Head of Communications

Birmingham City University ;, United Kingdom

Updated: over 2 years ago
Location: Birmingham, ENGLAND
Job Type: FullTime
Deadline: 10 Oct 2021

Location: University House

Salary: £51,855 to £56,364 per annum

Permanent

Closing Date: Sunday 10 October 2021

Interview Date: Tuesday 26 October 2021

Reference: 092021-413

Our new Head of Communications will play a leading role in how we tell our distinctive story to a range of audiences, developing the reputation of Birmingham City University as a place to study and an institution making a significant impact on the city, region and beyond.

Overseeing the fast-paced work of our communications team, you will direct our ambitious External Relations activities and lead our innovative Internal Communications team, which oversees both staff and student communications. You will also drive forward the rapidly emerging work of our Alumni Relations team, forging links with our graduates to feed back into recruiting new students and enhancing the experience of our current students. 

Reporting to the Deputy Director of Marketing and Communications, you will work closely with our Vice-Chancellor’s Office, promoting the University’s 2025 Strategy and the institution’s influence, externally and internally. You will also play a crucial role in how we support our Chancellor, Sir Lenny Henry, in his work with the University. 

You will maintain our focus on public affairs and corporate social responsibility, promoting links with key political, business and higher education figures, and ensuring BCU is at the heart of major developments across the region, including the Commonwealth Games, coming to Birmingham in 2022.  

Main duties and responsibilities:

  • Lead the development and implementation of effective external communications strategies, including innovative and proactive media relations activity.
  • Maintain and develop highly effective internal relations, ensuring our staff and student community is well informed and engaged in the direction and activities of the University.
  • Work closely with the Vice-Chancellors Office to profile senior leaders of the University internally and externally, and promote their strategic objectives.
  • Build BCU’s reputation and deliver effective responses to reputational risk and crisis management. 
  • Deliver a proactive public affairs strategy, featuring lobbying, stakeholder development and an approach to corporate social responsibility that builds reputation. 

    • Requirements for the role:

    • Honours degree or equivalent and a full professional qualification and/or equivalent experience relevant to the role.
    • Significant experience as a senior communications professional.
    • Experience of managing teams and driving performance, with the ability to motivate and provide  professional leadership.

    • Highly developed verbal and written communication skills with the ability to deliver high-quality content to a wide variety of audiences and across multiple channels.

    You also should be able to demonstrate:

    • A strategic approach with the ability to develop PR, public affairs and communications strategies, and a track record of delivering operational plans.
    • Strong knowledge of how best to use digital channels for effective communications.
    • Good news judgement and an ability to identify key messages and story angles.

    To apply for this role, please complete the online application and upload a copy of your CV. Candidates are advised to remove any personal information to ensure a fair and transparent recruitment process.


    Similar Positions