Communications and Media Relations Manager

Are you a strategic communicator with strong media instincts, excellent judgement and a talent for telling compelling stories?

Would you like to work for an organisation steeped in history but focused on the future and recognised worldwide as a centre of excellence?

An organisation that promotes a healthy work/life balance and recognises and rewards achievements? If so, then Norland is the place for you.

Our TEF Gold-rated award-winning early years undergraduate degree and integrated diploma programme is world-renowned for delivering outstanding teaching, learning and outcomes for our students. We hold permanent taught degree awarding powers and offer our own BA (Hons) and MA degrees in Early Childhood Education and Care. We have won multiple awards, including winning the UK’s top Small or Specialist Provider award on numerous occasions at the Whatuni Student Choice Awards. In 2021, Whatuni presented us with a special one-off award as the top UK university for Enhanced Graduate Outcomes. In 2025, Norland received a commendation honour in the Specialist Institution of the Year award from Times Higher Education.

We are looking for an experienced Communications and Media Relations Manager to help shape and protect our reputation, raise our profile and deliver high-quality communications that support our strategic ambitions. As an integral member of the marketing team, you will lead media relations, develop engaging content, advise senior colleagues, manage issues and support high-impact campaigns and announcements. You will be equally comfortable planning proactive communications and responding calmly and effectively when fast-paced issues arise.

We are looking for someone with significant experience in communications or public relations, excellent writing and stakeholder management skills, and a strong understanding of how to build trust and visibility through clear, confident and audience-focused communications.

This is an exciting opportunity for a communications professional who enjoys variety, works well under pressure and wants to make a visible impact in a values-driven organisation. A flexible and professional approach to work, excellent communication skills and a friendly, team-oriented nature are key to being successful in this role.

Location: York Place, London Road, Bath, BA1 6AE

Norland employee benefits:

• Competitive salaries and pay progression
• Generous holiday entitlement, including an extra day off on your birthday and 4 closure days at Christmas
• Free staff parking
• Support with continued professional development both financially and with study days
• Free tea and coffee
• Occasional staff lunches
• Away days
• Life assurance scheme
• Income support scheme with access to an employee assistance programme (EAP)
• Discounts with Sodexo
• Access to a corporate health cash plan
• Access to a digital mental health and wellbeing service
• Option to lease an electric vehicle.

To apply:

Please click the apply button and apply direct on the Norland website, where you will need to complete our online application form and submit this, along with your CV and a covering letter outlining how your experience meets the requirements of the role. 

For an informal discussion about the post, please contact Dee Burn, Head of Marketing, Student Recruitment and Admissions at dee.burn@norland.ac.uk.For further information about Norland please visit our website at https://www.norland.ac.uk/work-at-norland/

Closing date: Monday 6 July 2026, 11:59 (am)

Interview date: Friday 17 July 2026. Please note there will also be an informal pre-interview call for all shortlisted candidates on either Monday 13 or Wednesday 15 July at a time to suit you.

All candidates should ensure that they are available to attend an interview at any time on the above date before applying, alternative interview dates and times are not usually able to be offered.

Norland is committed to safeguarding and ensuring the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. The suitability of all prospective staff will be assessed during the recruitment process in line with this commitment. All offers made will be on the condition of relevant safer recruitment checks being conducted and in line with Norland’s policies and procedures.