Location: Studland House (Bournemouth - Lansdowne) Department : Marketing, Recruitment and Communications Advertising Salary: Competitive Salary Vacancy Type: Permanent Function: Professional and Support Closing Date: 23:50pm on Sunday 1 February 2026 Interview: Friday 13 February 2026 Basis: Full Time About the role Bournemouth University is entering a defining phase in its evolution. With a new institutional strategy, renewed ambition and a clear focus on our future impact, we are reshaping how we engage with students, staff, partners and communities. At the heart of this transformation is how we tell our story, how we attract and support students, and how we build trust, reputation and connection in an increasingly competitive global sector. We are now seeking an exceptional Director of Marketing, Recruitment and Communications to play a pivotal role in delivering this ambition. You will lead a major professional services directorate encompassing marketing, student recruitment, communications and alumni, working through experienced Heads of Service. You will shape and deliver a fully integrated, insight-led approach that directly enables Bournemouth University’s new strategy, supporting accelerate student growth, strengthening our reputation, and enhancing engagement across all audiences. About the person We are looking for a proactive, strategic and influential leader who brings deep sector knowledge, sharp insight and the confidence to challenge established ways of working. Someone who understands what good looks like across the higher education sector, who can cut through complexity, and who is energised by the opportunity to lead a substantial re-think of how marketing, recruitment and communications operate as a strategic engine for institutional success. You will operate as a trusted adviser to the University’s Executive, influencing decision-making at the highest level and ensuring that brand, market positioning, student demand and communications are central to strategic choices. This is a role for someone who thrives on momentum and impact, who can combine strategic clarity with delivery focus, bring people with them, and create the conditions for excellence at pace. Key Responsibilities: Build the strategic engine that drives Bournemouth University’s growth, reputation and future impact. Lead a bold, insight-driven transformation in how we attract, engage and communicate with our audiences. Shape Executive decision-making through authoritative leadership of brand, market intelligence and reputation. For an informal discussion, or if you wish to know more about the role then please contact Gerry Greyling via email at [email protected]. We are not considering applications via recruitment agencies for this role. Interviews are scheduled for Friday 13 February. This position does not meet the eligibility requirements for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker Route within the UK Visa and Immigration service’s Points Based System. Therefore, BU will not be able to sponsor individuals who require permission to work to carry out this position. For more information, please visit https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/your-job. About the department Our Marketing & Communications department is made up of experts in student recruitment, design, digital, PR, market research and more, all of whom work to support BU’s strategic plan. We work with senior stakeholders to influence recruitment targets and support the university in shaping our portfolio to optimise recruitment. We embed effective internal communications activity throughout the University to ensure academic and professional services staff are well equipped and informed. About us Bournemouth University’s vision is worldwide recognition as a leading university for inspiring learning, advancing knowledge and enriching society through the fusion of education, research and practice. Our highly skilled and creative workforce is comprised of individuals drawn from a broad cross section of the globe, who reflect a variety of backgrounds, talents, perspectives and experiences that help to build our global learning community. BU values and is committed to an inclusive working environment. We seek a diverse community through attracting, developing and retaining staff from different backgrounds to contribute to inspirational learning, advancing knowledge and enriching society. To support and enable our staff to achieve a balance between work and their personal lives, we will also consider proposals for flexible working or job share arrangements. A job description for this position is available at the top of this page. If you require this in a different format, please contact us at [email protected] .