At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and improve student communications across the university lifecycle.
- Company: Aston University, a vibrant campus in Birmingham with a dynamic culture.
- Benefits: 30 days annual leave, discounts, gym access, and excellent training opportunities.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to inclusivity and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on student experience and shape effective communication strategies.
- Qualifications: Experience in multi-channel communications and strong editorial judgement required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Students receive hundreds of messages during their time at university. Some matter deeply. Some get ignored. Some arrive too late. Some arrive all at once. At Aston University, students receive a high volume of communications throughout their journey from enrolment to graduation. The quality, timing and coordination of those communications can have a direct impact on the student experience.
We are seeking an experienced Student Communications Manager to lead and improve complex communications activity in a large, fast-moving university environment. This role is suited to a communications professional with a strong track record of planning and delivering coordinated, multi-channel communications that influence behaviour, improve experience and support organisational priorities. You will help shape how Aston University communicates with students across the full student lifecycle, working with colleagues across the institution to bring greater structure, consistency and strategic purpose to high-volume communications activity at scale.
This is a role for someone who can operate confidently in a complex environment, exercise sound judgement and improve ways of working rather than simply deliver routine communications activity. The successful candidate will bring strong editorial judgement, credibility with stakeholders and the confidence to lead better practice across teams. They will be comfortable working through ambiguity, aligning competing priorities and ensuring communications are clear, timely and effective. This is an opportunity to make a visible contribution to the student experience and to help shape a more joined-up, effective approach to student communications across the University.
Key responsibilities- Plan and coordinate student communications across the student lifecycle
- Help shape a more strategic and joined-up approach to student communications across the University
- Manage communications activity across channels including email, digital platforms, student portals and on-campus communications
- Write, edit and quality assure clear, engaging and audience-focused communications
- Work across teams to improve coordination, reduce duplication and align messaging
- Develop and maintain a central communications calendar to support planning and prioritisation
- Use insight, feedback and data to improve communications effectiveness and student engagement
- Support communications activity during sensitive, high-profile or fast-moving situations
If you have the experience, judgement and collaborative approach needed to succeed in this role, we would welcome your application.
Aston University is a dynamic and vibrant campus located within Birmingham city centre, which has excellent transport links via bus or train. Excellent training and development opportunities. A generous annual leave scheme with 30 days bookable leave and a further 13 days bank holiday and University Closure days. Everyday discounts to a number of activities and retailers. Great family friendly policies. On site gym and pool with discounted staff membership available.
This role may meet the requirements for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. If you require sponsorship, Aston University will assess eligibility if you are shortlisted for the role. Please note we are unable to confirm individual eligibility before shortlisting.
Anonymous shortlisting will be carried out for this role as part of Aston University’s commitment to equality and diversity and ensuring a fair and consistent approach to recruitment. Personal details that are included on application forms, including the candidate’s name and address will not be disclosed to the shortlisting panel. CVs will not be considered as part of the shortlisting process.
The University celebrates the rights of freedom of speech and academic freedom and is committed to maintaining and protecting these rights within the law. An offer to work at Aston University will never be denied on the basis of an individual’s lawful expression of their beliefs, ideas or opinions. Aston University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. It promotes equality and diversity in all aspects of its work. We strive to have robust inclusivity strategies in place, to encourage colleagues to have the confidence and freedom to be themselves in the workplace.
For more information, visit: Inclusive Aston
Guidance on AI-Assisted Applications: While we cannot prevent applicants from using AI tools to support their application, we ask that all submissions reflect your own experience, achievements, and motivations. We want to understand what you personally bring to the role, so please ensure your application represents your own voice and capabilities.
We recognise the value of flexible working. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss what flexible working options are available for particular roles. If you require the job details document or an application form in an alternative format please contact the recruitment team at recruitment@aston.ac.uk
Student Communications Manager in Birmingham employer: Aston University
Aston University is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work environment in the heart of Birmingham with excellent transport links. Employees benefit from generous annual leave, comprehensive training and development opportunities, and a strong commitment to equality and diversity, fostering a culture where everyone can thrive. With access to on-site facilities like a gym and pool, as well as family-friendly policies, Aston University prioritises employee well-being and professional growth, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in student communications.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Student Communications Manager in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Aston University on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the role and help us stand out in the application process.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your best communication projects. Whether it’s emails, newsletters, or campaigns, having tangible examples will impress the hiring team and demonstrate your expertise.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get ready for the interview by rehearsing common questions related to student communications. We can even do mock interviews with friends to boost our confidence and refine our answers.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we can tailor our submission to highlight how our experience aligns with Aston University's goals and values.
We think you need these skills to ace Student Communications Manager in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Communication Skills:As a Student Communications Manager, your ability to communicate clearly is key. Make sure your application reflects your strong editorial judgement and showcases your experience in crafting engaging messages that resonate with students.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight how your experience aligns with the specific responsibilities mentioned in the job description. We want to see how you can bring structure and strategic purpose to our communications.
Use Data to Your Advantage:Mention any experience you have with using insights and data to improve communication effectiveness. This role is all about enhancing the student experience, so showing us how you've done this before will definitely catch our eye!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Aston University!
How to prepare for a job interview at Aston University
✨Know Your Audience
Before the interview, take some time to understand Aston University's student demographics and communication needs. Familiarise yourself with their current communication strategies and think about how you can enhance them. This will show that you're not just interested in the role but also invested in improving the student experience.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully planned and executed multi-channel communications in the past. Highlight your ability to coordinate complex activities and align messaging across different teams. This will demonstrate your capability to lead and improve communications at scale.
✨Emphasise Collaboration Skills
Since this role involves working across various teams, be ready to share instances where you've effectively collaborated with others. Talk about how you’ve managed competing priorities and improved ways of working. This will illustrate your ability to navigate a complex environment and foster teamwork.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about handling sensitive or high-profile communications. Think through potential scenarios and how you would approach them. This will help you convey your sound judgement and ability to communicate clearly and effectively under pressure.
