At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead Kingston University's Corporate Affairs, shaping its voice and influence in higher education.
- Company: Join one of London's most ambitious universities with a strong focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 35 days annual leave, generous pension, and access to thousands of courses.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team driving change and fostering a vibrant research culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by enhancing the university's reputation and stakeholder engagement.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in communications or public affairs with a track record of influencing stakeholders.
The predicted salary is between 56700 - 69300 £ per year.
Shape the voice, reputation and influence of one of London's most ambitious universities. Kingston University is seeking an exceptional leader to shape and lead its Corporate Affairs function at a pivotal moment in the University's development. With a distinctive Future Skills agenda, strong industry partnerships and a growing reputation for innovation and impact, Kingston is entering an exciting new phase.
The University is bringing together communications, public affairs, stakeholder engagement and digital communications under a single strategic leader to create a more connected, influential and outward-facing function. Reporting to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor and joining the Senior Leadership Executive, you will play a key role in shaping and championing Kingston's story. You will bring together talented teams around a shared vision, strengthen the University's profile and influence, and help position Kingston as a leading voice across higher education, industry, government and civic life.
We are looking for a collaborative and strategically minded leader with the credibility, judgement and ambition to operate at the highest levels. You may come from higher education, the public sector, communications, public affairs or a related environment, but you will bring a track record of shaping reputation, influencing stakeholders and leading high-performing teams through change. This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of the Corporate Affairs function within a university that is ambitious, inclusive, innovative and enterprising. Join Kingston University and help strengthen its reputation, influence and impact locally, nationally and internationally.
Why Join us? We offer a range of benefits, including:
- 35 days annual leave - Full time equivalent
- Generous pension scheme (TPS)
- Employee Assistance Programme helps with any work-related problems having a wider impact on your life and gives you access to the savings centre
- Discounts on Perks at Work
- Course fee waiver scheme and discounted courses across the University
- Learn new skills with priority access to thousands of courses via LinkedIn Learning
- Season ticket loans up to £10,000 to help you spread the cost of commuting and get the best value for money
Kingston University values:
- Innovative: To apply new methods or ideas to facilitate progress
- Inclusive: To value the diversity of students and staff, treating them respectfully
- Enterprising: To recognise and act on opportunities
- Ambitious: To pursue excellence for oneself, the University, and our communities
The Academic Services Directorate includes Research & Impact, Knowledge Exchange, Academic Registry, Quality Assurance and Enhancement, the Learning and Teaching Enhancement Centre and Corporate Affairs. Collectively the Directorate supports academics in their research and KE activities and supports some of the University’s governance and decision-making committees, maintains academic regulations, develops and implements academic policies, oversees the quality and standards of academic provision and leads the development of education practices across the University.
The Directorate is responsible for stimulating cutting edge research, impact and knowledge exchange and supporting a vibrant community of graduate research students, to increase the volume, impact and visibility of our research and business activities. We actively liaise with Faculties and researchers to support and develop research activities across all disciplines and provide related training and development opportunities. We foster interdisciplinary working to promote, advance and share knowledge with the overall aim of securing new revenue sources and contributing to regional prosperity. Our goal is to foster and sustain a vibrant research culture in which our researchers and research students can flourish.
As a directorate, we identify opportunities for innovation, see change as an opportunity, value constructive feedback and share good practice across the University. This is a full time, permanent position with a competitive salary. Preliminary interviews are expected to be held on w/c 26th October 2026 and final panel interviews on Tuesday 24 November 2026. For informal enquiries, please contact Dr Maliha Ahmed, Hilda Gjika or Alison Elton.
Director of Corporate Affairs in Kingston upon Thames employer: Kingston University
Kingston School of Art is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and interdisciplinary environment where academic leaders can thrive. With a strong commitment to innovation, inclusion, and academic excellence, employees benefit from collaborative relationships across the university and with industry partners, fostering professional growth and impactful contributions to the creative and cultural sectors. The school's rich heritage and top-ranking status in art and design education provide a unique opportunity for meaningful engagement and development in a supportive community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Corporate Affairs in Kingston upon Thames
✨Get Involved in Industry Events
Jumping into industry events or leadership conferences can really help boost your visibility. Not only will you meet potential employers, but you’ll also get the chance to connect with other leaders in corporate management. Look for local or even virtual events that focus on leadership—every connection counts!
✨Engage in Professional Networks
Join professional management associations relevant to your career goals. These networks often host workshops, panels, and networking events that can put you in front of hiring managers. Plus, they can give you the scoop on upcoming roles, such as the full-time positions with companies like Kingston University.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
When reaching out to potential employers, particularly for leadership roles, demonstrate your leadership capabilities with real examples. Share stories from your previous positions that illustrate how you handled challenges and drove results. This will help you stand out when you apply to places like Kingston University.
✨Tailor Your LinkedIn Presence
Ensure your LinkedIn profile is specifically tailored to corporate leadership. Highlight achievements, showcase relevant content and engage with posts in management groups. This not only builds your credibility but keeps you on the radar of companies looking for candidates like you as they post full-time opportunities.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Corporate Affairs in Kingston upon Thames
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Us Your Leadership Skills:In the corporate leadership and management field, it's essential to highlight your leadership experience. Use your CV to flesh out examples of how you've led teams to success or managed significant projects. We want to see specific instances where your actions made a tangible difference in your previous roles!
Quantify Your Achievements:Numbers talk, especially in management! When detailing your achievements in your CV or cover letter, don’t just say you improved team performance. Instead, say you boosted productivity by 30% over six months through effective strategy implementation. This makes your application pop and shows us what you can bring to Kingston University.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to narrate your professional journey. We’re looking for motivation and a clear understanding of what corporate leadership means to you. Dive into your aspirations and how they align with the values and vision of Kingston University. Make it personal – we want to get to know you!
Tailor Your CV for Management Roles:Ensure your CV reflects the management skills that are essential for this role. Focus on competencies like strategic planning, team building, and problem-solving. Use a clean layout, and don’t forget to align your experiences with those keywords mentioned in the job listing. This will help you stand out from the crowd!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kingston University
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
You’ll want to thoroughly convey your unique approach to leadership. During the interview with Kingston University, be ready to share real-life examples of how you've inspired and motivated teams in the past. Think about specific achievements that illustrate your strategic thinking and your ability to drive results.
✨Brush Up on Management Theories
Expect some technical questions related to management theories and practices. Brush up on concepts like transformational leadership, servant leadership, or situational leadership. Be prepared to discuss how you would apply these theories to the role at Kingston University, especially in the specific context of the challenges they’re currently facing.
✨Craft Your Vision for the Company
Since this is a full-time leadership role, spending time thinking about your vision for Kingston University could really set you apart. Consider potential strategies for growth and how you would lead teams towards achieving them. This shows not just enthusiasm, but also strategic foresight that they’ll likely be looking for in a candidate.
✨Emphasise Team Dynamics and Culture
In corporate leadership, team dynamics and organisational culture are everything. Be ready to discuss how you've fostered a positive work environment in previous roles. Bring up examples of how you've managed diverse teams effectively—this will resonate well at Kingston University as they’re likely seeking a candidate who can enhance their workplace culture.
