At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead external communications and create impactful campaigns that tell our university's story.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking university challenging the higher education status quo.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days holiday, hybrid working, and access to free online GP services.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse community committed to inclusion and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by enhancing our university's reputation and visibility.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in corporate communications with strong media relations skills.
The predicted salary is between 33700 - 38400 £ per year.
Job overview
Full Time (37 hrs per week) - Permanent - High Wycombe. Salary - £38,784 - £43,482.
HELP US BREAK THE MOULD. We’re not trying to fit in with the higher education status quo. We’re challenging it. We’re doing things differently - because our students, our staff, and our world need us to.
We’re boldly reimagining what a university can be: a place rooted in social mobility, a community where difference is celebrated, and an institution that empowers people to become more than they thought possible. We are looking for someone who can take the lead in telling BNU’s story with clarity and impact. As External Communications Manager, you’ll create campaigns that champion our people, research and achievements while strengthening our reputation.
You’ll build strong relationships with journalists, stakeholders, and colleagues across the University to uncover stories, respond to opportunities and ensure messaging is consistent and compelling. From media coverage to digital platforms, you’ll produce content that informs and inspires - always guided by evidence and insight. With creativity and vision, you’ll play a key role in protecting and enhancing our reputation, and in sharing the story of a University we’re proud to be part of.
What we offer
- a generous holiday entitlement (30 days per annum, plus bank holidays & closure days)
- hybrid working (dependent on business needs)
- access to free online GP
- full contractual family leave and pay from day one
- training & development support opportunities
- contributory pension scheme
- discounted gym membership for our on-site gym
- a range of staff discounts with major retailers.
Please click here to see our wide range of benefits available for employees. Please click here for our behavioural based interview question bank. Please click here to view our employee handbook.
If you have the qualities and attributes representative of the University’s values and ambition, we would be delighted to hear from you. For further information about this role please contact keith.coles@bucks.ac.uk. All applications are to be made in full and online.
BNU is proud to have a diverse community and a strong track record of diversity, equity and inclusion. We are committed to promoting an inclusive and diverse workplace and aim to continue building an environment where everyone thrives and can be themselves. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in BNU’s workforce. These include people from global majority backgrounds, people with disabilities, and LGBTQI+ people, particularly in more senior roles.
Please let us know if you require any adjustments or support during the recruitment process. We are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments that would enable you to perform to the best of your abilities in your role. Please reach out to keith.coles@bucks.ac.uk if you have any specific needs or if you would like more information on how we can support you.
We ensure that our interview/shortlisting Chairs complete the relevant e-learning and/or inclusive recruitment training.
Closing Date: 12 October 2025
Interview Date: 21 or 22 October 2025
If you are successful in securing an interview for the role, you will be required to provide proof of eligibility to work in the UK.
BNU is a Disability Confident employer and as such you will be given the opportunity to declare a disability as part of the application process. The University has achieved the Race Equality Charter Bronze award.
Job Description
Job Title: External Communications Manager
Directorate: Executive & Strategic Relations
Grade: G
Location: High Wycombe
Hours: 37
Responsible to: Senior Communications Manager
Responsible for: N/A
Job Purpose
To support the delivery of the University’s communications strategy by managing external communications activity that enhances BNU’s reputation and visibility across media, government, partners, and the public. The role focuses on proactive and reactive media relations, thought leadership, crisis communications, and storytelling that reflects the University’s strategic priorities. The postholder will work collaboratively with teams in Executive & Strategic Relations and across the University to ensure consistent, engaging, and digital-first messaging. To practice an inclusive approach and support building an inclusive university community where people can be themselves.
Main Duties & Responsibilities
- Develop and execute external communications plans aligned with the University’s strategic goals, ensuring consistent messaging across all owned channels, working collaboratively with Marketing, Creative and Digital to ensure integrated thinking and strategic alignment.
- Work closely with the Internal Communications Manager as needed to ensure alignment between internal and external messaging, and management of any media issues internally.
- Craft compelling press releases, media pitches, website copy, and other content to promote the achievements of BN along with its people, students, research, and stakeholder impact.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists, opinion formers/influencers, and external stakeholders to secure positive media coverage.
- Support the Senior Communications Manager in managing crisis communications and reputational risk, including out-of-hours media response.
- Use analytics tools to monitor sentiment of media coverage and social media; evaluate performance against communications strategies, and report insights to senior leadership.
- Contribute to an out of hours press office service.
- Collaborate with colleagues in academic Colleges to amplify BNU’s course offerings and institutional initiatives through external channels.
- Represent the University at external events, media briefings, and stakeholder meetings, acting as a trusted ambassador.
- Contribute to horizon scanning to identify emerging opportunities or risks in the external environment.
- Ensure all communications comply with relevant legislation and University policies (e.g., GDPR, Equality & Diversity).
- Support internal communications when required, ensuring alignment between internal and external messaging.
- Undertake other duties as required by the Senior Communications Manager.
PERSON SPECIFICATION - Essential Criteria Only
A = Application T = Test I = Interview
Education, Qualifications & Training
Means of Testing
Educated to degree level
A
Knowledge & Experience
Minimum 5 years’ experience in external/corporate communications.
A/I
Proven success in securing media coverage across national, regional, and specialist outlets.
A/I
Experience in crisis communications and reputation management.
A/I
Experience working as part of an integrated Communications and Marketing team
A/I
Demonstrated ability to create engaging content tailored to diverse audiences, consistent with an overall brand position
A/I
Experience of working collaboratively with senior leaders and cross-functional teams.
A/I
Strong understanding of the UK media landscape and political context affecting higher education.
A/I
Familiarity with media monitoring tools and performance metrics.
Skills
Exceptional writing and editing skills with the ability to simplify complex information.
A/I
Strong numeracy skills to interrogate data and identify opportunities and risks.
A/I
Strategic thinker with strong analytical skills to interpret data and shape messaging.
A/I
Confident communicator with excellent interpersonal and stakeholder engagement abilities.
A/I
Skilled in using digital platforms, including media databases and analytics tools.
A/I
Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
A/I
Strong judgement and discretion in handling sensitive information.
Innovative and collaborative approach.
Special Requirements
To provide out of hours press office support
A/I
Behavioural INDICATORS
The BNU Behaviours Framework (BBF) Is a Framework For All University Staff That Sets Out The Key Behaviours That Exemplify The DRIVE Values And Ethos Of The University. The Nine Categories Provide a Clear Steer On Behavioural Expectations That Will Help Support a Step Change In The Performance And Culture Of The University. The Three Key Behavioural Indicators For This Post Are As Follows
Delivering excellent service
Providing the best quality service to external and internal customers/students/stakeholders. Building genuine and open long-term relationships in order to drive up customer service standards.
Working together
Working collaboratively and across boundaries with others in order to achieve objectives. Recognising and valuing the different contributions people bring to this process.
Achieving results
Consistently meeting agreed objectives and success criteria. Taking personal responsibility for getting things done.
Seniority level
- Mid-Senior level
Employment type
- Full-time
Job function
- Marketing, Public Relations, and Writing/Editing
- Industries
- Higher Education
Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Buckinghamshire New University by 2x
Global External Corporate Communications, Senior Manager
High Wycombe, England, United Kingdom 3 weeks ago
We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.
External Communications Manager in High Wycombe employer: Buckinghamshire New University
At Buckinghamshire New University, we pride ourselves on being an innovative and inclusive employer that champions social mobility and diversity. Our vibrant work culture fosters collaboration and creativity, offering generous benefits such as 30 days of annual leave, hybrid working options, and extensive training opportunities to support your professional growth. Located in High Wycombe, you will be part of a community that values every voice and empowers you to make a meaningful impact in higher education.
Contact Details:
Buckinghamshire New University Recruitment Team
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