At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead communications and public affairs to enhance the University’s reputation.
- Company: Edge Hill University, committed to diversity and community impact.
- Benefits: Generous annual leave, professional development, and a collaborative work environment.
- Other info: This role is currently open only to existing Edge Hill University staff.
- Why this job: Shape impactful campaigns and engage with key stakeholders in higher education.
- Qualifications: Expertise in communications, public affairs, and leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 59576 - 67000 £ per year.
As Associate Director of Communications, you will lead the University’s communications, engagement and public affairs functions, playing a central role in enhancing institutional reputation and strengthening its voice across the higher education sector and beyond. You will be responsible for developing and delivering integrated, insight‑led communications strategies that support the University’s strategic ambitions, ensuring a consistent and coordinated approach across all internal and external activity.
Working closely with senior colleagues, you will provide expert advice, oversee media relations and crisis communications, and drive stakeholder engagement at the highest levels, including policymakers and key influencers. This is a pivotal leadership role where you will shape impactful campaigns, lead corporate communications, and use data‑driven insight to measure success and inform future activity, all while building and developing a collaborative, high‑performing team.
Key Responsibilities:
- Bring significant expertise in communications, public affairs and stakeholder engagement, alongside a deep understanding of the external landscape and emerging sector issues.
- Be skilled in working with senior leaders, providing clear, insight‑led guidance on reputation management, media relations and engagement strategy.
- Be comfortable leading through complexity—managing risk, navigating sensitive issues, and driving proactive communications that align with organisational priorities.
- Have excellent interpersonal and leadership skills, and the ability to inspire high‑performing teams, foster collaboration, and use data and insight to continuously improve performance and demonstrate impact.
At Edge Hill University we value the benefits a rich and diverse workforce brings to our community and therefore welcome applications from all sections of society.
Benefits: A minimum of 48 days annual leave per annum, pro rata (inclusive of
Associate Director of Communications in Ormskirk employer: Edge Hill University
Edge Hill University is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that values diversity and employee well-being. As a Housekeeper, you will enjoy generous benefits including a minimum of 35 days annual leave, access to state-of-the-art leisure facilities, and numerous development programmes to enhance your career. Located in a beautiful campus environment, you will play a vital role in creating a welcoming atmosphere for students and staff while being part of a dedicated team committed to high standards and service excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director of Communications in Ormskirk
✨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 Edge Hill 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 Edge Hill 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 Edge Hill 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 Associate Director of Communications in Ormskirk
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 Edge Hill 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 Edge Hill University.
How to prepare for a job interview at Edge Hill 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.
