Head of Digital Campaigns & Engagement

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Job description

We have a fantastic opportunity for a senior digital communications and social media professional to lead the University of Reading's strategic digital campaigning and engagement.
The University of Reading is one of the UK's leading research-intensive universities, committed to acting together, as a diverse and inclusive community, to deliver a better world through the transformational power of education and research. Holding a place in the top 30 of UK universities, the University operates in a highly competitive, global market, and it has never been so challenging to attract research income, students, academic and professional staff.

About the role
The role of Head of Digital Campaigns and Engagement sits within the Marketing, Communication and Engagement function (MCE), which provides expert marketing, engagement and communication strategy, advice and delivery. We work using a matrix management model to build the University's reputation, brand and profile, and deliver robust, innovative and global campaigns to support recruitment, fundraising and engagement targets.
This is an exciting opportunity for a digital campaigns subject matter expert, reporting to the Head of Marketing Projects and Planning, and working closely with the MCE senior management team.
You will head up a small, specialised team responsible for shaping and delivering the University's digital and social media campaign and engagement activity, both paid and organic, in-house and working with external providers. The University is recognised for its open, friendly and principled social media approach, and you will be responsible for maintaining and building this distinctive tone of voice in an environment that supports and encourages innovation. You will also plan, create, commission, deliver and evaluate engaging marketing campaigns on social media and digital channels to support the University's strategic goals.

About you
You will have experience of developing strategies that deliver high-profile, engaging, integrated campaigns, driving reputation and profile as well as engaging internal and external audiences. You will have a demonstrable understanding of how to effectively measure the impact of communications and engagement activity.
You will be highly motivated, astute and proactive. You will work with energy and confidence and be experienced at advising senior stakeholders. You will generate innovative solutions to challenges where there may be no clear precedents. You must be flexible, able to work at pace in a fast-moving environment and able to spot opportunities and risks early. You will also have a proven record of campaign evaluation and using data to improve performance.
You will be an outstanding writer and communicator, with a proven ability to manage major projects, crisis communications and delivery high-impact digital communications and social media activity. You will also be able to build and maintain strong networks of internal and external contacts and have a record of winning trust and confidence at all levels. Ideally, you will have detailed knowledge of the UK and international Higher Education sectors and the political and business context in which they operate.

Interview date: 22 December 2021