Head of Strategic Communications

Salary: £58,850 - £68,194 per annum

Strategic Communications, is currently seeking to appoint an exceptional candidate to the post of Head of Strategic Communications.

This new post is an exciting opportunity to play a leading role in Strategic Communications, one of three directorates in the newly established University Strategic Engagement and External Affairs and has been created as part of the University’s Strategy 2030 implementation programme.

The role of Head of Strategic Communications is crucial to building the external reputation of Queen's University Belfast in the UK, Ireland and internationally.

The role will help shape perceptions of the University across all audiences, including higher education and regulatory authorities, with alumni and potential donors, students, researchers, and staff.

The postholder will build positive relationships across the University and work closely with the senior team within the Office of the Vice-President of Strategic Engagement and External Affairs. They will provide timely and insightful advice to the University's leadership, including the Vice-Chancellor, Pro-Vice-Chancellors, Vice-Presidents, Heads of Schools and Professional Service’s Directors on big themes and daily issues. Assisting the Director of Strategic Communications, the postholder will play a central role in strategic planning, shaping media strategy on a range of issues, and raising opportunities and risks.

The successful candidate must have, and your application should clearly demonstrate you have:

Educated to degree level (or equivalent) OR extensive strategic communications management and leadership experience.
Significant recent relevant leadership experience working at a senior level in public relations or news for a large, complex organisation.
Track record of managing complex stakeholder relationships.
Extensive relevant experience working with and influencing senior management.
Demonstrable experience of managing a significant budget.
Extensive relevant experience managing diverse, high-performing team(s).
Demonstrable ability to win the trust of a wide range of colleagues and external stakeholders, operating through persuasion and influence.
Demonstrable excellent writing for a range of audiences.
A proven eye for a story.
Strong strategic thinking/ problem solving skills informed by an appreciation of internal and external factors and the ability to identify and leverage synergies.

Informal enquiries may be directed to James Dillon, Head of Public Engagement via J.Dillon@qub.ac.uk