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- Tasks: Lead strategic engagement and stakeholder strategies to enhance the university's reputation.
- Company: Join the University of Southampton, a leading institution committed to excellence in higher education.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous holiday allowance, and a culture of inclusion and respect.
- Why this job: Shape the future of higher education while showcasing Southampton's impact on society and economy.
- Qualifications: Seeking an external affairs expert with strong leadership and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Other info: Be part of a collaborative team and contribute to a positive work environment.
The predicted salary is between 39000 - 48000 £ per year.
We are seeking an outstanding external affairs expert to lead our strategic engagement with influential individuals, organisations and opinion formers. As our first Head of External Affairs, you will develop and lead a stakeholder engagement strategy that enhances our reputation and showcases our distinctive strengths and real-world impact.
You will map and prioritise political, industry and other key stakeholders, gather relevant insight to inform your approach and provide advice to senior leaders. At this pivotal time for the sector, you will also play an active role in shaping the reputation of higher education, working closely with partners to increase awareness of the vital role of universities in the UK.
You will look for opportunities to position Southampton as an exemplary higher education institution, demonstrating our commitment to skills, employability and enterprise. You will provide strategic counsel to senior leadership on engagement opportunities and reputation management and will establish best practice standards for stakeholder engagement across the University.
You will be a key member of the senior management team within Communications, providing strong professional leadership, support and challenge and contributing to a positive, collaborative team culture. You will be expected to forge strong relationships across the University, working closely with Communications teams and Civic and Policy colleagues to showcase Southampton's economic and social impact.
As we expand globally, you'll guide external affairs activities for our international campuses, embedding best practice principles tailored to each market.
As a university we aim to create an environment where everyone can thrive and are proactive in fostering a culture of inclusion, respect and equality of opportunity. We believe that we can only truly meet our objectives if we are reflective of society, so we are passionate about creating a working environment in which you are free to bring your whole self to work. With a generous holiday allowance as well as additional university closure days we are committed to supporting our staff and students and open to a flexible working approach.
Apply by 11.59 pm GMT on the closing date. For assistance contact Recruitment, quoting the job number.
Head of External Affairs employer: University of Southampton
Contact Detail:
University of Southampton Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of External Affairs
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the higher education sector, especially those involved in external affairs. Attend relevant conferences or seminars to meet potential stakeholders and gain insights into current trends and challenges.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the University of Southampton's recent initiatives and partnerships. Understanding their current projects will help you tailor your approach and demonstrate how you can enhance their reputation and stakeholder engagement.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your strategic vision for external affairs during the interview. Think about how you would position the university as a leader in higher education and be ready to share specific examples from your past experiences.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with the key political and industry stakeholders relevant to the University of Southampton. Being able to identify and discuss these connections will show your proactive approach and understanding of the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of External Affairs
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your cover letter specifically for the Head of External Affairs role. Highlight your experience in stakeholder engagement and strategic communications, and explain how these align with the University of Southampton's goals.
Showcase Relevant Experience: In your CV, emphasise your previous roles that involved external affairs, reputation management, or stakeholder engagement. Use specific examples to demonstrate your impact and achievements in these areas.
Research the University: Familiarise yourself with the University of Southampton's mission, values, and recent initiatives. This knowledge will help you articulate how you can contribute to their strategic goals and enhance their reputation.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for a senior role.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Southampton
✨Research the University and Its Values
Before your interview, take the time to thoroughly research the University of Southampton. Understand its mission, values, and recent initiatives. This will help you align your responses with their goals and demonstrate your genuine interest in the institution.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement Questions
Given the role's focus on stakeholder engagement, be ready to discuss your experience in building relationships with various stakeholders. Prepare specific examples that showcase your ability to influence and engage effectively with different audiences.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
As the Head of External Affairs, strategic thinking is crucial. Be prepared to discuss how you would develop and implement a stakeholder engagement strategy. Think about how you can position the university positively and what innovative ideas you might bring to the table.
✨Demonstrate Leadership and Collaboration Skills
This role requires strong leadership and the ability to work collaboratively across teams. Share examples of how you've led teams or projects in the past, and highlight your approach to fostering a positive team culture and collaboration within an organisation.
