Head of Student Communications

Head of Student Communications

Manchester Full-Time 42000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and implement a multi-channel student communications strategy to enhance the student experience.
  • Company: Join Manchester Met University, a global leader in education and research with a commitment to inclusivity.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, hybrid work options, and a supportive work-life balance.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on student engagement and community while working in a dynamic, inclusive environment.
  • Qualifications: Strong communication skills, experience in integrated communications, and a passion for higher education are essential.
  • Other info: We celebrate diversity and encourage applications from all backgrounds to foster innovation and equity.

The predicted salary is between 42000 - 60000 £ per year.

As a great university in a great global city, we advance knowledge to benefit society and make higher education accessible to those with the passion to succeed. We bring change through outstanding research and excellent education, evidenced by our gold status in the Teaching Excellence Framework and 90% of our research impact rated as world-leading.

Join us as Head of Student Communications and share your passion to succeed with a world-leader.

We’re looking for a highly experienced communications professional ready to take on a challenging and rewarding role in building a sense of belonging and community with our current students through excellent, high-quality communications.

You will be passionate about enhancing the student experience and keeping our community informed and engaged, driving positive advocacy and satisfaction.

This role is part of the Communications and Engagement leadership team, within the wider External Relations directorate. You will help to develop and deliver the student communications strategy with our body of over 43,000 current students, supporting our goal to be recognised as the university of choice and enhancing our outstanding student experience.

Responsibilities:

  1. Lead, manage and implement the multi-channel student communications strategy for the University to ensure coordinated and effective campaigns and messaging throughout the student experience lifecycle (from enrolment to graduation).
  2. Work in partnership and build positive relationships with key stakeholders from across the University, acting as advisor and communications lead.
  3. Support on issues, reputational and incident communications management.
  4. Manage a team responsible for student communications, including generating content for multi-media channels, social media, digital and other engagement activities.

Qualifications:

  1. Strong, adaptable all round communication skills.
  2. Significant knowledge and experience in executing integrated communications plans across multi-media channels using powerful and creative content.
  3. Proven ability to lead and motivate a team of communications professionals, as well as developing effective working relationships and persuasively communicate at all levels.
  4. Sound experience of managing crisis or incident communications.
  5. A solid understanding of the key issues within higher education, and the context in which the University operates.

You will receive:

  • An excellent reward package that provides a rounded working-life balance alongside the support necessary to take your ambitions to the next level. This includes a starting salary of c.£57,000 (increasing on 1 March 2025), generous pension benefits and 35 days of annual leave per year, plus 8 bank holiday days.
  • As a member of the Communications and Engagement team you’ll be able to work in a variable hybrid way, typically 2-3 days on site (we are all in on Mondays!) with flexibility as needed to attend meetings and events. You’ll be expected to provide out of hours support as needed, with an on standby on call rota provided across the team.

To learn more about this exciting opportunity and benefits we offer, please read the JD and Candidate Pack provided below. Please submit your application along with a covering letter detailing your suitability for the role.

Make a name for yourself and our university in a meaningful career with real-world impact!

Manchester Met University is committed to creating an intentionally inclusive culture of belonging that promotes equity and celebrates diversity. We understand the importance of having a diverse workforce and the benefits it can bring to ensuring diversity of thought and innovation in everything we do. We, therefore, encourage applications from people from ethnic minority groups, disabled people and people who identify as LGBTQIA+.

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Head of Student Communications employer: Manchester Metropolitan University

At Manchester Met University, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our commitment to employee growth is reflected in our generous benefits package, including a competitive salary, 35 days of annual leave, and the flexibility of a hybrid working model. Join us in a vibrant global city where you can make a meaningful impact on the student experience while collaborating with a passionate team dedicated to excellence in education and research.
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Contact Detail:

Manchester Metropolitan University Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Student Communications

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarize yourself with the current trends in student communications and engagement. Understanding what resonates with students today will help you demonstrate your ability to lead effective campaigns that enhance their experience.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with professionals in higher education communications. Building relationships with key stakeholders can provide insights into the university's culture and needs, which is crucial for developing a successful communications strategy.

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your crisis communication skills through examples from your past experiences. Being able to articulate how you've managed challenging situations will highlight your readiness for this role.

✨Tip Number 4

Engage with the university's current communications channels. By understanding their existing strategies and content, you can propose innovative ideas that align with their goals and demonstrate your commitment to enhancing the student experience.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Student Communications

Strong Communication Skills
Team Leadership
Integrated Communications Planning
Multi-Media Content Creation
Crisis Communication Management
Stakeholder Engagement
Strategic Thinking
Adaptability
Project Management
Social Media Strategy
Audience Analysis
Creative Problem Solving
Understanding of Higher Education Landscape
Relationship Building

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Take the time to thoroughly read the job description for the Head of Student Communications position. Understand the key responsibilities and qualifications required, and think about how your experience aligns with these.

Craft a Tailored Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that highlights your passion for enhancing the student experience and your experience in communications. Be sure to address how you can contribute to the university's goals and values.

Showcase Relevant Experience: In your CV, emphasize your previous roles in communications, particularly those involving multi-channel strategies and team leadership. Use specific examples to demonstrate your success in similar positions.

Highlight Your Understanding of Higher Education: Make sure to convey your knowledge of the higher education landscape and the challenges it faces. This will show that you are not only qualified but also genuinely interested in the sector.

How to prepare for a job interview at Manchester Metropolitan University

✨Show Your Passion for Student Engagement

Make sure to express your enthusiasm for enhancing the student experience. Share specific examples of how you've successfully engaged students in previous roles, and discuss your vision for building a sense of community at the university.

✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills

As a communications professional, it's crucial to showcase your strong communication abilities. Prepare to discuss your experience with multi-channel strategies and provide examples of effective campaigns you've led that resonate with diverse audiences.

✨Highlight Your Leadership Experience

Be ready to talk about your experience in leading and motivating teams. Discuss how you foster collaboration and build positive relationships with stakeholders, as this role requires working closely with various departments across the university.

✨Prepare for Crisis Management Scenarios

Given the importance of managing crisis communications, think of examples where you've successfully navigated challenging situations. Be prepared to discuss your approach to maintaining a positive reputation and how you would handle potential incidents at the university.

Head of Student Communications
Manchester Metropolitan University
M
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