Director of Corporate Marketing and Communications

Northumbria University

  • Newcastle
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 2 days ago
Job Category: Management, Professional and AdministrativeJob Description:ABOUT THE ROLEThis is a critical leadership position in the senior team of the Marketing department at Northumbria University. In this role you would lead the corporate marketing and communications strategy and delivery for Northumbria University. You'll be responsible for growing, protecting, and amplifying our reputation through strategic brand initiatives, innovative marketing campaigns, and compelling communications that showcase our research excellence, teaching quality, and community impact.Reporting to the Chief Marketing Officer, you'll provide strategic oversight of our brand, reputation, and communications functions while leading integrated campaigns that attract high-calibre students and staff, engage external stakeholders, and enhance our standing globally. You will be part of a team of expert Directors who collaboratively have responsibility for driving revenue and reputation for the University. You'll work directly with our Vice Chancellor and other members of the University Executive.Key responsibilities include developing the University's brand strategy and positioning, leading integrated marketing and communications strategies, enhancing visibility of our research and teaching through evidence-based campaigns, building strong relationships with national and international media outlets, and providing 24/7 crisis communications leadership and reputation management.You'll oversee our digital presence, lead content creation, manage budgets and measure ROI, while working collaboratively with university partners and business/JV partners to amplify the Northumbria brand.Further information is available in the .ABOUT THE TEAMYou'll be joining the Marketing team within a creative, forward-thinking university. Working closely with the Chief Marketing Officer and University Executive, you'll lead, empower and develop a high-performing, commercially focused team of experienced professionals, committed to excellence in marketing and communications. You'll be an excellent, collaborative leader, with the skills and ability to inspire colleagues in your team to achieve their potential.The role involves extensive collaboration across the university's senior management teams and faculty leadership, as well as representing Northumbria at external events in the UK and internationally. You'll be central to shaping our university's public profile and compelling narrative in a supportive, innovative environment that values collaboration, ambition, and academic excellence.Within Marketing we have a range of responsibilities including UK and International Student Recruitment, Admissions, Market Insight, Global Partnerships, Pricing, Marketing Campaigns, Alumni and Philanthropy, Brand, Social Media, Content, Digital Marketing, CRM, Media Relations, Crisis Communications, and Reputation Management. Learn more about ourABOUT YOUTo be successful in the role you will ideally have:
  • Significant senior-level experience in marketing strategy and delivery, preferably in complex public sector or higher education environments
  • Significant senior-level experience in communications strategy and delivery including PR, media relations, and crisis communication leadership
  • Proven success in brand, digital marketing, and customer relationship management
  • A strong track record as an inspirational and collaborative leader.
  • Deep knowledge of UK Higher Education and current policy developments with strategic thinking ability.
Further information is available in the .If you would like an informal discussion about the role, please contact helen.bower@northumbria.ac.ukTo apply for this vacancy please click 'Apply Now'. Your application should include a covering letter and a CV.ABOUT USJoin Northumbria University, a research-intensive institution unlocking potential and changing lives locally and globally. Named Times Higher Education's in 2022 and in 2025, we rank top 25 in the UK for research power. Discover more .With over 37,000 students from 140+ countries, we offer world-leading research, award-winning partnerships, and an outstanding student experience. We empower our exceptional staff, promoting a positive work-life balance and offering great benefits, including excellent pension schemes, flexible working, generous holiday entitlement and .Our Northumbria Values, co-created by our team, define who we are: Academic Excellence, Innovation, Inclusivity, Collaboration, and Ambition. Our Behaviours shape our work culture: We listen and learn, support one another, respect everyone, trust each other, and are bold.Located in Newcastle upon Tyne and London, we are an on-campus organisation with flexibility in hours and location. We pride ourselves on diversity and inclusivity, holding numerous awards for gender and race equality, disability confidence, and research excellence. We also hold the HR Excellence in Research award for implementing the concordat supporting the career Development of Researchers and are members of the initiative to deliver information and support to professional researchers. The University has implemented a range of flexible working arrangements, and we are happy to explore candidate requirements as part of the recruitment process.Apply now and join a community committed to transforming society and the economy. Explore " , " page to learn more about our commitments and see our for further details.

Northumbria University