Reference: 89043
Date Added: 2 June 2023
Closing Date: 28 June 2023
Job Title: Head of Communications
Working For: The Russell Group of Universities
Location: London
Salary: £66,000 to £75,000
Length of Contract: Permanent
Job Details
The Russell Group is seeking a Head of Communications.
The successful candidate will provide high-level strategic support to the Chief Executive and Director of Policy on all communications and media issues in a political and policy-led environment. Responsibilities will include:
• Working at a strategic level with senior colleagues at the Russell Group, as well as Directors of Communications and Public Affairs at our member institutions
• Carrying out strategic planning with regard to communications at the organisation including general horizon scanning and forward planning activities to ensure knowledge systems were fit for purpose
• Monitoring developments in the media and the UK Parliament which impact on Russell Group universities, informing the Chief Executive and Director of Policy as appropriate with the aim of enabling the Russell Group to anticipate lines of enquiry and to prepare statements and news releases as appropriate
• Managing a small Communications team and ensuring they take a proactive approach to delivering high quality outputs and impact
Candidates must be able to demonstrate the following knowledge, skills and experience:
• Significant career experience in communications or an adjacent profession is essential
• Leading a communications function and engaging directly with the organisational head would be desirable.
• Experience of holding a strategic communications brief would also be desirable.
• Experience of managing an external affairs function or operating in a political environment is desirable
• A good understanding of the HE sector both nationally and internationally would be an advantage
• They will be capable of evaluating complex arguments and taking account of different inputs, but will be able to take decisions in a timely manner
A full vacancy description and our Equal Opportunities Monitoring form are available at: http://russellgroup.ac.uk/about/vacancies/
We welcome applications from people whatever their race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion and belief, or age. We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion as a core part of our values, which are stated in the vacancy description document.
The post is based in our Central London office with flexibility for home working for part of each week.
Closing Date: 28 June 2023
Interview/Start Dates
First round interviews will be held remotely and are likely to be scheduled for the week commencing 17th July 2023.
Candidates selected for the Second round would be required to complete a written exercise before attending an in-person interview in week commencing 24th July 2023.
Application Details
To apply, please submit the following to rg.1@russellgroup.ac.uk:
1) An up-to-date CV (max. two sides of A4) including:
a. details of your current and past employment
b. your degree qualifications
c. two references
2) A cover letter no more than two sides of A4 addressing the following points:
a. how your knowledge, skills and experience meet the requirements of the role
b. why you are interested in working for the Russell Group
3) A completed Equal Opportunities Monitoring form
Website: http://russellgroup.ac.uk