Director of Marketing and Communications

What should a modern university look like, and how should it present itself to the world?

At Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU), these are questions we are actively exploring as we look ahead to the next phase of our development. We are seeking an exceptional Director of Marketing and Communications who can help us articulate our ambitions, strengthen our reputation and bring fresh thinking to how we engage with our students, communities and wider audiences.

As Scotland's largest modern university, GCU has a distinctive identity and a proud record of widening access, delivering career-focused education and making a positive contribution to society. But we are not interested in standing still.

We want to be recognised as a university that thinks differently, challenges convention and demonstrates the value that excellent education, research and innovation can bring to people's lives. An institution that is ambitious about extending its reach and influence, developing new partnerships and creating opportunities for individuals and communities in Glasgow, Scotland and beyond.

With a new Strategy 2035 in development, this is an opportunity to help shape how GCU defines and communicates its place in an increasingly competitive and changing higher education landscape.

The opportunity

Reporting to the Pro Vice-Chancellor, International and Marketing, the Director of Marketing and Communications will lead a substantial and strategically important portfolio encompassing institutional brand and reputation, marketing, communications, media relations, digital engagement, home student recruitment and admissions.

We are looking for someone who can take a fresh and ambitious approach to GCU's institutional positioning, building a clear, distinctive and compelling narrative that reflects both our established strengths and our aspirations for the future.

The successful candidate will lead a significant programme of brand and digital transformation, including the redevelopment of the University's website, strengthening its media profile and developing a more proactive and confident approach to internal and external communications.

You will also oversee home student recruitment and admissions, bringing a sharper focus to the prospective student experience and ensuring that marketing, recruitment and admissions activity is joined up, evidence-led and responsive to changing expectations.

Working closely with fellow Directors responsible for International, and External Engagement and University Advancement, you will contribute to a coordinated approach to institutional growth, reputation and stakeholder engagement.

About you

We are seeking an accomplished marketing and communications leader with the strategic judgement, creativity and commercial awareness to make a significant impact.

You will bring a strong track record of developing institutional brands, strengthening organisational reputation and leading effective marketing and communications functions. Experience of proactive media relations, issues management and leading through significant organisational or reputational change will be particularly important.

You will be a confident adviser to senior leadership, an effective manager of specialist teams and someone who understands how to translate organisational ambition into a clear, compelling and consistent narrative.

We are particularly keen to encourage interest from beyond higher education, including candidates who have led significant marketing, brand, communications or reputation portfolios in other complex organisations. Direct experience of student recruitment and admissions would be advantageous, but is not essential.

This is an opportunity for a leader who wants to do more than manage an established function. We are looking for someone who can challenge our thinking, bring new perspectives and help define how an ambitious modern university presents itself to the world.

How to apply

Glasgow Caledonian University is working in partnership with Alumni Global on this appointment. We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and we welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds.

For a confidential discussion, further information and details of how to apply, please click on the ‘Apply’ button above. 

Closing date: 27th November 2026