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External Communications Manager (1865)

External Communications Manager (1865)

External Communications Manager

Full Time (37 hrs per week) – Permanent - High Wycombe 

Salary - £38,784 - £43,482

 

 

 

HELP US BREAK THE MOULD

We’re not trying to fit in with the higher education status quo. We’re challenging it. We’re doing things differently – because our students, our staff, and our world need us to.

 

So this is an exciting moment to join us. We’re boldly reimagining what a university can be: a place rooted in social mobility, a community where difference is celebrated, and an institution that empowers people to become more than they thought possible.

 

 

We're looking for someone who can take the lead in telling BNU’s story with clarity and impact. As External Communications Manager, you’ll create campaigns that champion our people, research and achievements while strengthening our reputation. 

 

You’ll build strong relationships with journalists, stakeholders, and colleagues across the University to uncover stories, respond to opportunities and ensure messaging is consistent and compelling. 

 

From media coverage to digital platforms, you’ll produce content that informs and inspires - always guided by evidence and insight. With creativity and vision, you’ll play a key role in protecting and enhancing our reputation, and in sharing the story of a University we’re proud to be part of. 

 

What we offer:

  • a generous holiday entitlement (30 days per annum, plus bank holidays & closure days)
  • hybrid working (dependent on business needs)
  • access to free online GP
  • full contractual family leave and pay from day one
  • training & development support opportunities
  • contributory pension scheme
  • discounted gym membership for our on-site gym
  • a range of staff discounts with major retailers.

 

Please click here to see our wide range of benefits available for employees.
Please click here for our behavioural based interview question bank.
Please click here to view our employee handbook.

 

If you have the qualities and attributes representative of the University’s values and ambition, we would be delighted to hear from you.

 

For further information about this role please contact keith.coles@bucks.ac.uk

 

All applications are to be made in full and online.

 

BNU is proud to have a diverse community and a strong track record of diversity, equity and inclusion. We are committed to promoting an inclusive and diverse workplace and aim to continue building an environment where everyone thrives and can be themselves. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in BNU’s workforce. These include people from global majority backgrounds, people with disabilities, and LGBTQI+ people, particularly in more senior roles.

 

Please let us know if you require any adjustments or support during the recruitment process. We are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments that would enable you to perform to the best of your abilities in your role. Please reach out to keith.coles@bucks.ac.uk if you have any specific needs or if you would like more information on how we can support you.

 

We ensure that our interview/shortlisting Chairs complete the relevant e-learning and/or inclusive recruitment training.

 

 

Closing Date: 12 October 2025

Interview Date: 21 or 22 October 2025

 

 

If you are successful in securing an interview for the role, you will be required to provide proof of eligibility to work in the UK. 

 

 

BNU is a Disability Confident employer and as such you will be given the opportunity to declare a disability as part of the application process. The University has achieved the Race Equality Charter Bronze award.

 

 

 

Location
High Wycombe
Contract Type
Permanent
Salary Range
Ł38,784 - Ł43,482
Hours per week
37
Closing Date
12/10/2025
Ref No
1865

Job Description

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title:  External Communications Manager 

 

Directorate: Office of the VCC&CE

 

Grade:  G 

Location: High Wycombe 

 

Hours:  37 

Responsible to: Senior Communications Manager  

 

Responsible for:  N/A 

 

Job Purpose:  
To lead the development and delivery of engaging, digital-first internal communications that inform, inspire, and connect staff and students across the University. The role supports the implementation of BNU’s communications strategy by creating clear, consistent messaging that reflects the University’s brand, values and strategic priorities. The postholder will work closely with colleagues across teams in ESR and the wider University to foster a culture of transparency, collaboration, and inclusion.  
 
To practice an inclusive approach and support building an inclusive university community where people can be themselves. 

 

 

Main Duties & Responsibilities 

  • Develop and implement internal communications strategies and campaigns informed by audience insight that support the University’s strategic goals and enhance staff and student engagement. 

  • Work closely with the External Communications Manager and People team to ensure alignment between internal and external communications as needed, and the management of media issues internally. 

  • Create and manage content for internal channels including BEN (intranet), MyBNU (student portal), staff briefings, sessions with students, updates for University Council members, and digital screens across BNU’s campuses.  

  • Collaborate with colleagues in senior leadership (including executive team), academic Colleges, professional services areas, the People Team, and Bucks Students’ Union to deliver timely and relevant communications. 

  • Support the Senior Communications Manager in delivering crisis communications and change management messaging to internal audiences. 

  • Lead initiatives to ensure strong digital competencies across the University, empowering staff to communicate effectively with colleagues using internal platforms. 

  • Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of internal communications using analytics, feedback, and engagement metrics by reporting insights and recommendations for further improvements. 

  • Collaborate with colleagues to coordinate and deliver internal events and campaigns that celebrate the diversity of BNU’s community; promote student and staff wellbeing; and recognise achievements of staff and students. 

  • Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders to ensure communications are aligned, inclusive, and responsive to organisational needs. 

  • Ensure all communications comply with relevant legislation and University policies (e.g., GDPR, Equality & Diversity). 

  • Support internal communications when required, ensuring alignment between internal and external messaging. 

  • Undertake other duties as required by the Senior Communications Manager. 

 

 

PERSON SPECIFICATION

A = Application     T = Test     I = Interview  

Education, Qualifications & Training 

Means of Testing 

Educated to degree level 

A 

Knowledge & Experience 

 

Minimum 5 years’ experience in internal communications, employee engagement, or corporate communications. 

A/I 

Experience working as part of an integrated Communications and Marketing team. 

 

Proven ability to create engaging content tailored to diverse internal audiences, consistent with an overarching brand position. 

A/I 

Experience in supporting senior leaders with strategic messaging and change communications. 

A/I 

Strong understanding of digital communication tools and intranet platforms. 

A/I 

Experience in evaluating communications effectiveness using data and feedback. 

A/I 

Familiarity with the higher education sector and its internal stakeholder landscape. 

A/I 

Skills 

 

Excellent writing and editing skills with the ability to simplify complex information. 

A/I 

Strong interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills. 

A/I 

Strategic thinker with strong numeracy and analytical skills to interpret data, shape messaging, and improve communication strategies by identifying risks and opportunities. 

A/I 

Skilled in project and event management. 

A/I 

Confident in advising senior colleagues and managing sensitive communications. 

A/I 

Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment. 

A/I 

Innovative and collaborative approach. 

A/I 

Strong judgement and discretion in handling sensitive information. 

A/I 

Special Requirements 

 

To provide out of hours support to communicate with internal audiences e.g. in a crisis communications situation. 

A/I 

 

Behavioural INDICATORS 

The BNU Behaviours Framework (BBF) is a framework for all University staff that sets out the key behaviours that exemplify the DRIVE values and ethos of the University.  The nine categories provide a clear steer on behavioural expectations that will help support a step change in the performance and culture of the University.  The three key behavioural indicators for this post are as follows:  

 

Delivering excellent service 

Providing the best quality service to external and internal customers/students/stakeholders. Building genuine and open long-term relationships in order to drive up customer service standards. 

 

Working together 

Working collaboratively and across boundaries with others in order to achieve objectives. Recognising and valuing the different contributions people bring to this process. 

 

Achieving results 

Consistently meeting agreed objectives and success criteria. Taking personal responsibility for getting things done. 

 

 

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