About the Role

As Associate Director of Communications, you will lead the University’s communications, engagement and public affairs functions, playing a central role in enhancing institutional reputation and strengthening its voice across the higher education sector and beyond. You will be responsible for developing and delivering integrated, insight-led communications strategies that support the University’s strategic ambitions, ensuring a consistent and coordinated approach across all internal and external activity.

Working closely with senior colleagues, you will provide expert advice, oversee media relations and crisis communications, and drive stakeholder engagement at the highest levels, including policymakers and key influencers. This is a pivotal leadership role where you will shape impactful campaigns, lead corporate communications, and use data-driven insight to measure success and inform future activity, all while building and developing a collaborative, high-performing team.

For informal enquiries about this vacancy, you may wish to contact: Caitlan McCann, Interim Director of Marketing, Recruitment and Admissions at Caitlan.McCann@edgehill.ac.uk or Recruitment@edgehill.ac.uk.

About You

As Associate Director of Communications, you will:

• bring significant expertise in communications, public affairs and stakeholder engagement, alongside a deep understanding of the external landscape and emerging sector issues
• be skilled in working with senior leaders, providing clear, insight-led guidance on reputation management, media relations and engagement strategy
• be comfortable leading through complexity—managing risk, navigating sensitive issues, and driving proactive communications that align with organisational priorities
• have excellent interpersonal and leadership skills, and the ability to inspire high-performing teams, foster collaboration, and use data and insight to continuously improve performance and demonstrate impact

At Edge Hill University we value the benefits a rich and diverse workforce brings to our community and therefore welcome applications from all sections of society.

Rewards & Benefits

• A minimum of 48 days annual leave per annum, pro rata (inclusive of bank holiday and University closure days)
• Relocation and Visa Assistance Policies (subject to eligibility criteria)
• Discounted membership to our onsite state-of-the-art sport and leisure facilities
• Staff benefits scheme, which provides you with discounts across the high street, supermarket shopping, cinema tickets, dining out and more.
• Employee assistance programme with access to free confidential counselling sessions, legal & financial advice, and health & wellbeing resources
• A wide range of development programmes to enhance your career
• Beautiful award-winning on-campus working environment.
• Automatic enrolment into the Local Government Pension Scheme

About Us

At Edge Hill University we believe in the life changing opportunities knowledge can create. Since 1885, we’ve been creating access to knowledge for those who may not have had the opportunity to before.

Today, the effect we have has a far-reaching impact, not just for those who come to study here but for those who work, invest in, and live in our local communities too. So, if you’ve ever wondered if one person can make a difference, simply speak to our alumni, students, and award-winning staff. Because for us education isn’t about how much you take in. It’s about what you take out into the world.

Inspiring minds and changing futures since 1885, Edge Hill University is “A great success story… an institution that improves and impresses year after year” – Times Higher Education.

Closing Date: 19 Aug 2026

Department: Senior Manager

Salary: Competitive Salary

About the Role

As Associate Head of School (Research & Knowledge Exchange), you will lead the School’s research and knowledge exchange strategy, delivering against agreed objectives, income targets and performance measures. You will strengthen the School’s contribution to REF and KEF, grow research and knowledge exchange income, and build impactful regional, national and international partnerships.

You will promote innovative, inclusive and interdisciplinary research, including responsible use of digital and AI‑enabled approaches, while fostering a high‑performing research culture that supports staff development and integrates research with teaching and the student experience.

For informal enquiries, please contact: Professor Christopher Greenough, Head of School, School of Education at Greenouc@edgehill.ac.uk and Professor Andy Smith, Deputy Dean, (Faculty of Education) at Smithand@edgehill.ac.uk

About You

You will be an established academic with a strong track record in research and/or knowledge exchange, including success in securing funding, producing high‑quality outputs and delivering demonstrable impact. You will bring experience of academic leadership, with the credibility and confidence to influence, inspire and deliver improvement through others.

You will have a clear and current understanding of the UK research and knowledge exchange landscape, including REF and KEF, and the ability to translate strategic ambition into measurable outcomes. A commitment to inclusive leadership, collaboration and academic excellence is essential. Experience of building partnerships, leading interdisciplinary initiatives and engaging with digital innovation and AI in an academic context will be particularly valuable.

At Edge Hill University, we value the benefits a rich and diverse workforce brings to our community and therefore welcome applications from all sections of society.

Why This Role Matters

This role offers a unique opportunity to shape a distinctive and impactful research and knowledge exchange portfolio within a School committed to addressing inequality and improving outcomes across education and communities.

As Associate Head of School (Research & Knowledge Exchange), you will be instrumental in positioning the School and the wider Faculty as a leader in applied, socially relevant research and knowledge exchange that delivers income, reputation and real‑world impact.

Rewards & Benefits 

• 38 days annual leave per annum, pro rata (Plus bank holidays and University closure days)
• Discounted membership to on‑site sport and leisure facilities
• Staff benefits scheme with discounts across retail, leisure and dining
• Employee Assistance Programme, including confidential counselling, legal and financial advice and wellbeing resources
• Access to a wide range of development programmes
• Award‑winning on‑campus working environment
• Automatic enrolment into the Teacher's Pension Scheme

About Us

At Edge Hill University we believe in the life‑changing opportunities knowledge can create. Since 1885, we have been creating access to education for those who may not otherwise have had the opportunity.

Today, the impact of our work extends well beyond our campus, benefiting those who study, work, invest in and live within our communities. Education at Edge Hill is not about how much you take in, but about what you take out into the world.

Inspiring minds and changing futures since 1885, Edge Hill University is “a great success story… an institution that improves and impresses year after year” — Times Higher Education.

Closing Date: 11 Sep 2026

Department: Senior Manager

Salary: £70,049