Job Reference: 7990/1

We have been transforming lives for decades. What began as Northampton Technical College, more than 100 years ago, has evolved into one of the country’s youngest universities, where we have now been degree-awarding for over 20 years. As the only seat of Higher Education in our county, our place as the University for Northamptonshire is critical, where we contribute more than £300m annually to the local economy, supporting thousands of jobs and helping to drive sustainable growth. Our beautiful waterside campus, which opened in 2018, is home to more than 14,000 students and 2,600 colleagues.  

Our 2023–2027 Strategic Plan sets a transformative agenda that will shape the next chapter of our development with people at the heart. Created through extensive consultation with our staff and students, the plan outlines four strategic priorities that guide all that we do: our staff, student experience, teaching and learning, and research – all underpinned by a purpose to deliver Social Impact. These priorities reflect our role as a modern, values-driven university committed to delivering benefit locally, nationally, and globally. 

Proud of our roots and history, we are now looking forward with confidence and purpose, and the role of Director of Marketing, External Affairs and Student Recruitment is critical to our success. As a key member of the University’s Leadership Team and reporting to the Deputy Vice Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer, this pivotal role shapes how we present ourselves to the world, how we communicate and engage with our stakeholder communities, how we pique the interest of prospective students at home and abroad: maintaining and growing our student pipeline, and how we maximise the potential of our transnational education partnerships; all of which is essential to the University delivering on its strategic ambitions.  

This role is responsible for optimising the University’s brand, marketing, strategic communications, external relations activities, plus driving forward our critical income streams of home and international student recruitment, and our international partnerships, leveraging the strengths and assets of the University to grow our profile regionally, nationally and internationally, and effectively engaging with our communities and stakeholders. 

We are looking for a strategic, imaginative and emotionally intelligent leader with a strong track record in delivering impactful marketing and communications activities and sustained business growth, in complex organisations and highly competitive sectors. You will bring board-level and international experience of brand development, communications, engagement and public affairs, multi-channel campaign delivery, along with a deep understanding of the student psyche and journey.  

Equally important is being a great colleague to your leadership team peers, and demonstrating a commitment to the mission, values and spirit of the University of Northampton, and everything we stand for. Joining us at this time, offers the chance to be part of a forward-thinking and student-centred institution, where you will help shape the external face of a university that is redefining what it means to be a critical and influential part of Northamptonshire’s civic fabric.  

We really look forward to hearing from you!     

To learn more about this opportunity, please visit our microsite. For informal enquiries, please contact Thomas Cameron on Thomas.Cameron@perrettlaver.com.  

The closing date for applications is 09:00 GMT on Monday 6th April 2026.  

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