At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Communications and Engagement Team, delivering strategies and managing democratic functions.
- Company: Join a vibrant Union dedicated to enhancing student engagement and representation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options, professional development opportunities, and a dynamic team environment.
- Other info: Applications close on 30/06/2025; interviews scheduled for 11 July.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on student life while developing your leadership and communication skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in communications, leadership, and a passion for student engagement are essential.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Communications and Engagement Team as our Head of Communications and Engagement. The post will involve supporting the Union to deliver its communications strategy, as well as our democratic functions such as campaigning and leadership elections. You'll lead the Communications and Engagement Team, and work closely with the Union team and University colleagues to ensure that we communicate effectively with our stakeholders.
Main responsibilities:
- Communications:
- Develop and deliver the Union’s overall Communications Strategy
- Develop and deliver effective communication plans for the Union’s projects and priorities
- Ensure that all communications channels are properly evaluated, and provide advice and guidance on which resources or strategies to deploy
- Manage the Union’s marketing and communications channels
- Oversee the Union’s data protection policies, ensuring that staff are aware of their responsibilities
- Responsible for managing the Union’s CRM/CMS, including owning the relationship with our supplier
- Manage the correct application of the Union’s tone of voice across our communications channels, providing guidance, training and support where needed to teams and departments
- Manage the Union’s visual identity through digital, video, and print, regularly reviewing and evolving the visual style
- Regularly gather and communicate the impact made by the Union, including the development of impact reports
- Democratic functions:
- Ensuring that the Union is considered to be legitimately representative of its members by increasing engagement in and the quality of democratic activity
- Responsible for leading the Union’s democratic procedures, for example the annual elections or Annual Members’ Meetings
- Support the Elected Officers to communicate their priorities and campaigns to our members, helping our Officers effectively develop their own personal communications plans to raise their profile across the student community
Deadline: The closing date for applications is 11:59pm on 30/06/2025. We intend to hold interviews on Fri 11 July.
Contact Details:
Oxford Brookes Students' Union Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Communications and Engagement
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Union's current communications strategy and recent campaigns. This will not only help you understand their goals but also allow you to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of the Union, especially those in communications roles. They can provide valuable insights into the team dynamics and expectations, which can be a great advantage when preparing for your interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led communication strategies or campaigns in the past. Be ready to discuss specific metrics or outcomes that demonstrate your impact, as this will showcase your ability to deliver results.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on trends in student engagement and democratic processes within educational institutions. Being knowledgeable about these topics will help you articulate innovative ideas during your interview, showing that you're proactive and forward-thinking.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Communications and Engagement
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Before you start writing your application, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of the Head of Communications and Engagement. Tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience in communications strategy, stakeholder engagement, and democratic processes.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the role and the Union's mission. Use specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your ability to lead a communications team and manage effective engagement strategies.
Highlight Relevant Skills:In your CV, emphasise skills that are crucial for this position, such as strategic communication, project management, and data protection knowledge. Make sure to include any experience with CRM/CMS systems and managing visual identities.
Proofread Your Application:Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is essential for a communications role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Oxford Brookes Students' Union
✨Know the Communications Strategy Inside Out
Make sure you thoroughly understand the Union's current communications strategy. Be prepared to discuss how you would enhance it and what innovative ideas you could bring to the table.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As the Head of Communications and Engagement, you'll be leading a team. Share examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team or project, highlighting your leadership style and how you motivate others.
✨Showcase Your Understanding of Democratic Processes
Familiarise yourself with democratic functions within organisations. Be ready to discuss how you would ensure the Union remains representative of its members and how you would engage them in democratic activities.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations, such as managing a crisis in communication or improving engagement in elections. Think through potential scenarios and your strategic responses to them.
