Jobs at Bath | Marketing, Communications and External Affairs

Head of Strategic Media and Research Communications (YZ13800)

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Founded 60 years ago, the VR��Ƶ has grown into a globally respected institution. Renowned for excellence in teaching and research, it is ranked 125th globally in the QS World University Rankings 2027. The University is ranked 8^th in the Guardian University rankings and 7th in the UK by The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026, where it is also named Sport University of the Year.

The Head of Strategic Media and Research Communications will play a pivotal part in building on our strengths as we begin to embed Bath’s new 10-year strategy, with a particular focus on global impact.

We're seeking someone with expertise in building and implementing strategic media relations plans and has experience managing a busy press office and team leadership.

VR��Ƶ | Claverton Down, Bath (Hybrid, at least 2 days per week on campus)
Full-time, Permanent (we are open to discussing a four-day week for the right candidate)

VR��Ƶ the role

As Head of Strategic Media and Research Communications, you will lead the University's earned media strategy, driving high-impact communications that support the University’s strategic priorities and strengthen our reputation nationally and internationally.

You will collaborate with senior leaders, researchers, and communications colleagues to find compelling stories, cultivate meaningful external relationships, and develop coordinated campaigns that engage media, policymakers, funders, partners, and other influential audiences.

This is both a strategic and hands-on leadership role working closely with the Associate Director Communications and Engagement. You'll provide expert counsel to senior collaborators, lead on complex reputational issues, and build the conditions for your team to thrive and deliver outstanding results.

What you’ll be doing

Develop and deliver an ambitious media and research communications strategy that strengthens the University's profile and influence nationally and internationally.

Shape integrated communications activity by working alongside communications colleagues to identify and amplify research, expertise and institutional stories that support the University's strategic priorities.
Lead, coach and inspire a high-performing media relations team.
Oversee the University press office and media monitoring function.
Lead on sensitive and high-profile communications issues with sound judgement and professionalism.
Act as a trusted adviser to university leaders on media relations, messaging and public positioning.
Evaluate impact, champion innovation and continuously improve how we tell our stories.
Build strong partnerships with academics, professional services colleagues and senior leaders across the University.
Build relationships with media partners and communications agencies in the UK and internationally.
Manage communications agency relationships and associated budgets, ensuring value for money and measurable impact.

VR��Ƶ you

We're looking for a communications professional who is as skilled at building relationships as they are at developing strategy.

You'll bring:

Proven experience in senior communications and media relations leadership roles, including responsibility for strategic planning, stakeholder management, and reputation building.
A strong understanding of today's global communications landscape and how earned, owned, and paid channels work together and a track record of designing and delivering successful integrated communications programmes.
Experience leading and developing people, creating an inclusive and supportive team culture.
Experience managing reputational issues and working under pressure.
Experience using evaluation and performance metrics to optimise communications activity and demonstrate impact.
Curiosity, resilience and a genuine interest in current affairs, research, and public impact.
Confidence advising senior stakeholders and influencing at all levels.

Experience in higher education would be welcome but is not essential. We would love to hear from talented communications leaders from a range of sectors who can bring fresh perspectives and ideas.

Further information

Interviews are scheduled to take place on 25 September 2026.

For initial discussion about the role please contact Yilin Zhang, Talent Advisor at yz4677@bath.ac.uk.

Please submit your application via the University website. Every application will be read by the shortlisting panel. Shortlisting is completed anonymously so CVs cannot be considered either alongside, or as a substitute for, a completed application form.

If you are considering applying, please refer to the University’s guidance on the use of AI for job applicants.

Why join us

The VR��Ƶ is consistently acknowledged as one of the UK's leading universities, known for excellence in research, education, and student experience.

You'll join a collaborative, ambitious Marketing, Communications and External Affairs team that values creativity, integrity, and continuous improvement.

We consider ourselves to be a university where difference is celebrated, respected and encouraged. We have an excellent international reputation with staff from over 60 different nations and have made a positive commitment towards gender equity and intersectionality receiving a Silver Athena SWAN award. We truly believe that diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds will lead to a better environment for our employees and students and encourage applications from all genders, backgrounds, and communities, particularly from under-represented groups, and value the positive impact that will have on the university. We are committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for our students, staff, and community by reinforcing our Safer Recruitment commitment.

What we can offer you

We're continually expanding our benefits package to better support you and enhance your experience with us and the below is just an example of some of the many great benefits we offer:

Generous annual leave allowance with an additional 5 discretionary days so that you can enjoy a positive work life balance
Generous employer contributory pension schemes
Cycle to work scheme
Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
Staff discount at Team Bath gym
Staff benefits include discounted postgraduate tuition and language courses, alongside a wide range of personal and professional development opportunities such as apprenticeships, LinkedIn Learning, and more
Local discounts, including free entry to the Holburne Museum in Bath
A family-friendly workplace
An excellent reward package that recognises the talents of our diverse workforce
Relocation allowance
Visa reimbursement and Interest-Free Loan to help with the cost of some immigration expenses
Employee assistance services through Health Assured, including access to the Wisdom app

Find out more about our benefits and watch the video to hear from our staff about what makes the VR��Ƶ a great place to work as well as following us and .

Be Well at Bath

We’re committed to creating a health-supporting working environment where everyone can thrive and be at their best. We offer a range of resources to enable you to do that from your first day here, including:

Staff support groups and networks
A network of Staff Wellbeing Champions
A suite of tools, resources and frameworks that enable you to be at your best and thrive

Find out more about being at your best at Bath.

Closing Date: 17 Aug 2026

Department: Management, Specialist and Administration

Salary: £47,389 to £56,535

Event Manager (KD13801)

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT

VR��Ƶ the role

We’re looking for an experienced and organised Events Manager to lead the planning and delivery of Graduation ceremonies and celebratory receptions, some of the most memorable moments in the University calendar, as well as support the wider team on other Department events such as Open Days.

In this key role, you will:

Take the lead on every aspect of the graduation experience, from detailed operational planning to on-the-day management.
Deliver a professional, seamless experience for around 5,000 graduating students and their guests across Bath Abbey and the Bath Recreation Ground.
Manage suppliers, budgets, logistics, and risk assessments, while briefing senior staff and coordinating internal teams.
Work closely with colleagues across Academic Registry, the Vice-Chancellor’s Office, the wider university.
Help shape the future of University events by contributing to continuous improvement and early planning for ceremonies beyond 2026.

Graduation is a highlight of the year, celebrating achievement and community. You’ll join a friendly, experienced Events team that also delivers Open Days, Virtual Open Days, public lectures and other University events.

VR��Ƶ you

You’ll bring:

Significant experience of planning and delivering large, complex or high-profile events, ideally within higher education or a similar environment.
Excellent project management skills and the ability to juggle multiple priorities calmly and effectively.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with confidence when briefing senior stakeholders and managing suppliers or temporary staff.
Sensitivity, diplomacy, and a customer-focused approach, ensuring every guest feels valued.
The flexibility to work occasional evenings or weekends during event periods (with TOIL provided).
A degree (or equivalent experience), and proven success managing budgets and event teams, will be essential.

Further Information

This role is offered on a permanent basis (36.5 hours per week).

For an informal discussion about the role please contact Sarah McFarlane (Head of Undergraduate Marketing & Events) on sjm210@bath.ac.uk, however please ensure that you submit your application through the university website.

We're very proud to be a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant. an accredited Disability Confident Leader; autism friendly university, committed to building disability confidence and supporting disabled staff.

What we can offer you