Welcome from the Director of Communications
Thank you for your interest in the role of Deputy Director of Communications at the University of Nottingham.
We are a leading Russell Group university providing an exceptional research-led education and an outstanding student experience for our students, who are consistently targeted by leading graduate employers. We deliver world-leading research that transforms lives, improves societies, and shapes the future.
Ranked seventh in the UK for our research power, we are positioned 114th in the world (18th in the UK) out of more than 1,000 universities in the QS World University Rankings 2023. Put simply, the University of Nottingham is a pioneer in global education, with award-winning campuses and unrivalled facilities in the UK, China and Malaysia.
Tim Watkinson, Director of Communications and Advocacy
In an increasingly competitive higher education sector and frequently challenging communications environment, it is vital to build and maintain the University’s reputation and profile. To do this at Nottingham we deliver compelling internal and external communications to global news media, staff, students, and stakeholders across our three campuses.
As the Deputy Director of Communications, you would lead a talented team of award-winning practitioners in media relations to promote our research breakthroughs to global news audiences, engage influencers across social media platforms and build profile for leading academics such as Professor Sir Jonathan Van Tam or Professor Sir Martyn Poliakoff.
You would also lead our internal communications team in engaging 10,000 members of staff with a complex and ambitious programme of reforms to improve our performance as an institution, as well as campaigns and activities to listen to, support, and enhance the university experience, for more than 46,000 students.
Strategic communications advice and tactical counsel are highly valued at all levels of the University, and you will find your expertise is regularly sought and trusted by our most senior staff including the Vice-Chancellor and members of the University Executive Board. Like any large organisation, we also face our fair share of incidents and crises and so your crisis communications skills will need to be as considered as they are effective.
In return, you can expect to work in a friendly and supportive hybrid working environment coupled with a generous salary and benefits package including a defined benefit pension and 30 days annual leave - and the opportunity to test your skills in one of the most varied, stimulating, and fast-paced roles to be found anywhere.
Should you have any questions or want to arrange a conversation about the role, please email me directly at tim.watkinson@nottingham.ac.uk Thank you again for your interest, I very much look forward to reviewing your application.
Tim Watkinson