Head of Marketing and Communications

Permanent position, 36.5 hours per week (1.0 FTE)

WMG has an exciting opportunity for an experienced, creative and driven Head of Marketing and Communications. We are looking for someone who can help us achieve our strategic vision, increase awareness and support the department in achieving its goals through clever and creative innovation.

We require someone to work with our senior leaders to develop further WMG’s brand. We want you to build awareness of our research, teaching activities and staff, work with our collaborating partners and lead on major events, where you may be expected to meet a wide range of stakeholders, including Government Ministers and Heads of State.

We want a strong leader, who is creative, personable and enthusiastic.
WMG is an international leader in successful collaboration between academia, the private and public sectors. We are driving innovation and learning in applied science, technology and engineering to create a better tomorrow. We develop the brightest ideas and talent to shape a better future for all. You can find out more about WMG here.

If you join us at WMG we will provide a great range of benefits which include an attractive pension scheme, 30 days holiday, plus bank holidays and Christmas closure. We also offer some fantastic savings on a wide range of products and services, and excellent learning and development opportunities.

Interview Date: TBC

**Job Purpose**

To lead and develop all aspects of WMG’s corporate marketing and communications, developing and implementing plans and strategies in liaison with senior staff within WMG. To develop and maintain both internal & external relationships in support of (i) the marketing & communications strategy and (ii) the profile raising of senior staff and WMG as a department.

1. To develop and implement WMG’s marketing strategy and the supporting strategic marketing and communication plan for WMG in collaboration with senior colleagues. To support and advise the WMG Executive team on all aspects of external and internal communications. To develop relationships with key stakeholder groups including industry, media and within the wider University. To support the work of the Executive team through writing editorial and identifying external profile opportunities. To manage the marketing and communications budget.

2. To lead on press and media work, develop relationships with journalists/media and arranging media training for relevant colleagues. To manage media appearances by WMG spokespeople and proactively seek PR opportunities for senior staff. Co-ordinating with the University’s Communications team on media releases and other media opportunities to gain press coverage.

3.

(i)To lead on PR/ Event management for VIPs, notably for major visits to WMG by key local, regional, national and international stakeholders, including Heads of State, Government Ministers, and CEOs of major global corporations.

(ii) To lead on the identification of external PR opportunities at external events.

4. To lead on communications for the National Automotive Innovation Centre (NAIC), collaborating with partners, as required. To ensure effective communications on initiatives such as the RAEng Prof Lord Bhattacharyya programmes and supporting the work of the WMG Academy Trust, as well as wider policy work.

5.

(i)To direct the content management of the WMG website and deliver continuous improvement through design and technological development. This requires horizon scanning of web and social media developments to ensure WMG is up to date with functionality to suit the customer base. This means and working with and directing both internal colleagues and external agencies to achieve these goals.

(ii) To maximise WMG’s social media activities.

(iii) To lead on the production of content for digital signage and screens and non-digital material in WMG’s buildings.

6. To manage the marketing and communications team including recruitment, annual reviews, performance and development.

7. To develop and manage the WMG brand, acting as guardian of the brand. Collaborating with the University Director of Marketing, as required.

8. To lead and manage the production of WMG’s marketing collateral. To advise WMG staff to ensure their externally-facing content is in line with WMG branding guidelines and corporate identity.

9. To lead internal communications within WMG, working with the WMG Executive team and Welfare & Communications Group, as well as the University Internal Communications team.