West Cambridge | From £50k | 37.5 Hours | Hybrid

Communications Director

Want to shape how the world sees Cambridge's most innovative ideas?

We're looking for a Communications Director who can turn ground breaking research into stories that matter - from lab breakthroughs to global impact.

Cambridge Enterprise sits at the heart of one of the world's most innovative ecosystems. We turn ground breaking research into real-world impact - and we need someone who can help us share that story brilliantly.

What you'll be doing

Reporting to the Head of Marketing & Communications, as our Communications Director, you'll be the strategic voice behind Cambridge Enterprise - the organisation that brings University of Cambridge innovations to the world.

You’ll lead a talented communications team, developing and delivering strategies that connect Cambridge Enterprise with the people who matter most. On a day to day basis, you’ll be working across everything from media relations and thought leadership to corporate comms and internal updates.

You’ll be building a communications powerhouse, shaping how we work, implementing best practices that elevate everything we do and exploring AI tools to boost productivity. With responsibility for our entire communications strategy and budget, you'll directly influence how Cambridge innovations reach the people who need them most.

Day-to-day, you'll:

• Lead a team - You'll manage our Communications Manage and their team, coaching and mentoring people to do their best work
• Shape the strategy - Work with stakeholders across the organisation to create an ambitious communications strategy that gets results
• Create brilliant content - From press releases to annual reviews, you'll oversee content that tells our story clearly and compellingly
• Build relationships - Develop strong connections with media contacts, the University communications team, and key stakeholders
• Manage the detail - Oversee budgets, timelines, and third-party suppliers to ensure everything runs smoothly
• Report on impact - Show what's working (and what isn't) with clear, data-driven reporting

What we're looking for

You’ll need:

• A CIM/CIPR qualification (or equivalent), or solid experience as a senior communications professional or journalist
• At least 5 years in a senior communications role in the UK
• 3+ years managing and inspiring marketing and communications teams
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills and a network you can tap into
• Deep knowledge of communications theory and best practice
• A genuine passion for writing and storytelling

It'd be great if you also have:

• Experience in university, research, innovation, or not-for-profit sectors
• Familiarity with tools like Dynamics 365, Power Platform, or AI-powered communications tools

Diversity and equality matter:

These are our ideal requirements, but we know some people are less likely to apply for the role unless they are 100% qualified. At Cambridge Enterprise, we promote a diverse, inclusive and empowering culture, so please apply if you meet the majority of the job requirements.

If you have any questions about the interview process, or if you need any reasonable adjustments, please don’t hesitate to contact the People Team at people@enterprise.cam.ac.uk

Perks at a glance:

• 30 days holiday (plus bank holidays)
• Class-leading Bupa private medical insurance
• Hybrid role with genuine flexible working – including work from abroad for up to 30 days a year in most roles
• Generous University pension scheme.
• A commitment to personal development including LinkedIn learning.
• Family-friendly policies (including enhanced parental leave & childcare benefits, fertility leave, and pregnancy loss leave)
• Mental health and well-being support including access to free counselling.

• Access to Bupa's Menopause Plan for expert advice and support.

• Retail and travel discounts.

Why Cambridge Enterprise?

We are at the heart of Europe's most successful research and technology cluster and we're on a mission to bring innovation to life, making a difference to society, the UK economy, and the University of Cambridge. We connect the innovative minds of the University’s academics with the funding, start-up expertise and commercial relationships they need to help their ideas thrive.

Key dates:

Closing date: 6th November

Screening Calls: Week of 13th November

First interviews: 27th November

Second interviews: 16th December