Director of External Affairs - RGU06992

Job Summary

Robert Gordon University (RGU) is an innovative, inclusive, and professionally focused University with a mission to transform people and communities. Through the impact of its teaching excellence, its applied research and enterprise, the University promotes an inclusive, prosperous and sustainable society by improving quality of life, driving economic growth and creating equal opportunities for all.

RGU places students at the heart of both the design and delivery of its teaching and learning and is positively reflected in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025 where it was ranked third in Scotland and 14th in the UK for teaching quality.

The University is renowned for its engagement with industry and employers to ensure graduates and workforces are equipped with the skills needed for the future. As a result, the University has a leading reputation for the employability of its graduates.

RGU is proud to be a regional university, which like the region it is based in, has a strong international outlook and footprint. The University has a strategic commitment to support economic, social, and cultural development in the North-East of Scotland as well as further afield nationally and internationally.

As an institution, and a community of 18,000 students and 1,800 staff, RGU values curiosity, authenticity, approachability, collaboration, enterprise, ambition, respectfulness, and equality - values the University embeds in every aspect of what it does.

As part of a University-wide restructure of Schools and Departments, a new department of External Affairs has been created. This new department brings together previous departments responsible for Communications, Marketing, Design & Print and Alumni & Fundraising. Collectively this new department will be responsible for developing and maintaining the University's distinctive brand within the Scottish and UK higher education sector. This is an exciting opportunity for the right candidate to bring to life a University that makes a significant positive contribution to individuals and communities across the country.

The new Director will be responsible for bringing these different teams together to create a new department culture better able to present the University to a wide range of stakeholders. The Director will be expected to work closely with the heads of other external-facing professional services across the University including the Head of Business and Economic Development and the Director of Student Recruitment, Access & Admissions. The post-holder will also be able to work with the Principal, his Executive and Policy Advisor to support the University's public affairs activity.

RGU's ultra-modern campus, located on the outskirts of the vibrant and prosperous city of Aberdeen, offers a superb place to live, work and develop your career. A relocation package is available to assist with your transition to RGU, where you'll enjoy working in one of the most impressive university settings in the UK, with first-class educational infrastructure and outstanding sporting and leisure facilities, all set against a stunning rural backdrop on the banks of the river Dee.

Interviews: 10th January 2025

We have engaged the services of Talent Acumen to source and co-ordinate applications. To apply, send your CV with a cover letter, explaining how you feel you meet the requirements of the role to: david.murphy@talent-acumen.com

This post is subject to a Disclosure Scotland check. For more information visit: Disclosure Scotland.

To find out more, visit: RGU Senior Management Appointments.

Job Description

RESPONSIBLE TO: Vice Principal (Strategy and Planning)

RESPONSIBLE FOR:

• Alumni & Fundraising;
• Communications & Events;
• Marketing; and
• The Gatehouse Design and Print Studio

PRINCIPAL DUTIES:

• Oversee the delivery of successful marketing strategies, high profile campaigns and proactive values-based engagement covering student recruitment, marketing, digital advertising, social media, communications and public affairs;
• Build internal and external partnerships to facilitate the above;
• Promote our Vision and Strategy with enthusiasm and credibility across multiple platforms to key stakeholders, alumni, opinion formers and decision makers within the government, industry community, business and charity sectors;
• Provide high level strategic advice to support the development and long term cultivation of the University's brand and identity across a large and complex organisation;
• Enhance our public affairs capacity and advising the Executive and members of the Board on all aspects of media relations; marketing; external communication and brand management;
• Develop and manage an Insights and Analytics plan to identify key areas of opportunity and to understand the effectiveness of our External Affairs activity;
• Oversee the development of integrated digital content, including the creation, adaption and distribution of content across digital platforms and social media channels, ensuring extensive research and engagement;
• Lead and inspire teams of professionals to provide a broad array of communications, marketing and public affairs functions and support long-term skills and development to enhance in-house capacity and capability;
• Demonstrate thought-leadership in areas relevant to higher education policy and being able to identify key trends while being able to shape a University-wide response;
• Develop prioritised plans and targets and using creativity to maximise the impact and value of paid-for multi-media campaigns across all communication channels;
• Work effectively with colleagues from across the institution to oversee the development of high quality, joined up media and editorial content and nurturing effective communications; PR and media relations which clearly reflect the institutional brand identity and strategic priorities for a range of audiences;
• Oversee the contracting of external services and regularly monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of marketing, communications and all forms of digital activity;
• Manage crisis communications and advise senior decision-makers as necessary;
• Contribute to a University-wide events programme to engage internal and external audiences and enhance the University's profile and reputation;
• Work collaboratively with existing networks to influence public affairs and respond to and shape local and national policies;
• Advocate on behalf of the University to influence public disclosure and to communicate effective narratives linked to our mission and values;

Person Specification

Qualifications and Professional Memberships

Educated to degree level, with a relevant postgraduate and/or chartered professional qualification or equivalent experience.

Discipline and Sector Expertise

• Significant experience of a broad product range, across marketing, communications and public affairs;
• Significant knowledge and a proven track record in the successful management and delivery of marketing, brand, insights and analytics;
• Knowledge of all marketing channels - social, digital, aggregators and traditional print and above the line channels;
• Knowledge of key issues facing the UK higher education sector in relation to marketing, brand management and partnership development;
• A sound understanding of public policy, the fundraising sector and the legal and financial aspects of marketing.

Leadership and Management Expertise

• Excellent leadership, business and management skills with an understanding of the management of a large and complex organisation;
• An inspirational leader with experience of achieving results through effective change management, both within teams and across organisations;
• Collaborative approach with the ability to motivate, manage and bring out the best in individuals and ultimately multiple teams;
• Strong commitment to deliver and promote the University's values around Equality, Diversity and Inclusion;
• Experience of engaging with, and influencing, multiple audiences and stakeholders;
• Evidence of resilience, tact and diplomacy in high profile and unpredictable situations;
• A company and brand ambassador with a track record of developing external relations for a large scale organisation;
• Evidence of successful strategy development and implementation;
• Experience of financial management, business improvement and strategy development with strong skills in digital and IT.