Digital Communications and Design Manager

Through collaboration and advocacy, the Russell Group works to advance and champion the positive economic, societal and cultural contributions of our universities. The Russell Group represents the interests of our 24 university members at the highest level of government, with media as well as with key research and innovation funders, with business, third-sector partners, regulators, and internationally with like-minded bodies. 

The Digital Communications and Design Manager will: 

• Act as design lead for the Russell Group, creating website and social media content and high-quality brand assets.
• Develop and oversee Russell Group ‘house style’ for all publications and digital assets.
• Maintain oversight of digital and design assets such as briefing and presentation templates and photo/video library.
• Oversee day-to-day management of the Russell Group’s social media channels. Working with the Head of Media Relations, planning and delivering proactive social media and web campaigns across owned channels.
• Support the delivery of paid digital campaigns, including implementation and optimisation.
• Oversee all publication design, including managing external contractors for larger-scale outputs.
• Support day-to-day management and development of the Russell Group website and microsites.
• Build strong relationships with communications teams across Russell Group universities to identify, gather and curate high-quality case studies and visual content.
• Ensure the Russell Group’s digital strategy and content plans are data-driven, monitoring the impact of activity and using insight to refine approaches.
• Maintain an up-to-date understanding of social media and digital communications principles, including emerging approaches such as Generative Engine Optimisation.
• Monitor and manage the authorised use of brand assets by members and external stakeholders.
• Participate fully in an integrated External Relations team including out-of-hours on-call rota.

Candidates should have:

• Experience of digital content production, expertise in publication design, and social media management in a political, public sector, charity or business environment, including photo and video editing.
• Proven track record of devising and delivering digital strategies and taking ownership of their portfolio.
• Experience of developing and delivering or implementing a ‘house style’ to ensure consistency of design and brand.
• Previous experience working in a fast-paced communications environment would be an advantage.
• Knowledge of the higher education and/or research and innovation sector, and of the UK political context, would be an advantage. 

Please download our full Candidate Pack

Our offices are based in Westminster, but we offer flexibility for staff to work from home up to two days a week, subject to priorities. Benefits include: 

• Membership of USS pension scheme
• 25 days of Annual Leave at start, rising to 30 days
• Additional Easter/Christmas closure days
• Private healthcare insurance
• EAP 

The starting salary is £52,000-£57,000, dependent on skills and experience. A higher salary may be available for exceptional and highly experienced candidates. 

Closing date: 17:00 - Wednesday, 11 November 2026. 

In-person interviews: likely to be held w/c 30 November 2026. 

To apply, please visit our Careers site via the 'Apply' button above and submit: 

1) An up-to-date CV, 2 sides of A4 covering:

• current and past employment
• degree qualifications including subjects / grades
• two references           

2) A cover letter, max. 2 sides of A4, explaining:

• how your knowledge, skills and experience meet our requirements
• why you are interested in working for the Russell Group 

Further information: https://www.russellgroup.ac.uk/.

£52,000 to £57,000 dependent on skills and experience