The Communications and Brand Manager plays a pivotal role in shaping and promoting the identity, voice, and reputation of the Students’ Union. This role is responsible for developing and implementing strategic communication and marketing plans that effectively highlight the Union’s projects, services, campaigns, and organisational priorities. By managing a cohesive content strategy and ensuring consistent messaging across all platforms, the postholder will maximise engagement with students, staff, and stakeholders. The role leads on brand management, safeguarding the integrity and consistency of the Union’s identity while strengthening its market presence through research-driven strategies. It also focuses on proactive reputation management, internal communications, and crisis planning. As part of the management team, the Communications and Brand Manager fosters a culture of creativity, collaboration, and high performance, while supporting Sabbatical Officers, staff, and volunteers to amplify their voices. The postholder ensures all communication efforts align with the Union’s mission, values, and strategic objectives. Job title: Communications and Brand Manager Department: Central Services Responsible to: Chief Executive Officer Direct management responsibility: Communications Coordinator Location: Roehampton Students' Union Salary: £36,049. This role sits in our Grade 6 band (£36,049 - £39,705). Salary is subject to our Pay and Reward Policy which includes an opportunity for annual pay progression. Working hours: 35 hours per week (excluding 30 minute daily unpaid lunch break). Our usual working pattern is Monday to Friday, during usual office opening hours, but there is flexibility with start and finish times. Some unsociable hours may be required on an ad-hoc basis at certain points in the year including weekend work. Applications close: Midnight Sunday 16 March 2025 Interviews take place: Thursday 3 April 2025 Download the full job description. Key Responsibilities Communications and Marketing Develop and ensure implementation of marketing and communication plans for the Union’s projects, services, campaigns, and organisational priorities. Manage the Union’s content strategy. Crafting clear, engaging, and consistent messaging across all platforms, including digital, print, and media. Develop and oversee the delivery of a clear annual plan for communicating the Union’s key messages and communications priorities, maximising the use of our channels including social media and newsletters. Proactively manage the Union’s reputation through effective communications and press relations. Oversee crisis communication planning and execution to safeguard the organisation’s reputation. Lead on our internal communications work, aligning closely with HR to foster transparent and consistent communication within the organisation that develops a strong work culture and supports employee engagement and alignment with Union priorities. Assist the Sabbatical Officers in communicating their priorities and campaigns to our members by supporting them in creating effective personal communication plans that enhance their visibility and profile within the student community. Brand Lead the development, management, and evolution of the organisation’s brand identity, voice, and visual guidelines. Manage the correct application of the Union’s tone of voice and branding across our communications channels, providing guidance, training and support where needed to teams and departments. Conduct market research and competitor analysis to strengthen brand positioning and market presence. Protect the integrity of the Union’s brand and associated sub-brands, ensuring all staff members and student groups receive appropriate training and guidance to effectively apply our brand assets. Collaborate with creative teams, agencies, and stakeholders to produce high-impact brand assets and storytelling. Monitor brand performance and audience perception, using insights to inform future strategies and maintain brand relevance. Website Management Develop and manage the website’s content strategy, ensuring information is accurate, engaging, and aligned with the Union’s brand and communication goals. Regularly review and optimise the website’s design, navigation, and functionality to enhance user experience, accessibility, and ease of use for all audiences. Coordinate regular updates, troubleshoot technical issues, and collaborate with web developers or IT teams to ensure optimal website performance and security. Use web analytics tools to track user engagement, traffic patterns, and conversion rates, using data-driven insights to refine content and improve overall site effectiveness. Ensure major campaigns, events, and Union priorities are prominently featured on the website, maintaining up-to-date news, resources, and calls-to-action that drive student engagement. Support and deliver staff training and development in relation to the Union’s website and content management system. Leadership and Management Set the tone in terms of effective leadership and ensuring excellent delivery standards, fostering a culture of creativity, collaboration, and accountability. As part of the Union’s management team, drive a high performing, inclusive culture across the organisation which is values-led and enables our staff and volunteers to succeed. Coach and support Union staff to increase their confidence and capability within their roles. Provide effective line management of direct reports with the goal of achieving departmental and organisational goals and ensure that key objectives are set, agreed and monitored, through the appraisal processes. Act as a mentor and coach for Sabbatical Officer Trustees, supporting them to develop clear objectives and plans and to realise their ambitions throughout their term of office. Represent the Union at key meetings, both at the Union and the University, including but not limited to the Board of Trustees and appropriate sub-committees. To deliver agreed KPIs and strategic objectives for the role on an annual basis, reporting progress on a monthly or quarterly basis. Oversee budget planning and resource allocation for all communication and branding initiatives. General Responsibilities Encourage cross departmental collaboration with the goal of improving the student experience. Ensure alignment between departments and the Union’s long-term strategy. Effectively manage the resources of the Union, taking care to always strive for value for money and working within agreed budgets. Adhere to the financial regulations and all other relevant policies and procedures of the Union. Recruit and induct staff within the organisation as appropriate. To lead and participate in departmental and cross departmental projects as required. Comply with relevant equality and diversity policies, promoting a healthy working environment where all individuals are valued. Comply with relevant health and safety policies, being the lead on this within the Communications and Brand team, and seek to minimise hazards for others. Support the development and implementation of sustainability initiatives within the organisation. Comply with relevant data protection policies, ensuring the Data Protection Act 2018 and other relevant legislation is considered when making plans and decisions. Establish and maintain excellent working relationships with students, volunteers, staff and individuals outside of the Students’ Union (for example the University). Comply with the Students’ Union’s articles of association and other governing documents, recognising and celebrating the contribution of members to leading our work. Work as part of a wider team, undertaking any other reasonable duties appropriate for the grade that may be required by the organisation.