Director of Communications and Engagement

The University of Leeds is one of the UK’s largest higher education institutions, and we are renowned globally for the quality of our teaching and research. We encourage enquiry, discovery, and achievement by bringing together academic excellence and an inspirational learning environment. Our ambitions are underpinned by an outstanding community of staff and students, a world-class campus and a strong financial position. The University also plays a key role at the heart of one of the UK’s most economically vibrant and compassionate cities, and takes its economic, social, environmental and cultural responsibilities very seriously.

Under the leadership of our Vice-Chancellor, Professor Simone Buitendijk, we have launched our University Strategy 2020-2030: Universal Values, Global Change. A blueprint for a values-driven university, we will harness our expertise in research and education to help shape a better future for humanity, working through collaboration to tackle inequalities, achieve societal impact and drive change in genuinely distinctive and transformational ways.

To achieve this ambition, we must work in an open, collaborative manner, supporting the generation, translation, and adoption of disruptive solutions to real-world problems. Critical to the delivery and impact of the University’s strategic ambitions, will be excellent communications and engagement, both internal and external, and we are now seeking to appoint a Director of Communications and Engagement to provide institutional leadership across the scope of these activities. Reporting to the University Secretary and as part of the University’s senior leadership team, they will be responsible for the delivery of a communications and engagement strategy that will help build the University's global profile and reputation and support the University’s EDI strategy. They will also enable our community to feel engaged, and to be empowered collaborators in shaping the University’s future, and to support a transition to a values driven organisation characterised by an inclusive, collaborative and respectful approach.

The successful candidate will bring demonstrable experience of developing and implementing a communications and engagement strategy, policy development, and operating successfully as the most senior communications and engagement professional in a large, matrix or complex organisation. With an innovative, persuasive and engaging approach, they will be adept at working with a diverse range of stakeholders, partnership working, relationship building and networking. With excellent communication skills and high levels of political and cultural awareness, they will also be experienced in leading brand development and reputation management.

The University of Leeds has engaged the services of Odgers Berndtson to whom applications should be sent by the closing date of 5pm on Friday 27 January 2023.

To apply, please visit: www.odgers.com/87534

For an informal and confidential discussion, please speak with our advisor at Odgers Berndtson:
Enfys Evans, Education Practice
Tel: +44 (0)20 7518 2667
Email: enfys.evans@odgersberndtson.com