Senior Communications Manager

Buckinghamshire New University is an ambitious, modern university that is always open to fresh ideas and thinking. We believe in the transformative power of education, and in doing the right thing by our students, people and local community. That’s why our BNU community is a special place to work and study, and where people who want to make a difference can contribute and succeed.

Our University’s DRIVE values are at the heart of all that we do. We are united in being dynamic, responsible, inclusive, visionary and empowering to ensure that we provide the best experience to our learners and offer excellent service to our partners and to each other as colleagues. Our commitment to these values is unwavering and they are central to our mission.

It’s an exciting time to join BNU as we enter our next chapter under the new leadership of Vice-Chancellor, Professor Damien Page. BNU knows where it’s heading: we have a clear strategic focus on our students, people and research. And we’ll achieve our goals by thinking audaciously, punching above our weight, refusing to know our place, and by challenging the status quo.

We’re looking for an experienced communications professional to join our team. To innovate, continually. To be bold. To do the things others say we cannot. To confound expectations. To be the upstart.

This new role gives you the breadth to show your capabilities within a friendly team. We need you to implement the University’s communications strategy and deliver high-quality, trusted and digital-first stakeholder communications. From creating proactive and reactive communications strategies, media relations, project management, crisis communications to providing strategic counsel. Can you tell BNU's stories by creating engaging content, and work with marketing colleagues to promote the University's programmes of study?

Your skills, experience of leading a team and outlook matter most. If you haven’t worked in higher education, we’ll bring you up to speed.

This is a hybrid role in an organisation where we’ve removed meaningless meetings, unquestioned bureaucracy and needless complexity. At BNU, we don’t do meetings on Fridays and we provide free parking and a subsidised restaurant. We look after our people. BNU is a university where everyone is welcomed for who they are, and is always made to feel at home.

What we offer:

• a generous holiday entitlement (30 days per annum, plus bank holidays & closure days)
• Hybrid working (dependent on business needs)
• training & development support opportunities
• contributory pension scheme
• discounted gym membership for our on-site gym
• a range of staff discounts with major retailers.

If you have the qualities and attributes representative of the University’s values and ambition, we would be delighted to hear from you.

For further information about this role please contact Louise Harvey at Louise.Harvey@bnu.ac.uk.

All applications are to be made in full and online.

Please let us know if you require any adjustments or support during the recruitment process.

We ensure that our interview/shortlisting Chairs complete the relevant e-learning and/or inclusive recruitment training.

Closing Date: 14 July 2025

Interview Date: End of July 2025

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