At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead communications and engagement strategies for a diverse international university network.
- Company: ACU, a prominent voice in higher education and international development.
- Benefits: Generous leave, pension scheme, professional development, and health programmes.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in global education and sustainable development.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in strategic communications and membership engagement at a senior level.
The predicted salary is between 64000 - 70000 £ per year.
The Head of Communications and Engagement leads ACU's external voice and its member engagement function, ensuring that our member universities experience ACU as a present, credible and valuable partner.
This role is the primary custodian of how ACU communicates with the world and how relationships with members, stakeholders and partners are built, maintained and deepened.
You will develop and lead an integrated communications and engagement strategy, ensuring all activity is strategically aligned, well-coordinated and delivered with maximum impact.
Working closely with the Director, you will provide leadership in shaping the external affairs of the ACU, finding new and creative ways to communicate ACU's work and impact, strengthen our position with key audiences and platform our advocacy messages within the sector and with key decisions makers including at major multilateral forums.
You will oversee marketing efforts to drive participation with our member opportunities and for our managed programmes and will be responsible for contract fulfilment for a range of external clients.
You will also lead on internal communications in support of our people and culture agenda.
Working with the Head of Membership and Events and Head of Policy and Research, you will be jointly responsible for the membership strategy, leading an international engagement team to ensure that our offer is visible to members, and our diverse and geographically dispersed network feel engaged and see the value of membership.
Who are we looking for?
- We are looking for an experienced senior leader who can bring a strategic and an integrated approach to communications and engagement, enjoys working in a collaborative international environment and who will foster creativity and innovation to deliver maximum impact.
You will
- Bring a track record of leading integrated communications strategies in complex contexts, alongside experience of membership engagement or institutional relationship management at a senior level.
- Have worked at senior level in marketing or communications, be skilled in devising and implementing successful communication strategies and plans, audience segmentation, content creation, delivery and the use of the various channels for effectiveness
- Be comfortable holding the strategic and the relational in equal measure, and understand that in a membership organisation, communications and engagement are two sides of the same endeavour.
- Be a strategic thinker, know how to use data and insight to direct a team's activity, and understand how to design an engagement model that utilises personalised account management and varied communications channels to reach diverse audience segments with targeted messages
- Be comfortable leading a small, dispersed team- including a network of regional engagement leads across ACU's core geographies - setting strategic direction and supporting consistent standards and autonomous delivery
- Be energised rather than daunted by breadth: moving between brand strategy and member retention, hands-on delivery and team leadership
- Join the ACU as Head of Communications and Engagement and use your expertise and experience to help us in our mission to be the voice of Commonwealth universities, supporting them to collaborate and to advance their contribution to sustainable development.
Working at the intersection of higher education and international development, The ACU offers a unique opportunity to make a real difference.
We are one of the largest, most diverse international university networks, bringing together over 400 members in more than 40 countries, and our official role within the Commonwealth and United Nations affords an impactful platform for advocacy and strategic partnerships.
- We see equity, diversity and inclusion as fundamental to our mission and we value the many different perspectives that people from all backgrounds bring to our collective performance (you can find more about our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and safeguarding on our website by clicking here).
- We believe in investing in all our people and creating cultures in which everyone can thrive. We offer a fantastic package of benefits including:
- 27 days annual leave, 8 bank holidays (pro rata - part-time employees) and 4 Christmas closure days
- Generous pension scheme - 5% employee contribution, 10% employer contribution
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, and shared parental leave
- Significant investment into your personal and professional development
- Regular social activities
- Health and wellbeing programmes
- Give as you earn charitable donations scheme
- Cycle to work scheme
- Interest-free travel season ticket loan
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Head of Communications and Engagement in City of Westminster employer: The Association
The Association is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the well-being of both employees and the communities they serve. With flexible working arrangements, generous employee benefits, and opportunities for professional growth, this role as a Stroke Support Coach in North-West England allows you to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a fulfilling work-life balance.
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We think this is how you could land Head of Communications and Engagement in City of Westminster
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We think you need these skills to ace Head of Communications and Engagement in City of Westminster
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!
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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 The Association. 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 The Association.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Association
✨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.
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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.
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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.
