Further Particulars
This document includes information about the role for which you are applying and the
information you will need to provide with the application.
1. Role details
Vacancy reference:
6932
Job title:
Director of Communications
Reports to:
University Secretary
Salary:
£88,769 - £100,763 depending on experience and
qualifications
Terms and conditions:
Senior Academic and Related Staff
Duration of post:
Permanent
Working hours:
37 hours, Monday to Friday
Location:
The Open University at Walton Hall, Milton Keynes
Closing date:
noon 25th January 2011
Type of application form accepted:
Short Application Form, Covering Letter and CV
Number of referees required:
3
Unit recruitment contact:
Univ-Sec-Recruitment@open.ac.uk
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2. Summary of duties
The Director of Communications works closely with the Vice-Chancellor and Executive to
develop and implement a corporate communications strategy to support delivery of the
corporate strategy, build and develop relationships with key external stakeholders, ensure
consistent delivery of brand, protect and develop reputation and develop organisational
culture.
Reporting to the University Secretary, the role-holder will lead and manage the
Communications team, driving communications activities in line with our strategic plan,
towards the vision of being widely regarded as the world leader in flexible learning.
KEY RESULT AREAS
Strategy and planning – Lead the development of an innovative, enterprising and effective
external and internal communication strategy, together with operational plans, to ensure that
people in the organisation understand and support the University’s mission and strategy and
that the University’s broader contribution to personal development, social inclusion and
economic development are recognised and valued by all key stakeholders, including potential
and current students, alumni, honorary graduates, influencers, supporters, partners, staff, the
media, Government Ministers, current and potential donors.
Corporate Communications Leadership – Support the Vice-Chancellor in his internal and
external relations roles. Ensure that communications support is available in all required
geographies working with the relevant Nation Directors to plan, budget for and maintain these
services; control communications messages and programmes throughout the organisation.
External representation and government relations – Promote and represent the University
with all stakeholders across all media. Work closely with ministers and officials, members of
both Houses of Parliament, parliamentary lobbyists, sector organisations and other
professionals to ensure maximum awareness of Open University activities and their
appropriate positioning in strategic policy agendas.
Risk and reputation management - Control and develop the University brand to ensure that
reputation is maintained in line with the University’s mission and strategy. Ensure that for all
University activities, potential reputational risks and assumptions are identified and analysed.
Ensure that systems and procedures are in place to protect the University’s reputation and
invoke these as needed.
Horizon scanning – monitor the external environment in order to understand relevant
developments in the University’s environment, evaluate their significance assessing potential
opportunities or threats for the University.
Marketing and fundraising – Work closely with the Directors of Development and Marketing
to support marketing and fundraising programmes and provide communications services and
support to marketing and fundraising activities.
Membership development – maintain a social media and web environment for members
(potential and current students, alumni, honorary graduates, supporters, partners, staff, the
media, current and potential donors) using data derived from these media for regular
assessment of member mood, interests and needs sharing this data across the Senior
Management Team. Ensure that all information and services provided are relevant and
produced in an easily accessible format available to the widest range of abilities and cultures.
Develop methods for increasing the membership.
Departmental leadership – Build, develop, motivate and lead a dynamic and effective
communications team that builds reputation and creates awareness of the organisation’s aims,
activities and targets; manage target setting, monitoring of progress, and financial control of
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communication activities in order to evaluate performance, identify problem areas and develop
solutions, so the department can maximise its effectiveness and achieve its targets.
Organisational strategy and management – Contribute to the overall strategic direction of
the University through membership of the Senior Management team, attendance at University
Council meetings, and convening the University’s Advancement Group
Responsibilities of the Director include:
 Develop the University’s communications strategy to support the execution of the
institutional strategy set down in OU Futures and provide the priorities for the work of
Communications and a framework for corporate communications across the university
and its subsidiaries.

Inspire and develop the Communications team, which includes Events & Public Affairs
as well as Corporate Communications and Marketing

Working with the Directors of Marketing and Development, ensure coordination
between the development and implementation of the University’s communications
strategy and our marketing and fundraising strategies

Direct the management and development of the University brand, ensuring that all
communication activities reflect the OU brand, and its associated vision, purpose and
values

Develop the University’s key messages and proof points ensuring that these are
properly embedded in all of the University’s communications.

Communicate a positive and consistent image of the University, both internally and
externally

Promote the University and its associated activities effectively to a wide range of
stakeholders, both in the UK and overseas, working with the Nation Directors, CAUs,
Strategy and International Development

Proactively direct and lead the University’s media relations to achieve optimal media
coverage

Proactively direct and lead government relations and key influencer programmes

Proactively direct and lead the University’s on-line provision.

Provide direction for internal and external communications in all media

Monitor the media and political landscape and funding environment within the UK and
develop an effective understanding of current and possible future environments.

Monitor the management of relationships with external agencies including PR, Public
Affairs, design, printers - ensuring quality of service and value-for-money

Support, maintain and develop key relationships with individuals, external groups,
partner organisations, influencers, local communities and other stakeholders

Provide strategic direction for the planning and management of major corporate events

Represent the University at external functions where appropriate
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
Identify opportunities to collaborate with other areas of the University to achieve the
targets set out in the strategy and plan

Work closely with the senior management team in responding to any crisis that
requires the support of the communications team, and be part of the emergency
response and business continuity teams.

Fulfil any general duties required of a Head of Unit, including: leading and developing
the service to ensure continuous improvement; preparing local plans; managing
delegated budgets; ensuring compliance with health & safety and equal opportunities
legislation; organising staff appraisals; ensuring appropriate staff development is
undertaken and communicating with staff on a regular basis.
3. Person specification
The post-holder will have the following qualifications, experience and expertise:
Experience
a) Significant relevant experience in a senior communications leadership role in a large
organisation.
b) Experience of developing communications strategies and responsibility for implementing
them.
c) Considerable experience of working with and/or developing relationships with top tier
managers, journalists, key influencers, policy makers, government officials and ministers.
Knowledge
d) Knowledge of a wide range of media, media tactics and evaluation of their effectiveness.
This must include strong experience of e and social media.
e) Comprehensive knowledge of the political landscape within the UK and of the workings of
Government.
f)
Ideally, knowledge of the Higher Education sector in the UK and in Europe
Skills
g) Strong leadership and management skills with ability to demonstrate success; experience
of leading, developing and motivating staff, including the ability to plan, schedule and
manage a range of complex tasks.
h) Ability to gather, analyse, interpret and present information effectively, to comment on its
significance, and to bring forward proposals for action.
i)
Ability to think and plan strategically and systemically.
j)
Ability to execute plans within and outside the unit.
k) Excellent inter-personal skills with an ability to establish and develop strong relationships
with senior figures outside and within the University; an ability to cross boundaries to
develop relationships with other organisations, teams and individuals.
l)
Excellent communication skills, including an ability to persuade, negotiate, write fluently
and clearly, speak engagingly and authoritatively, and to gain commitment from others to
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ideas and proposals.
m) Experience of developing unit plans and delivering the agreed activity to budget.
Qualifications
n) A first degree or equivalent qualification or experience.
Appropriate professional qualifications or evidence of professional development.
Note: Essential elements are those, without which, a candidate would not be able to do the job. Applicants who have
not clearly demonstrated in their application that they possess the essential elements will normally be rejected at the
short listing stage. Desirable elements are those which it would be useful for the post holder to possess.
4. Role specific requirements e.g. Shift working
5. About the unit/department
The Communication group’s core purpose is to develop relationships with our many
stakeholders and to build our reputation as the world leader in flexible learning. The
group operates as a full service internal PR, communications and public affairs
consultancy to all areas of the University. It covers all channels from front-of-house and
events to influencer relations and social media.
6. How to obtain more information about the role or application process
If you would like to discuss the particulars of this role before making an application please
contact Fraser Woodburn, the University Secretary, on 01908 653213 or email secgen@open.ac.uk .
If you have any questions regarding the application process please contact Univ-SecRecruitment@open.ac.uk
7. The application process and where to send completed applications
Please ensure that your application reaches the University by: noon 25th January 2011.
Post it to:
Name/Job title:
Mrs Diana Griffiths, Recruitment Co-ordinator
Department/Unit: University Secretary’s Office
Address:
Room 202, Charles Pinfold Building
The Open University
Walton Hall
Milton Keynes
Post Code:
MK7 6AA
Or e-mail your application to: Univ-Sec-Recruitment@open.ac.uk
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8. Selection process and date of interview
The interview panel will be chaired by Fraser Woodburn. The interviews will take place w/c 7th
February 2011.
We will let you know as soon as possible after the closing date whether you have been
shortlisted for interview. Further details on the selection process will also be sent to
shortlisted candidates.
Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted.
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