Job Description
Closing date: 23:59 15th February 2026
Interviews will be held: 25th February 2026
Full-time, Permanent
Due to the complexity of the Skilled Worker Visa route and eligibility criteria, applicants requiring sponsorship are recommended to check their eligibility on the Home Office website. We cannot provide advice to candidates at the application stage and will only discuss visa routes with candidates who are invited to interview.
Students are at the heart of the University of Reading community. We are seeking an experienced communications professional to lead our approach to student engagement and ensure students receive clear, timely and meaningful communications throughout their time with us.
The Internal Communications (Student Engagement) Manager leads the planning and delivery of student‑facing communications across the University, with a particular focus on teaching and learning, student experience priorities and access to frontline support services. The role plays a central part in strengthening trust, understanding and engagement between students and the University.
Working closely with senior leaders, Student Services and Reading Students’ Union, you will develop a coordinated, evidence‑led programme of student engagement activity. You will advise on messaging, tone and channel selection, ensuring communications are accessible, consistent and aligned across the student journey. You will also lead the development and delivery of targeted campaigns, including institution‑wide surveys and high‑impact student engagement initiatives.
The 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. You will manage the Internal Communications (Student Engagement) Officer and lead cross‑disciplinary project teams, providing professional guidance and quality assurance for student‑facing communications.
You will have:
- substantial experience in communications and stakeholder management
- a strong track record of delivering high‑impact, multi‑channel campaigns
- an excellent understanding of the higher education sector and the challenges facing undergraduate and postgraduate students
- confidence working with senior stakeholders
- ability to manage complex issues and priorities, and comfortable operating effectively under pressure
- strong planning and project management skills
- excellent written communication skills including copywriting
- the ability to translate strategic objectives into effective operational delivery.
The role allows for hybrid working, with an expectation of a majority of working hours, on average, being on our Whiteknights campus.
Contact Name: Vicky Pearson
Contact Job Title: Director of Communication & Engagement
Contact Email address: v.a.pearson@reading.ac.uk
Alternative Contact Name: Pete Bryant
Alternative Contact Job Title: Internal Communication (Staff Engagement) Manager
Alternative Contact Email address: p.g.bryant@reading.ac.uk
The University is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and the Race Equality Charter, and champions LGBT+ equality. We are a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2). Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.
