tml Partners
Deputy Director, Communications and External Relations
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Deputy Director, Communications and External Relations
Deputy Director, Communications and External Relations
Salary: £80,000+ with exceptional pension and benefits Location: Leicester – Hybrid (minimum 2 days per week on campus)
tml Partners are proud to be partnering with De Montfort University (DMU) as they appoint a Deputy Director, Communications and External Relations to help shape the reputation and influence of one of the UK's most distinctive and globally connected universities.
DMU is an ambitious, values-led institution with a growing international footprint spanning Leicester, London, Dubai, Kazakhstan and Cambodia, alongside more than 9,000 students studying for a DMU degree through international partnerships worldwide. With a new institutional strategy launching and a clear ambition to strengthen its reputation and profile, the university is seeking an influential communications leader to help define what DMU becomes known for over the coming years.
Reporting to the Global Marketing Officer and working closely with the Vice Chancellor, University Executive and Board of Governors, the successful candidate will lead communications, public affairs, media relations, employee engagement, alumni relations and fundraising activity across the institution. The role combines strategic communications leadership with reputation management, thought leadership, stakeholder engagement and organisational change communications at the highest levels of the university.
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The successful candidate will build a proactive communications and external relations strategy that supports DMU's future ambitions and positions the university as a recognised leader in employability, social mobility, international education and student outcomes. They will play a central role in shaping institutional narrative, strengthening thought leadership and building influence regionally, nationally and internationally.
The role leads a multidisciplinary team spanning Engagement Communications, Press and PR, Alumni and Development, together with associated specialist teams, with responsibility for approximately 20 colleagues across the wider function.
DMU is particularly interested in fresh perspectives from outside Higher Education and welcomes applications from senior communications, corporate affairs, external relations, public affairs and reputation leaders from a broad range of sectors. The university is seeking an individual with exceptional stakeholder management skills, experience of leading reputational and crisis communications, and a track record of influencing at executive and board level.
This is a chance to shape the reputation of an institution whose external profile has yet to fully reflect its achievements. DMU is a Top 20 UK university in the WhatUni Student Choice Awards, ranked among the top 7% of universities globally, recognised as the UK's Sustainability Institution of the Year and one of the world's leading universities for international student satisfaction.
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If you are a senior communications leader with experience in reputation management, strategic communications, stakeholder engagement and organisational influence, and are excited by the opportunity to shape the future profile of a modern, globally connected university, we would be delighted to hear from you.
DMU is deeply committed to creating an inclusive, respectful and collaborative community where staff can thrive and contribute meaningfully to its mission. The University values diversity and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and sectors.
tml Partners is an international executive recruitment firm specialising in senior marketing appointments. tml Partners is an equal opportunity employer and places a high value on the strength diverse talent brings. We are open to all talent and ensure all candidates receive equal consideration for employment. We do not discriminate on the basis of any protected characteristic, including age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation, or any other attribute protected under applicable law. In accordance with applicable law, we make reasonable accommodations for applicants’ and employees’ religious practices and beliefs, as well as any mental health or physical disability needs.
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