Aberdeen is a broad based, research intensive University, which puts students at the centre of everything it does. Outstanding in a wide range of discipline areas, Aberdeen has been credited for its international reach and its commercialisation of research ideas into spin out companies. The University has over 16,000 matriculated students and 3,600 staff representing 130 nationalities. We encourage bold thinking, creativity and innovation, and we nurture ambition with many opportunities for professional and personal development in an inclusive learning environment which challenges and inspires.   

Underpinning our high performance and significant growth is a £100m investment in Aberdeen’s estate which will include the completion of a new Science Teaching Hub, the regeneration of the historic King’s Quarter, and a new Business School building.  The University has also invested in 50 new academic posts, and 2020 will see the launch of 5 Interdisciplinary, cross-institution Research Centres that will catalyse world-leading research in our areas of research strength.  The University is proud to be the first UK University to operate on a dedicated campus in Qatar. On Founders’ day in 2020, our 525th anniversary as a University, we launched our new strategy ‘Aberdeen 2040’ which will shape our learning, discovery and strategic actions. For further details on the strategy, please visit www.abdn.ac.uk/2040.

We are seeking an outstanding individual to fill a new post, the Director of External Relations, who will be a member of the Senior Management Team.

The newly formed Directorate of External Relations includes marketing & brand development; public affairs & stakeholder engagement; communications; student recruitment & admissions (including internationally) bringing together several strategic areas for the University. The successful candidate will provide inspirational leadership for the Directorate by developing and communicating a compelling narrative for the University of Aberdeen, both internally and externally. This is an exciting and unique opportunity to design the External Relations strategy to maintain and grow the University’s reputation through first class communications and brand management, and to deliver strong growth in international students. 

The successful candidate will bring a significant personal track record of success in developing and leading high-profile innovative strategic marketing and/or student recruitment and/or public affairs initiatives.  You will also bring senior leadership experience, including experience of leading and driving forward change and developing high-performing teams with a collegial and inclusive leadership style.  

The University values a diverse working environment and recognises the benefits this can bring. The University is keen to receive applications from individuals from across all of the equality protected characteristics (age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation).

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to the University of Aberdeen on this appointment.  For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit www.saxbam.com/appointments using reference WBVY.  Alternatively telephone +44 (0)20 7227 0880 (during office hours).  Applications should be received by 17:00 Wednesday 11 March.