Head of Communications

The Wellcome Genome Campus, located nine miles south of Cambridge, is a leading hub for genomic and biodata sciences, situated within a renowned life science cluster. Owned by a world-class endowment fund, the Campus is undergoing a major expansion, growing from 125 acres to 440 acres to become a global centre for cutting-edge science. This development includes new laboratory spaces, residential facilities, hotels, retail, and leisure amenities, positioning the Campus as a vibrant and dynamic community for scientific advancement. As a key driver in this transformation, Wellcome Genome Campus Limited (WGCL) is looking for an accomplished communications professional to lead its strategic communications initiatives. About the Role WGCL is seeking a Head of Communications to take charge of developing and executing a comprehensive communications strategy for the Campus. This is a pivotal role, reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, that will cover public affairs, media relations, internal and crisis communications, brand development, storytelling, and marketing. The successful candidate will be responsible for shaping the public narrative of the Campus, both domestically and internationally, while highlighting its role as a leading centre for genomic science. This role requires a proactive and creative individual who can drive the brand’s evolution, engage with diverse stakeholders, and manage complex communication challenges. The Campus’s global audience, including academic institutions, industry partners, and the general public, expects a compelling and consistent narrative. Key Responsibilities Strategy Development : Lead the creation and execution of a communications strategy that supports both the short-term and long-term goals of the Campus, including media relations, internal communications, and public affairs. Stakeholder Engagement : Engage with a wide range of stakeholders, from local communities and businesses to global scientific organisations and government entities, to promote the Campus’s vision and objectives. Brand Stewardship : Oversee the development of the Campus’s brand identity, ensuring consistent messaging across all channels. Collaborate with external agencies to refine narrative content and visual branding. Digital and Social Media : Lead digital communication efforts, including website development and social media strategies, to enhance the Campus’s visibility and reputation. Crisis Management : Develop and implement crisis communication plans, ensuring readiness for potential PR challenges. About You We are looking for a highly experienced communications professional with 10-15 years in corporate communications, ideally within the science, technology, or real estate sectors. You will have a strong track record in multi-channel marketing, campaign development, and strategic stakeholder management. You should be an innovative problem solver, comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with the flexibility to adapt to changing needs. Why Join Us? This is a rare opportunity to be at the forefront of communicating the story of a world-renowned scientific campus as it transforms into a global leader in genomic research. If you are driven by the potential of science to make a global impact, we invite you to apply and be a part of this exciting journey. To Apply This search is being led by Ellwood Atfield, the leading corporate affairs headhunting specialists. Joshua Gray, project lead, specialises in the search and selection of professionals in public affairs, policy, media and communications. An ex-corporate affairs practitioner, from Cambridge, Joshua led patient and political engagement at the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) and has a strong knowledge of the wider life sciences ecosystem. Please contact Joshua on Joshua@ellwoodatfield.com for more information and submit your CV and cover letter by 2nd January.