Marketing & Communications Manager - Universitas 21 - 107084 - Grade 7 at University of Birmingham

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £36,636 to £46,049 with potential progression once in post to £48,822

Full Time, but can be adapted to 0.8 FTE to accommodate flexible working requirements.

Permanent 

Interviews: Week commencing 13th April 2026

UK and International travel may be required for this role

This role is employed by the University of Birmingham but dedicated exclusively to Universitas 21 (U21), a global network of 31 research-intensive universities spanning six continents.

Role Summary

Working under the direction of the Head of Communications and Reputation, the Marketing and Communications Manager will play a pivotal role in amplifying the global reputation of Universitas 21, a leading international network of 31 research-intensive universities.

As Marketing and Communications Manager, you will bring creativity and strategy together to raise the profile of U21’s reputation worldwide, co-creating compelling stories and campaigns with U21 members and external partners. You will help inspire a global community of advocates across the network to help showcase the power of international collaboration and higher education. With a strong background in digital communications, the post holder will work with the Head of Communications and Reputation to support the development and delivery of U21’s communications strategy, creating engaging, innovative, and people-centred content that celebrates collaboration, global impact, and the human stories behind the network.

Working closely with colleagues across the U21 Secretariat, communications teams across the network, and partner organisations, you will strengthen visibility, engagement, and advocacy for U21’s mission and activities.

Main Duties

• Support the development and delivery of U21’s global communications and reputation strategy, aligning all messaging with organisational priorities including key themes such as global education, global research, leadership, and social impact.
• Champion innovative, people-centred storytelling across all channels by curating member voices and producing impactful digital content across multiple platforms that showcases U21’s global impact. Manage and strategically enhance U21’s digital presence, including the website, social media channels, and emerging platforms, ensuring engaging and accessible content.
• Develop, deliver and co-create innovative integrated campaigns in collaboration with members and partner organisations to promote U21’s mission and global impact.
• Produce and oversee high-quality multimedia content across editorial, digital, and print formats.
• Strengthen engagement with communications colleagues across the U21 network, enabling shared storytelling and consistent messaging.
• Contribute to U21’s member account management model to strengthen relationships, champion member needs internally, and ensure their priorities inform strategic activity.
• Coordinate with colleagues within U21 and U21 members with regard to their internal and external communications, including newsletters, bulletins, toolkits and impact publications. 
• Provide strategic communications support for U21 events, initiatives, and global programmes, including supporting live and post-event coverage.
• Monitor, analyse, and report on communications performance to inform decision-making, align with emerging trends and ensure continuous improvement.
• Contribute to organisational initiatives and deputise for the Head of Communications and Reputation where required.
• Promotes equality and values diversity, acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture. 
• Supports the University’s sustainability agenda through resource efficient working. 
• Any other duties commensurate with the grade.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications, Experience

• Educated to Degree level (or equivalent qualifications) plus relevant practical experience - where no equivalent qualification is held significant practical relevant experience and expertise in a series of progressively more demanding roles will be required.
• Proven experience in developing and delivering communications or marketing strategies.
• Experience managing and developing websites using content management systems (CMS).
• Demonstrable social media management experience, including analytics and growth strategies.
• Experience in creating engaging digital content, including copywriting, video, and multimedia.
• Strong understanding of branding, storytelling, and reputation management.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate complex information into engaging, accessible narratives.
• Creative, proactive, and innovative thinker with an eye for design and detail.
• Experience in stakeholder engagement and maintaining strong, collaborative partnerships.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships across diverse international contexts.
• Highly organised, able to manage multiple projects and deadlines effectively.
• Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, or other design tools.
• Experience of monitoring and interpreting digital analytics to inform strategy.
• Willingness to travel internationally and work flexibly, including occasional evenings or weekends.
• Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day-to-day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly. 

Desirable:

• Experience working in higher education or with international networks/organisations.
• Understanding of global collaboration and international education.
• Experience producing or commissioning video and multimedia content.

End Date: 23rd March 2026