Students receive hundreds of messages during their time at university. Some matter deeply. Some get ignored. Some arrive too late. Some arrive all at once. At Aston University, students receive a high volume of communications throughout their journey from enrolment to graduation. The quality, timing and coordination of those communications can have a direct impact on the student experience.
We are seeking an experienced Student Communications Manager to lead and improve complex communications activity in a large, fast-moving university environment.
This role is suited to a communications professional with a strong track record of planning and delivering coordinated, multi-channel communications that influence behaviour, improve experience and support organisational priorities.
You will help shape how Aston University communicates with students across the full student lifecycle, working with colleagues across the institution to bring greater structure, consistency and strategic purpose to high-volume communications activity at scale.
This is a role for someone who can operate confidently in a complex environment, exercise sound judgement and improve ways of working rather than simply deliver routine communications activity.
The successful candidate will bring strong editorial judgement, credibility with stakeholders and the confidence to lead better practice across teams. They will be comfortable working through ambiguity, aligning competing priorities and ensuring communications are clear, timely and effective.
This is an opportunity to make a visible contribution to the student experience and to help shape a more joined-up, effective approach to student communications across the University.
Key responsibilities
-
Plan and coordinate student communications across the student lifecycle
-
Help shape a more strategic and joined-up approach to student communications across the University
-
Manage communications activity across channels including email, digital platforms, student portals and on-campus communications
-
Write, edit and quality assure clear, engaging and audience-focused communications
-
Work across teams to improve coordination, reduce duplication and align messaging
-
Develop and maintain a central communications calendar to support planning and prioritisation
-
Use insight, feedback and data to improve communications effectiveness and student engagement
-
Support communications activity during sensitive, high-profile or fast-moving situations
If you have the experience, judgement and collaborative approach needed to succeed in this role, we would welcome your application.
For an informal discussion about the role before applying, please contact [email protected].
What we offer:
-
Aston University is a dynamic and vibrant campus located within Birmingham city centre, which has excellent transport links via bus or train.
-
Excellent training and development opportunities.
-
A generous annual leave scheme with 30 days bookable leave and a further 13 days bank holiday and University Closure days.
-
Everyday discounts to a number of activities and retailers.
-
Great family friendly policies.
-
On site gym and pool with discounted staff membership available
-
Further information on our Benefits and Rewards can be found here.
This role may meet the requirements for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. If you require sponsorship, Aston University will assess eligibility if you are shortlisted for the role. Please note we are unable to confirm individual eligibility before shortlisting.
See here for more information on Skilled Worker visa eligibility: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa
Anonymous shortlisting will be carried out for this role as part of Aston University’s commitment to equality and diversity and ensuring a fair and consistent approach to recruitment. Personal details that are included on application forms, including the candidate’s name and address will not be disclosed to the shortlisting panel. CVs will not be considered as part of the shortlisting process.
The University celebrates the rights of freedom of speech and academic freedom and is committed to maintaining and protecting these rights within the law. An offer to work at Aston University will never be denied on the basis of an individual’s lawful expression of their beliefs, ideas or opinions.
Aston University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. It promotes equality and diversity in all aspects of its work. We strive to have robust inclusivity strategies in place, to encourage colleagues to have the confidence and freedom to be themselves in the workplace. For more information, visit: https://www2.aston.ac.uk/about/inclusive-aston
Guidance on AI-Assisted Applications
While we cannot prevent applicants from using AI tools to support their application, we ask that all submissions reflect your own experience, achievements, and motivations. We want to understand what you personally bring to the role, so please ensure your application represents your own voice and capabilities.
We recognise the value of flexible working. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss what flexible working options are available for particular roles.
If you require the job details document or an application form in an alternative format please contact the recruitment team at [email protected]
