Director of External Relations

This is a rare opportunity to join a high-performing advocacy team working with leading UK universities. We are seeking an outstanding Director of External Relations to drive our engagement strategy across public affairs, strategic communications, partnerships and reputation. 

The Russell Group represents the interests of our 24 university members at the highest level of government. 

• Reporting to, and working closely with, the Chief Executive, the Director of External Relations will provide leadership in shaping the Russell Group’s external reputation, promote its interests and manage political risks.
• Work strategically with senior colleagues as well as lead and develop the External Affairs team, including Heads of Public Affairs, Media, and (anticipated) Partnerships and Engagement.
• Ensure the Russell Group is harnessing the existing brand recognition to deliver impact and influence for the public good, with a distinctive voice for leading UK universities.
• Responsible for promoting the brand nationally and internationally, building on their existing network of highly influential stakeholder networks and developing a wider network of effective third-party advocate support.
• Develop and deliver an external engagement strategy covering media, public affairs, partnerships, strategic programmes and campaigns.
• They will have leadership responsibility for the following functions:
  • Public relations and reputation management
  • Public affairs and Government engagement
  • Communications, media and outreach
  • Partnerships, Events and Engagement
  • Strategic Programmes and campaigns
  • Futures and Trends analysis
• Line manage up to three “Heads of”, oversee the wider team and manage external providers when commissioned.

Candidates must have significant career experience in: 

• leading an external engagement function and advising at Chief Executive and Board level on reputation, positioning and advocacy  
• holding a senior strategic brief, including developing and implementing engagement strategies with measurable impact
• political advocacy and relationship building, with strong national political insight and preferably regional or international experience  
• successfully engaging ministers, parliamentarians and senior officials to deliver impact and change  
• promoting and protecting an internationally recognised brand through reputation strategies, campaigns and other externally facing activities 

The Candidate Pack, which includes the full vacancy description, is available via the 'Apply' button above. 

This is a permanent, full-time, London-based role with a highly competitive salary commensurate with a senior Director position. 

Based in Westminster, the role requires regular office presence near key stakeholders, with some evening commitments. Staff may work from home up to two days a week, subject to priorities. 

The package includes: 

• Membership of USS pension scheme
• 25 days’ annual leave, rising to 30 days
• Additional Easter and Christmas closure days
• Private healthcare insurance
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Staff technology allowance 

We welcome applications from anyone with the required experience and qualifications, regardless of their background. 

Closing date: 5pm, Wednesday 19^th August 2026 

To apply, visit our Careers site (via the 'Apply' button above) and submit the following by the closing date: 

1) An up-to-date CV, max. 3 sides of A4, covering:

1. relevant skills and experience
2. current and past employment
3. degree or postgraduate qualifications, include subjects and grades
4. two references (current/most recent employer and a former line manager)                                                                              

2) A cover letter, max. 2 sides of A4, explaining:

1. how your knowledge, skills and experience meet the requirements of the role
2. why you are interested in working for the Russell Group 

3) An Equal Opportunities Monitoring form – available from our Careers site. 

For a confidential discussion, contact Paul Purcell at paul.purcell@russellgroup.ac.uk.

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