Director of Communications

Unialliance; Whitehall (Lehigh County); Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization in higher education is seeking a Communications Director to lead its communications and external affairs strategy. The role involves working directly with the Chief Executive, managing a communications team, and engaging stakeholders to promote the organization's mission. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in PR and public affairs, with experience at national level.

Benefits

30 days holiday plus bank holidays

Generous pension scheme with 9% employer contribution

Flexible working options

£250 wellbeing fund

Life cover

Interest free loan for season tickets

Commitment to staff development

Qualifications

• Experienced communications professional with senior-level responsibilities.
• Strong background in PR, external affairs, and media communications.
• Experience managing teams and developing communication strategies.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of proactive communications strategies.
• Engage with government and key stakeholders to influence policy.
• Manage relationships with media and oversee communication channels.

Skills

Communication

Public Affairs

Media Relations

Team Leadership

Strategic Planning

Education

Degree in Communications, PR, or related field

Job description

Salary £50-£55,000 per annum depending on experience plus excellent benefits

FTE: Full-time (working 37.5 hours per week)

Location: Hybrid with regular access to Central London Office

Duration of Contract:Permanent

University Alliance (UA) is looking for an experienced communications professional to lead the communications and external affairs of the organisation, working closely with the Chief Executive, Policy and Programme Teams, as well as communications and public affairs teams across our growing membership.

This is a senior leadership role working directly to the Chief Executive to develop and deliver a proactive communications and external affairs strategy to promote the UA vision and mission, champion the strengths of our members, secure positive media coverage and generate stakeholder and political influence for our policy messages. In doing this, you will engage Government/s, Parliament, Whitehall, funding councils, sector agencies/bodies, national academies, industry representatives, key sector stakeholders and the media.

You will also provide leadership ambassadorship along with the Chief Executive as part of the Senior Management Team with line management responsibilities for the communications team.

Responsibilities and duties:

• To develop and deliver an effective and impactful communications strategy that brings to life the UA vision, mission and strategies; strengthens further the UA brand and voice; champions the expertise of UA institutions and provides a collective voice for our members on key strategic issues.
  
• To develop and deliver effective external affairs, engagement and campaign strategies to influence Government, Parliament, Whitehall, Devolved Administrations, funding councils, sector agencies/bodies, national academies and industry representatives in support of our agenda.
  
• To work effectively with the UA Policy, Programme and Network Teams to ensure all communications and external affairs activities and engagement are accurate, relevant and impactful.
  
• To build close and trusted relationships with national, specialist and sector media, securing consistent and positive media coverage for our policy messages, effectively managing, and rebutting negative stories.
  
• To oversee all UA’s owned (and earned) channels and events to ensure content is relevant, engaging and impactful for current and prospective audiences.
  
• To build an effective and trusted network of communication and external affairs colleagues across our membership and in the Higher Education sector more widely.
  
• To effectively represent the organisation at key meetings with key partners and stakeholders.
  
• To effectively line manage and develop members of staff.
  
• To play a key role as a member of the Senior Management Team in leading and shaping the longer- term strategic direction of the University Alliance.
  
• To present at Subscriber Member Board meetings on the work of the Communication Team.
  
• Undertake a range of other appropriate tasks as directed by the Chief Executive in line with the role of a Director Communications.

The position will suit candidates with a background in senior PR / external affairs / communications, media, and public affairs role with experience of

• Deploying various communication channels, techniques and content to target and engage specific audiences
  
• Managing and developing effective teams/ individuals
  
• Working at senior / national level and with Government and / or politicians and senior stakeholders

Principal location of work: UA operates an agile working model where staff have the option to work remotely with access to a Central London ‘touchdown’ space for times when physical presence is required or preferred for performing job roles.

• 30 days’ (plus bank holidays) as well as additional time off between Christmas and New Year (pro rata for part-time).
  
• Generous pension scheme with a 9% employer contribution.
  
• Flexible working options.
  
• £250 wellbeing fund to support your health and wellbeing.
  
• Life cover providing lump sum payment equivalent to 3 times basic annual salary.
  
• Interest free loan for season tickets.
  
• A commitment to investing in and developing staff.

Right to work in the UK

If you are successful in your application, you will be required to demonstrate your right to work in the UK. The latest information about your right to work in the UK is available on the UK government website here

University Alliance is unable to sponsor candidates.

How to apply

Closing date: 11.59pm Sunday 29 June 2025

Interview date: Interviews via MS Teams

Second interviews: TBC

The selection process will include an interview, and a task to be confirmed on invitation to interview.

To apply, please send the following via email with the subject line: Communications Director to [e-mail]

• An up-to-date CV of no more than two sides of A4.
  
• A cover letter of no more than two sides of A4 addressing why you are interested in working for University Alliance and how your knowledge, skills and experience meets the requirements of the role.

Please also mention where you saw the job advertised.

Please submit yourapplication as soon as possible to avoid disappointment as we reserve the right to close vacancy prior to the published closing date. If you have not heard from us within 28 days of the closing date, please consider that you have not been successful at shortlisting stage.