensitive, ambiguous or high‑pressure activity. You will show excellent judgement around tone, timing, channels and audience needs, and take a collaborative, transparent approach with a commitment to keeping colleagues informed. Experience in higher education or the public sector is desirable, but not essential, and we welcome applications from experienced communications professionals across sectors.

Why join us?

• You’ll be trusted to use your professional judgement
• You’ll work on meaningful, high‑impact communications activity
• You’ll have space to think strategically, not just deliver outputs
• You’ll be part of a professional, supportive team that values openness and collaboration
• You’ll influence how communications is practised across the organisation

If you’re an experienced communications professional who values thoughtful, audience‑led work and strong team dynamics, we’d welcome your application.

To view the job description and person specification, please click here.

£39,906 to £43,482 per annum