Head of Media (Maternity Cover)

About the role

The University of Cambridge is seeking an experienced, senior-level Head of Media as fixed-term maternity cover within the Office of External Affairs and Communications. The post is responsible for the Media function, shaping strategy and leading a strong team, and acts as a trusted advisor to the Vice-Chancellor, Pro-Vice-Chancellors, faculty and departments, as well as Colleges. The contract is fixed term for 1 year or the return of the post holder, whichever comes first.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and implement a proactive news and media relations strategy to promote the University and its achievements.
• Advise senior leadership on reputation management and take part in strategic media planning.
• Lead and manage a team of news and media professionals.
• Build relationships with journalists, media contacts and influencers, and identify newsworthy stories.
• Craft messages and statements on complex or sensitive issues and broker consensus among senior members.
• Monitor media coverage and public sentiment and advise senior management.
• Maintain crisis communication plans and protocols.
• Work with the Alumni and Development Relations team and with College communicators.
• Take part in an out-of-hours rota.

Required profile

• Degree level education or equivalent.
• Significant experience at a senior level in public relations or news for a large, complex organisation, or the ability to do so.
• Experience managing a diverse, high-performing team and complex stakeholder relationships.
• Experience of leading large-scale communications projects and programmes.
• Understanding of Higher Education and its challenges.
• Willingness to work under pressure, with tight deadlines and occasionally out of hours and on weekends.

Required skills

• Excellent writing for a range of audiences, including op-eds and social media content.
• News judgement, crisis management and media evaluation.
• Knowledge of digital tools, social media and media monitoring tools.
• Strong interpersonal skills and integrity.

Flexible or part-time working arrangements are welcomed. Applications are made online quoting reference AR51589; the closing date is 20 November 2026. Salary is £70,878 to £82,136.