Temporary cover: This post is fixed-term for 1 years or the return of the post holder, whichever is the earlier.
Applications are welcome from internal candidates who would like to apply for the role on the basis of a secondment from their current role in the University.
The University of Cambridge, one of the world's leading academic institutions, is seeking a dynamic and experienced individual to join our team as Head of Media as fixed-term maternity cover. This is an exceptional opportunity for a senior leader to shape and enhance the reputation of one of the world's best known and most prestigious places of learning.
About the role
This is a senior role within the University. The Head of Media will be responsible for the Media function, shaping strategy and providing leadership and direction to a strong team. The successful candidate will be a trusted advisor and provide senior counsel to colleagues across Cambridge including the Vice Chancellor, Pro-Vice Chancellors, and to faculty and departments. They will work closely with Colleges, and be an encouraging and supportive leader and partner around sensitive issues.
The successful candidate will be highly proactive, offering ideas on how to tell stories which show impact locally, nationally, and globally, and spotting trends and opportunities. This person will take the lead in directly engaging a range of media on issues which matter, building and strengthening relationships with sector journalists and other external stakeholders.
Cambridge generates and receives a significant amount of high-profile media coverage, so this role requires a candidate with outstanding news judgement, excellent writing ability, experience in crisis management and a close understanding of media in all its forms, including broadcast. This person will have the ability to plan ahead, beyond daily issues, and to be a senior part of the wider OEAC team, working in an integrated and collegiate way.
About you
You will bring strategic thinking, exceptional verbal and written communication skills, and dynamic leadership and teamwork to elevate the University of Cambridge's media presence and reputation.
To excel in this role, you will possess experience in leading a busy and high-performing media team within a large, complex and prominent organisation or demonstrate the qualities and abilities to do so. You will be able to demonstrate ideas and proactivity, with the energy and knowledge to make those ideas happen. You will possess impeccable news judgement, and the ability to spot opportunities and risks. You will be able to demonstrate crisis management skills.
You will be able to write quickly, clearly and accurately under pressure for a variety of audiences. You will be comfortable with tight deadlines, and to working with media, under pressure. A clear understanding of audiences, and how to reach them effectively, is required.
You will be able to demonstrate a close understanding of all forms of media, including digital media and broadcast, and you will have an excellent network of contacts. You will have a strong understanding of evaluation.
You are adaptable and resilient, able to lead on several complex issues at once and to work under pressure and consistently at pace. This role sometimes requires out of hours and weekend work in response to issues as they arise. You will be a supportive and empathetic leader who supports and encourages your team and develops their skills.
An understanding of Higher Education and its issues and challenges is essential.
We welcome applications from individuals who wish to be considered for part-time working or other flexible working arrangements.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
If you have any questions about this vacancy or the application process, please contact contact Claire Harper on Claire.Harper@admin.cam.ac.uk
Please quote reference AR51589 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
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Key information
Department/location
Office of External Affairs and Communications
Salary
£70,878-£82,136
Reference
AR51589
Category
Academic-related
Date published
6 November 2026
Closing date
19 November 2026