Associate Director Corporate Engagement

We are looking for an exceptional Associate Director of Corporate Engagement to help transform communications and engagement at the University of Southampton. This newly created leadership position offers a unique opportunity to shape how the University engages with key stakeholders and communities, both internally and externally.

You will lead our Internal Communications and Public and Community Affairs teams while establishing two new functions: External Affairs and Strategic Communications planning. You will also introduce new ways of working, bringing together adjunct communications professionals across the University to maximise expertise and resources to create impact.

The ability to build and nurture strong relationships will be vital, not only for managing external stakeholders, but for introducing centralised strategic planning processes to bring communications professionals from across the University together to enhance Southampton's reputation. You will establish best practice engagement standards and provide expert counsel to senior leaders for high-level interactions with influential individuals and organisations. Alongside this, your oversight of our internal communications function will ensure our engagement activity fosters a sense of pride and community amongst staff, as well as building understanding and advocacy for our strategic priorities.

A passionate champion for high professional standards, you will implement frameworks that continuously improve our engagement activities. Your exemplary relationship-building skills will support proactive network development across the University, as well as providing senior communications expertise to strengthen our civic engagement initiatives in Southampton, Winchester and throughout Hampshire.

The Communications Directorate leads corporate communication and engagement at the University of Southampton, enhancing and protecting reputation and building trust and advocacy amongst our key audiences. The Directorate is responsible for the delivery of the Communications Strategy and includes Corporate Communications (Media, Advocacy, Social Media and Content), Corporate Engagement (External Communications, Public and Community Affairs, Internal Communications and Strategic Communications Planning) and Digital User Experience (Product, Delivery, Content Design, UX and User Research).

Apply by uploading your CV and a cover letter detailing how your skills and experience match the requirements of the role.

If you would like an informal chat, contact commssupport@soton.ac.uk

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