Head of External Communications and Deputy Director (Newcastle, GB) at None

The Role

As the University’s professional lead for External Communications, you will support the Director of Communications in developing and delivering a strategic and integrated programme of policy engagement, reputation management, media relations and outward-facing campaigns aligned with the university’s strategic vision and goals.

Leading a team of expert colleagues in public affairs, media relations and events, you will be responsible for shaping the University’s engagement with key external stakeholders and opinion formers, including government, policymakers, and industry leaders, contributing to the university's reputation management strategy alongside marketing and communications colleagues. Reporting to the Director of Communications, you will be a trusted advisor to the Vice-Chancellor and President, Pro-Vice-Chancellor Engagement and Place and other members of Executive Board, as well as providing expert advice to the wider University community. Your work will ensure that Newcastle University’s distinctive contributions to research, education and societal impact are recognised and championed across regional, national and international forums.

You will oversee delivery of a high-impact external communications strategy, identifying opportunities to position Newcastle as a pioneering fourth generation university, demonstrating our commitment to work in partnership for the benefit of society locally, nationally and globally through our education and research. This includes mapping key stakeholders and gathering relevant insight to inform your approach, developing and maintaining influential networks, and overseeing external communications and advocacy activities that support our place-based mission and global engagement objectives.

In this senior role, you will deputise for the Director of Communications and contribute to the strategic leadership of the wider Communications team, promoting a culture of collaboration, innovation and high performance.

At Newcastle University, we are forging a new generation of university – one that prioritises societal benefit and sustainability, while breaking down traditional subject barriers, co-creating with our communities, and collaborating with partners to address global challenges. We are looking for an experienced communications professional to lead our External Communications team and support our strategic aims. As Deputy Director and Head of External Communications, you will be the University’s professional lead for public affairs, media relations and high-profile, outward-facing campaigns. 

You will: 

• Develop and deliver an integrated public affairs and communications strategy to advance the University’s strategic vision. 

• Build strong relationships with government, policymakers and sector leaders. 

• Oversee high-impact media relations and events that showcase Newcastle’s contribution to research, education and societal impact. 

• Advise senior leaders including the Vice-Chancellor and Executive Board, providing expert insight on political and reputational opportunities and risks. 

• Lead and inspire a talented team of professionals covering public affairs, media relations and corporate events. 

We are looking for someone with proven experience in delivering public affairs activity and PR campaigns at a senior level, with a deep understanding of the UK policy environment, particularly higher education. You will also have a collaborative leadership style with a track record of building effective teams and networks. 

For an informal discussion about this opportunity please reach out to Jen Middleton, Director of Communications [email protected].

To apply please upload your CV and covering letter evidencing how your skills and experience align to the person specification as outlined in the job description. 

Key Accountabilities

Policy Engagement and Public Affairs

• Plan, implement and evaluate a comprehensive public affairs and external communications strategy, aligning with the university’s strategic priorities and external policy environment, working closely and collaboratively with key offices and functions to harness existing institutional public affairs and public relations activity across Newcastle University. These include Marketing, Business Development and Enterprise, International Office and Advancement as well as the PolicyAcademy, Insights North East and the Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with government officials, policymakers, regulatory bodies, and sector organisations, nurturing a network of people who influence higher education policy.
• Monitor, analyse, and respond to policy developments at national and regional levels, ensuring the University is well-informed and proactive in its engagement.
• Lead on the development of briefing papers, policy submissions, and advocacy campaigns to promote the University’s interests, collaborating with academic and professional services teams to translate research and institutional priorities into compelling narratives aligned with brand positioning.
• Represent the University in key networks, committees, and sector bodies, ensuring its voice is heard in relevant policy discussion and focus on advancing priorities for the sector as a whole as well as Newcastle University.
• Provide expert advice on political and reputational risks, identifying opportunities and challenges in the evolving policy landscape.
• Support our policy and public affairs work through organising and delivering a strategic portfolio of events, both on and off campus, to engage policy makers and other influencers.
• Lead the continued development of the public policy website which will showcase Newcastle’s impact and work in influencing policy and public debate.

Executive Board support

• Work closely with senior leadership, including the Vice-Chancellor, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor Engagement and Place and other members of the Executive Board, to support engagement with external stakeholders.
• Oversee and advise on the researching, writing and delivery of high-profile briefings, speeches and presentations for the Vice-Chancellor and Executive Board.

Management

• Lead and develop the External Communications team – comprising Media Relations, Public Affairs and Corporate Events – fostering a positive culture of excellence and collaboration.
• Manage the relationship, work programme and budget for an external public affairs agency.

The Person (Essential)

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Demonstrable evidence of having delivered successful public affairs activity and public relations campaigns as part of wider strategy to deliver organisational objectives.
• Deep understanding of UK and regional political structures, policymaking processes, and the higher education policy environment.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with experience in drafting high-quality briefings, policy submissions, and advocacy materials.
• Experience in leading and developing teams, with a collaborative and inclusive leadership style.

Attributes and Behaviour

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to present complex information to internal and external stakeholders in a clear and compelling way, tailored according to the audience.
• Excellent relationship management skills, with the ability to engage effectively with senior policymakers, government officials, and stakeholders.
• Strong strategic thinking and influencing skills, with the ability to shape and respond to policy developments.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential issues and manage conflict effectively.
• Well-organised, self-motivated, able to exercise initiative and prioritise workload independently, while also working as part of a tight-knit team.
• Creative, energetic and enthusiastic, with the ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple priorities and deadlines effectively.

Qualifications

• A degree or equivalent qualification, or significant experience of working in public affairs or similar role.