Head of Communications

Job Overview

The Head of Communications will lead the institutions communication and branding function, driving strategic messaging, stakeholder engagement, and brand visibility across internal and external platforms. This role carries end-to-end ownership of communication strategy, team leadership, institutional storytelling, and communication support for events and initiatives. The position requires a strong blend of strategic thinking, people leadership, and execution excellence in an academic environment.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Communication & Brand Leadership

• Develop, implement, and oversee institution-wide communication and branding strategies aligned with organizational goals.
• Ensure consistency in messaging, tone, and visual identity across all communication channels.
• Strengthen brand positioning and institutional reputation across print, digital, and internal platforms.

Team Leadership & Department Management

• Lead, mentor, and manage the Communications team, ensuring clear workflows, accountability, and performance standards.
• Review and approve all key communication outputs including annual reports, magazines, newsletters, institutional collaterals, and campaigns.
• Conduct regular reviews of departmental processes, documentation, and output quality.

Engagement & Performance Monitoring

• Drive measurable improvements in engagement, brand awareness, and stakeholder satisfaction.
• Track, analyze, and report communication performance metrics on a weekly, monthly, and quarterly basis.
• Continuously refine strategies based on insights, analytics, and industry benchmarks.

Event Communication & Institutional Support

• Provide strategic communication support for institutional events, campaigns, and major initiatives.
• Guide the team in developing event-specific communication plans and promotional materials.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure effective visibility and outreach for events.

Industry Awareness & Continuous Improvement

• Monitor communication, branding, and marketing trends relevant to higher education.
• Recommend and implement innovations to enhance institutional communication effectiveness.
• Ensure the department evolves with changing media, technology, and audience expectations.

Job Specifications

VITAL (Must-Have)

• Proven leadership experience heading or managing a Communications / Marketing / Branding function.
• Strong strategic communication and brand management expertise.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and manage a multidisciplinary communications team.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Experience in developing and approving high-impact institutional communication materials.
• Ability to define, monitor, and report on communication KPIs and outcomes.

ESSENTIAL (Critical for Effectiveness)

• Bachelors degree in Communications, Marketing, Media Studies, or a related field.
• Experience working with multiple communication channels (digital, print, internal platforms, social media).
• Strong analytical and decision-making capabilities.
• Experience collaborating with senior leadership and cross-functional teams.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic institutional environment.
• Exposure to event communication planning and execution.

DESIRABLE (Value-Add)

• Postgraduate qualification in Communications, Marketing, or Management.
• Experience in the education / higher education / institutional sector.
• Familiarity with branding analytics, engagement tools, and reporting dashboards.
• Experience managing large-scale campaigns or institution-wide initiatives.
• Understanding of emerging trends in digital communication and stakeholder engagement.