Founded 60 years ago, the University of Bath 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 8th 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.
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University of Bath | Claverton Down, Bath (Hybrid, at least 2 days per week on campus)
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Full-time, Permanent (we are open to discussing a four-day week for the right candidate)
About 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.
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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.
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Lead, coach and inspire a high-performing media relations team.
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Oversee the University press office and media monitoring function.
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Lead on sensitive and high-profile communications issues with sound judgement and professionalism.
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Act as a trusted adviser to university leaders on media relations, messaging and public positioning.
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Evaluate impact, champion innovation and continuously improve how we tell our stories.
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Build strong partnerships with academics, professional services colleagues and senior leaders across the University.
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Build relationships with media partners and communications agencies in the UK and internationally.
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Manage communications agency relationships and associated budgets, ensuring value for money and measurable impact.
About you
We're looking for a communications professional who is as skilled at building relationships as they are at developing strategy.
You'll bring:
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Proven experience in senior communications and media relations leadership roles, including responsibility for strategic planning, stakeholder management, and reputation building.
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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.
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Experience leading and developing people, creating an inclusive and supportive team culture.
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Experience managing reputational issues and working under pressure.
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Experience using evaluation and performance metrics to optimise communications activity and demonstrate impact.
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Curiosity, resilience and a genuine interest in current affairs, research, and public impact.
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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 [email protected].
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 University of Bath 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:
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Generous annual leave allowance with an additional 5 discretionary days so that you can enjoy a positive work life balance
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Generous employer contributory pension schemes
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Cycle to work scheme
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Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
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Staff discount at Team Bath gym
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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
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Local discounts, including free entry to the Holburne Museum in Bath
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A family-friendly workplace
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An excellent reward package that recognises the talents of our diverse workforce
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Relocation allowance
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Visa reimbursement and Interest-Free Loan to help with the cost of some immigration expenses
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Employee assistance services through Health Assured, including access to the Wisdom app
Find out more about our benefits hear from our staff about what makes the University of Bath a great place to work as well as following us X and LinkedIn.
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:
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Staff support groups and networks
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A network of Staff Wellbeing Champions
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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.
- Job Description & Person Specification
Right to Work in the UK: We do not assess immigration or right to work status until offer stage. Being invited to interview does not guarantee you are eligible for visa sponsorship and all offers are conditional on meeting right to work requirements. Further information is available on our application support webpage.
Anonymous shortlisting: We are constantly seeking to reduce the unconscious bias that enters any assessment process, with the goal of creating an inclusive and equal assessment process. To support this, personal details such as your name, may be removed from application forms at the initial shortlisting stage.
