Head of Communications and External Relations

Salary on appointment will be £48,822 per annum, with an annual increment up to £56,535 per annum.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Head of Communications and External Relations to join the University of East Anglia's Communications and External Relations Team.

This wide-ranging role is responsible for proactive and reactive media relations, social media, student communications, crisis communications and issues management. You will lead a team to deliver proactive and reactive news, alerts, comments and thought leadership through media relations, social media and website content. You will identify opportunities and risks for the University, leading on crisis communications planning, issues management. You will act as out-of-hours on call support and deputise for the Associate Director Communications and External Relations on the institution’s Gold Command for emergencies.

You will demonstrate professional credibility, strong management skills and have the ability to command respect from peer networks both within and beyond the University. This role will provide professional leadership and advice on building UEA’s reputation across the globe and work closely with senior University leaders.

You will have proven communications experience across media, digital and social media channels and experience leading a busy team in a fast-moving organisation. You will showcase your creative storytelling skills to bring UEA's stories to life across channels and demonstrate experience of delivering communications during a crisis or major incident.

This full-time post is available from 4 January 2027 for a fixed-term period of 6 months.

UEA offers a variety of flexible working options and although this role is advertised on a full-time basis, we encourage applications from individuals who would prefer a flexible working pattern including annualised hours, compressed working hours, part time, job share, term-time only and/or hybrid working. Details of preferred hours should be stated in the personal statement and will be discussed further at interview.

Further information on our great benefits package, including 44 days annual leave inclusive of Bank Holidays and additional University Customary days, can be found on our benefits page.

Closing date: 27 November 2026

The University holds an Athena Swan Silver Institutional Award in recognition of our advancement towards gender equality.

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