The Press and Communications team protects and enhances Aston University’s reputation and delivers communications that support institutional priorities. Its audiences include prospective and current students, staff, alumni, partners, employers, policymakers and the wider public.

We are looking for an experienced, enthusiastic and ambitious PR and communications professional to bring our research and expertise to wider audiences. You will work with journalists, write compelling press releases and other copy, support researchers to contribute expert commentary and analysis, and help produce podcasts and other multimedia content.

This role will lead communications for Aston Business School and the School of Law and Social Sciences, alongside their associated research institutes. Reporting to the Head of Communications, you will also contribute to the University’s corporate communications and major institutional priorities.

Collaboration will be central to your success. As a trusted professional adviser, you will bring people together around shared objectives, explain your recommendations clearly and offer constructive challenge where needed.

This is an opportunity to combine strategic thinking with hands-on delivery. You will lead annual and project-based communications plans, identifying the strongest opportunities to showcase teaching, research, enterprise, engagement and impact. 

Alongside planned campaigns, you will respond to emerging opportunities and sensitive enquiries. Accuracy, accessibility and editorial integrity will underpin everything you produce.

You will bring substantial professional experience in journalism and/or public relations. Experience of communicating complex subject matter, ideally within a business, law or social science environment, is ideal. Experience of coordinating contributors, managing agencies or suppliers, and commissioning or producing multimedia content will also help you deliver across this varied portfolio. Experience in research or higher education is desirable, but not essential.

If you enjoy asking questions, finding the story behind complex ideas and working with others to achieve impact, this role offers scope to take ownership and contribute your professional expertise. 

Please visit our website http://www.aston.ac.uk/jobs for further information and to apply online.   

Closing Date: 16 Nov 2026

Unit: Managerial & Professional

Salary: £39,560 to £46,970

Head of Research, Reputation and Enterprise Marketing
Marketing, Communications & Student Recruitment Department

Research and enterprise sit at the heart of Aston University’s ambitions for the future. We’re building on areas of research excellence, growing our international reputation and deepening our relationships with business, while playing an increasingly important role in the growth and innovation of Birmingham and the wider region.

It’s an exciting and growing portfolio, spanning breakthrough research, innovation, knowledge exchange, business engagement and enterprise.

We’re looking for a Head of Research, Reputation and Enterprise Marketing to help us realise that opportunity.

You’ll shape how we position and promote this work, developing campaigns that build Aston’s reputation, connect us with businesses and partners, and demonstrate the real-world impact of our research and enterprise activity.

Working across the University with researchers, enterprise colleagues and our wider marketing team, you’ll turn complex ideas into compelling stories, identify opportunities to grow our profile and make sure some of Aston’s most exciting work reaches the audiences that matter.

Reporting to our Deputy Director (Content), you’ll lead four colleagues, develop our brand and digital presence, and improve league table performance.

You’ll bring

• Experience in B2B marketing, research marketing or both.
• Experience leading teams, supporting people’s development and achieving shared goals.
• Skills in digital marketing, content creation and using data to improve results.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• A related undergraduate degree or equivalent experience.
• A commitment to equality and diversity.

Our benefits

• Generous annual leave, plus bank holidays and University closure days.
• Flexible working options, subject to role requirements.
• Pension, professional development, wellbeing support and discounted gym membership.
• Staff discounts, travel schemes, networks and volunteering opportunities.

Visit aston.ac.uk/jobs to find out more and apply.

Aston University may be able to sponsor those who are already on a Skilled Worker Visa issued before 22 July 2025.  If you require sponsorship, Aston University will assess eligibility if you are shortlisted for the role. 

Please note we are unable to confirm individual eligibility before shortlisting.

See here for more information on Skilled Worker visa eligibility: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa

Closing Date: 03 Nov 2026

Unit: Managerial & Professional

Salary: £47,389 to £56,535