At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic communications to enhance the University's reputation and engage key stakeholders.
- Company: A prestigious University with a commitment to excellence and innovation.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team and make a significant impact on the University's outreach.
- Why this job: Shape the future of communications in a dynamic academic environment.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in strategic communications within large organisations.
The predicted salary is between 58500 - 71500 £ per year.
This senior level, strategic communications role is suited to professionals with significant leadership experience in large, high profile and complex institutions and used to working across large and varied portfolios, often at pace.
You will guide, advise and develop strategies and plans focused on building and managing the University's reputation internationally, nationally and regionally with key audiences and stakeholders.
You will chiefly be working with senior colleagues on a breadth of strategic activity but will also make a significant contribution to leadership and development of the communications team and a pan-University strategic communications community of practice.
You will provide professional communications advice and guidance and will identify and propose strategic communications solutions to opportunities and challenges. You will have high professional standards, excellent communications, influencing and leadership skills. You will also be digital communications savvy, with extensive knowledge and experience of devising, delivering and supporting teams to deliver digital communications innovations and activity.
We would be particularly interested in speaking with candidates who have senior level strategic communications experience in large, complex organisations such as, but not limited to, Government departments and agencies.
As an essential part of the role, you will also provide significant support for the Director of Communications and the Head of Corporate Marketing in leading the Marketing and Communications team's 24/7 out of hours function. This involves providing senior level strategic communications guidance and support at evenings and weekends to senior stakeholders and the on-call team for major incidents or matters of reputation.
This full-time role is based in Durham City (Palatine Centre). The University supports hybrid working arrangements with the expectation of two days minimum in the office per week but this could be more according to business need, for example where there are in-person meetings or events on campus. As this role requires depth and breadth of contextual knowledge of the University, including its staff, students and stakeholders, for the first 6-12 months it is expected that you will spend more days working in person in Durham. You will be required to work occasionally from the University's administrative base in Boldon House, Pity Me as appropriate and to travel as per the requirements of the role e.g. to attend or deliver strategic / sector events or meet with key stakeholders.
Head of Communications Full Time in Durham employer: Durham University
Durham University is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative and supportive work culture that fosters professional growth and development. As a Strategic Pre-Award Grants Manager, you will benefit from a dynamic environment that values innovation and teamwork, while also enjoying access to comprehensive training opportunities and a commitment to work-life balance in the vibrant city of Durham.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Communications Full Time in Durham
✨Get Involved in PR Events
Dive into local PR meetups and workshops. Events like these are perfect for getting your face out there, chatting with industry pros, and spotting potential job openings at companies like Durham University. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to learn about trends and make lasting connections.
✨Showcase Your PR Skills
Start building your personal brand as a PR ace. Use platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn to share your thoughts on current events or PR campaigns you admire. Tagging companies you want to work for, like Durham University, can catch their eye—especially if your insights resonate!
✨Leverage Your Network
Reach out to friends, family, or connections in the PR field. Even a casual chat can lead to opportunities. If you've got mutual contacts, ask for introductions when applying. Personal recommendations can give your application a nice little boost!
✨Tailor Your Approach
When applying for a full-time PR role, make sure to research Durham University inside and out. Understanding their campaigns, values, and style allows us to directly align our application and impress during interviews. Don't hesitate to apply through our website—going direct can make a real difference!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Communications Full Time in Durham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get Your Story Straight:In public relations, storytelling is everything! Make sure your CV highlights your experience in crafting compelling narratives and managing media relations. Share specific examples of campaigns you've worked on, and don’t forget to include any press coverage you've generated—it's impressive proof of your skills!
Show Off Your Communication Skills:Since PR is all about communication, we want to see your best writing samples. Include pieces like press releases, blog posts, or social media content that you've created. This gives us a taste of your voice and your ability to convey messages clearly and effectively, which is crucial for a role in this field.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should be more than just a recap of your CV; it’s your chance to shine! Emphasise why PR excites you and how your background fits with the mission of Durham University. Show us that you’ve done your homework and speak to why you’re passionate about the work we do.
Connect the Dots:When you’re writing your application, think about how your past experiences link to the responsibilities of the role. Mention any internships, volunteer work, or projects that involved public speaking, event planning, or strategic communication. This will help us see how you can seamlessly bring your skills into a full-time position at Durham University.
How to prepare for a job interview at Durham University
✨Master the Art of Storytelling
In public relations, storytelling is key. We should prepare compelling narratives about past campaigns or projects we’ve worked on. Think about how we can illustrate our impact and creativity in those stories—be ready to discuss specific examples that showcase our skills in managing media relationships and crafting messages.
✨Know Your PR Tools Inside Out
Familiarity with PR tools like Cision or Meltwater is crucial. We need to be able to discuss how we’ve used these tools in past roles or projects. If we've worked on media lists, press releases, or analytics reports, let’s have those experiences ready to share along with metrics we’ve achieved to back up our claims.
✨Stay Current with Industry Trends
We’ve got to stay sharp on the latest trends and events impacting the public relations field. Having a few insights ready about recent campaigns or shifts in media landscapes can show that we’re engaged and knowledgeable. This will also help us make connections between our experiences and the current state of the industry.
✨Showcase Our Versatility
As full-time PR professionals, we need to demonstrate our adaptability. Be ready to talk about how we've handled challenging situations, managed crises, or adapted strategies on the fly. Employers will appreciate our ability to pivot and find solutions under pressure, so let’s have those scenarios at our fingertips to discuss.
