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About the Role
This role offers the opportunity to join a high-performing advocacy team representing 24 leading UK universities. The Director of External Relations will drive engagement strategy, provide strategic insight, and lead public affairs, communications, partnerships, and reputation management to influence government, funders, and international stakeholders.
Responsibilities
- Provide leadership in shaping the external reputation of the organization
- Identify opportunities to promote organizational interests and manage political risks
- Work at a strategic level with the Director of Policy, Chief of Staff, and senior colleagues
- Lead and develop the External Affairs team, including direct reports for Public Affairs, Media, and Partnerships
- Harness brand recognition to deliver impact and influence for the public good
- Promote the brand nationally and internationally while building influential stakeholder networks
- Develop and drive an external engagement strategy encompassing media, public affairs, partnerships, and campaigns
- Oversee public relations, reputation management, government engagement, and communications
- Manage strategic programmes, campaigns, and futures and trends analysis
- Line manage senior staff and oversee the performance of external service providers
Requirements
- Significant career experience leading a comprehensive external engagement function
- Experience providing counsel to organizational heads and at Board level
- Senior leadership experience in developing and implementing engagement strategies with measurable impact
- Deep understanding and experience of the political landscape at the national level
- Proven experience engaging with ministers, parliamentarians, and senior officials
- Experience promoting and protecting an internationally recognised brand
- Demonstrable experience working cooperatively as part of a small leadership team
- Proven leadership and development of high-performing teams
Skills
- Strategic communications
- Public affairs
- Reputation management
- Political advocacy
- Stakeholder relationship building
- Campaign management
- Team leadership and development
- Futures and trends analysis
Location
- London
- Westminster
Work Type
- Full Time
- Permanent
- Hybrid
Experience Level
- Director level
Salary/Compensations
- Highly competitive salary commensurate with a senior Director level role
Benefits
- Membership of the USS pension scheme
- 25 days of Annual Leave, increasing to 30 days
- Discretionary closure days at Easter and Christmas
- Private healthcare insurance
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Staff technology allowance
- Flexibility to work from home up to two days a week
About the Company
- The Russell Group represents the interests of 24 leading UK universities at the highest level of government, research funders, business, and international bodies.
Equal Opportunity
- We welcome applications from anyone with the required experience and qualifications, regardless of their background.