Head of Corporate Communications and External Relations (Maternity Cover)

Grade 8: Salary Range £48,822 to £58,225 (incremental progression)  

Full Time

Fixed Term until April 2027

Agile working (blend of home and office-based). Arrangements for job share would be considered

The Opportunity

This post represents an exciting opportunity for a motivated and experienced communications professional to join the Strategic Communications and Brand Directorate at Keele University. The Directorate is responsible for protecting and raising the profile and reputation of the University, delivering impactful branding, powerful storytelling, and meaningful engagement campaigns – with both external and internal stakeholders – to build advocacy and support the achievement of institutional strategic objectives.

This is a strategic role focused on developing and delivering high-impact communications campaigns that strengthen the University’s external profile and partnerships. Working closely with the Director of Strategic Communications and Brand, Director of Engagement and Partnerships, and Vice-Chancellor, the post holder will play a key role in supporting Keele’s position as a civic leader and major economic anchor institution.

The role will lead communications and engagement activity with key external stakeholders, including business partners, the public sector and wider industry, building relationships and supporting major strategic projects and initiatives that drive regional growth and innovation. This includes shaping and promoting transformational programmes aimed at stimulating local economic development and reinforcing the University’s contribution to place-based impact. The post holder will also help amplify Keele’s regional and national voice by representing the University across key sector communications and public affairs networks, engaging with partner universities and contributing to activity at major sector and policy events.

The successful post holder will have experience of working in a strategic communications role in a large complex organisation with multiple stakeholders, showing evidence of continuing professional development through ongoing business or communications or marketing qualifications or memberships. 

The Benefits

• Competitive rate of pay with annual increments within the grade
• Generous annual leave entitlement with opportunities to purchase additional leave  
• Excellent staff pension scheme   
• Access to continued personal, professional and career development   
• On site ‘outstanding’ nursery    
• Discounted health & fitness facilities on site  
• Cycle to work scheme (subject to eligibility)

Please note that the starting salary will typically be at the bottom of the pay scale shown above.

The University is committed to operating flexible working practices wherever possible. 

For internal candidates, please note that secondments require authorisation from your line manager. It is therefore advisable that you discuss your application with your manager before submitting it.

Keele University values equity and diversity across our workforce and to ensuring our staff community is reflective of the diversity of our student population. In support of these commitments the University welcomes applications from individuals of Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds for all roles.

How to Apply

For full post details and to find out more about working at Keele please click the 'Apply' button above. 

Keele University employees wishing to apply should login to Employee Self Service and click on the 'View current vacancies' link.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Russell Reader via r.reader@keele.ac.uk.  Applications to this address will not be accepted. 

Closing Date: 24^th April 2026

Interviews will be held on: 8^th May 2026

Advert information