Internal Comminications Manager(UK Visa Sponsorship)

Job Description

About the Role

Students are central to life at the University of Reading. We are seeking an experienced and thoughtful Internal Communications (Student Engagement) Manager to shape how the University communicates with students and strengthens their sense of connection, trust, and belonging.

This role leads the planning and delivery of student-facing communications across the University, ensuring messages are clear, timely, accessible, and genuinely useful. You will focus particularly on teaching and learning, the student experience, and access to frontline support services—helping students feel informed and supported throughout their academic journey.

You will play a strategic role in improving student engagement by developing coordinated, evidence-based communication approaches that reflect student needs and institutional priorities. This work aligns with wider public-sector expectations around transparency, accessibility, and student voice

What You’ll Be Responsible For

In this role, you will:

• Lead the University’s student engagement communications strategy across all internal channels
• Develop clear guidance on messaging, tone, and channel selection across the student journey
• Deliver high-impact, targeted communication campaigns, including institution-wide student surveys
• Advise senior leaders and service teams on effective student-facing communication
• Strengthen collaboration between academic areas, Student Services, and Reading Students’ Union
• Ensure communications are inclusive, accessible, and aligned with best practice
• Manage the Internal Communications (Student Engagement) Officer
• Lead cross-disciplinary project teams and provide quality assurance for student communications
• All activity will support good governance, accessibility, and equality of opportunity in line with national guidance, including:

Who We’re Looking For

You’ll be a confident communications professional with a strong sense of purpose and a clear understanding of how students engage with information in a complex environment.

You will bring:

• Significant experience in communications and stakeholder engagement
• A proven record of delivering impactful, multi-channel campaigns
• A strong understanding of the higher education sector and student experience challenges
• Confidence working with senior leaders and managing sensitive or complex issues
• Excellent planning, prioritisation, and project management skills
• Strong copywriting and editorial judgment
• The ability to translate strategic objectives into practical, effective delivery

You will be comfortable working under pressure, balancing multiple priorities, and making informed decisions that support students’ academic success and wellbeing.

Working Environment

This role sits within the Communications & Engagement function in the External Relations Directorate and works closely with colleagues across communications, marketing, and engagement disciplines to deliver joined-up activity.

Hybrid working is supported, with an expectation that the majority of working hours (on average) will be based at the Whiteknights campus to enable effective collaboration and student engagement.

Visa and Right to Work Information

Applicants who may require sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route are advised to check their eligibility before applying:

Due to the complexity of visa regulations, the University is unable to provide individual advice at the application stage. Visa routes will only be discussed with candidates invited to interview.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

The University of Reading is committed to building an inclusive and representative workforce. We actively support:

• The Athena SWAN Charter
• The Race Equality Charter
• LGBT+ equality initiatives
• We are also a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2)

Applications for job-share, part-time, and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and considered in line with business needs.