Chief Marketing and Growth Officer at University of Bradford

Salary:     £130,000 per annum
Post Type:     Full Time
Contract Type:     Permanent
Closing Date:     Friday 06 March 2026
Reference:     AQ3452

• The University of Bradford is entering a pivotal phase of growth and transformation. We are seeking an exceptional Chief Marketing Officer to join our Executive team and play a central role in shaping our future.
• Reporting directly to the Vice-Chancellor, the Chief Marketing Officer is a newly created executive role with responsibility for marketing, brand, communications, student recruitment, admissions and compliance, engagement, alumni relations and philanthropy. This is a rare opportunity to lead a broad, influential institutional portfolio and shape Bradford's position nationally and globally.
• The University of Bradford has a strong reputation for academic excellence, inclusion, social mobility and impactful research. As a civic university rooted in one of the UK’s most youthful and diverse cities, we are proud of our mission and our contribution to society. Our strategy is ambitious and focused on growth, reputation, student experience and long-term financial sustainability.
• The Chief Marketing Officer will lead the development and delivery of a bold, future-focused marketing and global recruitment strategy that drives sustainable growth in student numbers across home and international markets. You will oversee the evolution of the University’s brand and digital presence, ensuring it is distinctive, values-led and market-responsive, and that it supports a high-quality, end-to-end applicant experience.
• As a core member of the University Executive, you will provide expert advice to the Vice-Chancellor, Executive Team and Council on brand, reputation, market positioning, risk and opportunity. You will bring an evidence-led and commercially astute approach, underpinned by robust market insight, analytics and forecasting, and will work closely with academic and professional leaders to ensure that portfolio development and recruitment activity are aligned with institutional priorities.
• You will also provide strategic leadership for corporate communications, public affairs, media and crisis communications, and for the University’s alumni engagement and philanthropy agenda, strengthening advocacy, partnerships and long-term support for the institution.
• We are seeking a senior leader with significant experience in marketing, communications and recruitment at scale, either within higher education or a comparable complex organisation. You will bring a commercial and entrepreneurial mindset, strong executive presence, and the ability to lead and inspire large multidisciplinary teams through change.
• This role offers the opportunity to shape the future of a university with a strong sense of purpose, a clear strategy for growth, and a deep commitment to inclusion and social mobility. Bradford is going places, and we are looking for a Chief Marketing Officer who is excited to be part of that journey.