Can you tell us a bit about Goldsmiths, University of London?
We’re one of the most exciting universities in the world, but I suppose I would say that! We’re a single campus university based in South East London with a global reputation for our research excellence and pioneering alumni. Over the last 18 months our alumni have won the Mercury Prize, an Oscar for Best Director and the Turner Prize. Our exciting research, staff, students and alumni means there’s no shortage of amazing stories to communicate at Goldsmiths, which is why the role of communications manager is such an attractive and pivotal position.
Can you tell us more about the communications team at Goldsmiths?
We’re a central communications team, highly regarded across the organisation and especially among senior management and academics. Within the team we manage internal communications, external communications, public engagement, design and digital. It’s a vibrant team bringing together people from a wide range of professional backgrounds.
What attracted you to the higher education sector?
I worked in communications across numerous sectors before I moved to be head of communications at Goldsmiths including local and central government and regulation. For me the most important things in communications are the strength of your message and the quality of your content, and it’s these things which really attracted me to the sector, and specifically, Goldsmiths. I was aware of Goldsmiths’ reputation before I joined the organisation; from the stellar arts alumni who’ve won the Turner Prize seven times to the leading academics who have taught at the institution. This reputation is brilliant, but we’re now working hard to make sure we don’t rest on our laurels.
How pivotal will the role of communications manager be over the next 12 months?
Very. The higher education sector is fiercely competitive and whilst we are in an envious position amongst our peers, Goldsmiths can’t afford to stand still. I will be looking for the communications manager to lead on a number of key strategic projects – including our renowned literary prize and a new art gallery – as well as managing a small team of communications professionals working across external communications and internal communications.
What qualities do you look for in a communications manager?
I’m really keen to see candidates with strong editorial skills as so much of what we need to is about telling our story and creating innovative content that will travel across our channels. I’d be keen to hear from journalists looking to move into communications as well as people who have previous experience in a similar role. The manager will lead a small team so I’m looking for a leader who can inspire and motivate.
