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- Tasks: Lead external communications for Academia & Government, managing media relations and stakeholder engagement.
- Company: Join Clarivate, a leader in research and education communications.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, hybrid work model, and professional growth opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on impactful storytelling and relationship building.
- Why this job: Shape narratives and enhance reputation in academia and government sectors.
- Qualifications: 10+ years of experience in strategic communications and team management.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 100000 £ per year.
Lead on external communications for our Academia & Government segment, including media relations, thought leadership, organic social media, stakeholder engagement and issues management. Ensure alignment with business objectives to enhance our reputation with research, library and student communities. Manage relationships with key stakeholders across the business, including senior leadership. Manage a small team of communications professionals based in Europe. This role reports to the Senior Head for External Communications, sits on the leadership team for Academia & Government revenue marketing, and is part of the global Communications and Brand function.
Job Responsibilities
- Lead and deliver the external communications strategy for the Academia & Government segment, ensuring alignment with business priorities and Clarivate’s corporate narrative, to strengthen reputation with research, library and education communities.
- Oversee media relations for the segment, including proactive storytelling, newsjacking, reactive issue handling, and relationship management with relevant national, trade and international media.
- Develop and manage thought leadership programs that position Clarivate as a trusted partner and authority across academia, libraries and government, working closely with subject matter experts and senior leaders.
- Lead organic social media strategy for the segment, ensuring content is engaging, consistent, aligned with brand guidelines, and supports engagement with priority stakeholder audiences.
- Act as a trusted communications adviser to senior leaders within the Academia & Government business, providing strategic counsel, message development and media preparation as required.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders across the business, ensuring joined‑up communications and effective collaboration with global Communications and Brand teams.
- Ensure all external communications activity is high quality, evidence‑based, and compliant with governance, brand and approval processes.
- Monitor, evaluate and report on the effectiveness of external communications activity, using insight and data to inform continuous improvement and strategic decision‑making.
- Work closely with the Senior Director to manage issues and risk communications, in partnership with legal and senior leadership to anticipate, mitigate and respond to reputational challenges.
About You
You are a strategic external communications leader with significant experience shaping reputation and narrative in complex, knowledge‑led environments. You bring sound judgement, intellectual curiosity and a calm, thoughtful approach to issues and risk. You are comfortable operating at a senior level and a fast pace, advising leaders and influencing across the organisation, while also remaining hands‑on where needed. You value clarity, credibility and evidence, and understand the importance of tailoring communications to highly informed, specialist audiences. You are collaborative, pragmatic and able to balance strategic thinking with delivery.
10+ years experience
- Experienced people manager
- Background in research, education or scholarly publishing preferred
It would be great if you also have…
- Experience working within academia, libraries, research, education, government or scholarly publishing, with a strong understanding of the sector landscape and stakeholder expectations.
- A strong track record of building trusted relationships with senior leaders and subject‑matter experts.
- Confidence working with data, insight and evidence to inform communications strategy and demonstrate impact.
- Experience working across regions and time zones in a matrixed, international environment.
- Experience handling sensitive issues and reputational risk in complex, global organizations.
About The Team
The role sits within Clarivate’s External Communications function and is part of the wider Communications and Brand team. You will work closely with colleagues across External Communications, Brand, Internal Communications, Digital and Web, as well as with senior leaders across the Academia & Government segment. The Director will manage a small, Europe‑based external communications team and work in close partnership with colleagues across regions to ensure consistent, joined‑up communications.
Hours of work
Full time – 37.5 hours per week. Based out of our London or Cambridge office on a hybrid basis, 2 days per week in the office.
At Clarivate, we are committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all qualified persons with respect to hiring, compensation, promotion, training, and other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment. We comply with applicable laws and regulations governing non‑discrimination in all locations.
Director, External Communications, Academia & Government in Cambridge employer: Clarivate
Contact Detail:
Clarivate Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director, External Communications, Academia & Government in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in academia and government, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Create engaging content on social media that highlights your knowledge in external communications. We recommend sharing insights or articles related to the sector to position yourself as a thought leader.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s recent communications strategies. We want you to be ready to discuss how you can enhance their reputation and align with their business objectives. Tailor your approach to show you understand their needs!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our brand.
We think you need these skills to ace Director, External Communications, Academia & Government in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the Director, External Communications role. Highlight your background in academia or government communications, as this will show us you understand the sector landscape.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves managing a small team, it’s crucial to demonstrate your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past, especially in high-pressure environments.
Be Data-Driven: We love candidates who can back up their strategies with data! Include any relevant metrics or outcomes from your previous roles that showcase your ability to evaluate and improve communication strategies effectively.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! This ensures that your application is seen by the right people and helps us keep track of all applicants efficiently.
How to prepare for a job interview at Clarivate
✨Know Your Audience
Before the interview, research Clarivate's Academia & Government segment thoroughly. Understand their current projects, challenges, and how they position themselves in the market. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate your knowledge of the sector.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Director, you'll be managing a team and advising senior leaders. Prepare examples from your past experiences that highlight your leadership style, how you've built relationships with stakeholders, and how you've successfully navigated complex communications challenges.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about handling sensitive issues and reputational risks. Think of specific scenarios where you've had to manage crises or difficult communications. Be ready to discuss your thought process and the outcomes of your actions.
✨Engage with Thought Leadership
Clarivate values thought leadership in academia and government. Be prepared to discuss your ideas on how to develop and implement effective thought leadership programmes. Share any relevant experiences where you've positioned an organisation as a trusted authority in its field.