Director of External Relations

The Royal Agricultural University (RAU) has been at the forefront of agricultural education for over 175 years, and following the promotion of the current post holder we are looking to appoint a Director of External Relations to play a role in shaping the future development of the RAU and share our passion and commitment to the land-based sector. 

This is a professional senior leadership role, reporting to the Chief Operating Officer and working as part of the Vice-Chancellor’s Advisory Group. You will support the RAU to achieve its strategic ambitions through outward facing initiatives and a broad portfolio of activities. 

It is an exciting time for the University as it fulfils its vision to be UK's global university for sustainable farming and land management. The successful candidate will be critical in achieving this vision by being involved in initiatives such as the University’s new £100m Innovation Village development; forging an increasing number of successful international partnerships and further enhancing the RAU Swindon offer. Leading the external relations team, you will engage with, and maximise, external opportunities that support the institutional strategy. The development and implementation of a marketing and communications plan that will help deliver agreed student recruitment targets and enhance our brand identity across a range of key stakeholders including industry and alumni, will be a key priority. 

You will be able to translate internal assets into external gains, fostering strategic partnerships and expanding relationships with business, industry and government, interfacing with policy makers, key external influencers and a diversity of stakeholders. We are seeking someone with significant strategic student recruitment experience gained within a higher education environment in addition to experience across development and fundraising, marketing, communications, external affairs and/or brand management. 

As one  of the UK’s smaller universities the RAU is set in beautiful surroundings and we pride ourselves on being a great place to work. We offer 30 days annual leave entitlement plus bank holidays (pro rata for part time posts), the option for hybrid working, free parking, and an excellent employee assistance programme. 

For more information and details on how to apply, please click the 'Apply' button above.

Interviews will be held: 16th May 2024 

The RAU is an equal opportunities employer and we particularly welcome applications from black and minority ethnic candidates as they are underrepresented within the RAU at this level.