Director of External Relations

This is a rare opportunity to join a high-performing advocacy team, working with a group of leading UK universities. We’re looking for an outstanding Director of External Relations to drive our engagement strategy, providing strategic insight, leadership and delivery of public affairs, strategic communications, partnerships, and reputation. The Russell Group represents the interests of our 24 university members at the highest level of government, but also with key research and innovation funders, with business, third-sector partners, regulators, and internationally with like-minded bodies. Main Responsibilities Reporting to, and working closely with, the Chief Executive, the Director of External Relations will provide leadership in shaping the external reputation of the Russell Group, identifying opportunities to promote the interests of the organisation, as well as managing political risks. Work at a strategic level with the Director of Policy, Chief of Staff, and other senior colleagues at the Russell Group, as well leading and developing the External Affairs team, including a Head of Public Affairs, Head of Media, and (anticipated) Head of Partnerships and Engagement as direct reports. Ensure the Russell Group is harnessing the existing brand recognition to deliver impact and influence for the public good – including ensuring a distinctive voice for leading UK public universities. Responsible for promoting our highly successful brand both nationally and internationally, building on their existing network of highly influential stakeholders and developing a wider network of effective third-party advocate support. They will hold responsibility for a number of senior external contacts. Develop and drive an external engagement strategy for the Russell Group, encompassing media, public affairs, wider external partnerships, strategic programmes and campaigns, leading its implementation and developing tailored plans to support achieving successful outcomes. They will have leadership responsibility for the following functions: Public relations and reputation management Public affairs and Government engagement Communications, media and outreach Partnerships, Events and Engagement Strategic Programmes and campaigns Futures and Trends analysis Line manage up to three ‘Heads of’ and oversee the work of the wider team, ensuring they are motivated to work to the highest standard. They will also manage the performance of external service providers when they are commissioned. Person specification Candidates will need to demonstrate that they have significant career experience in: leading a comprehensive external engagement function and providing counsel to the organisational head and at Board level on matters relating to reputation, positioning and advocacy holding a senior leadership strategic brief, not just experience in execution roles, but with significant experience in developing and implementing engagement strategies with measurable impact political advocacy and relationship building with a deep understanding and experience of the political landscape at the national level, and preferably some experience at regional and international levels proven experience of successfully engaging with the highest levels of government (ministers, parliamentarians, and senior officials), and in delivering impact and real change promoting and protecting an internationally recognised brand and developing strategies to enhance an organisation’s reputation, including leading campaigns and other externally facing activities that shift perceptions demonstrable experience of working cooperatively and flexibly as part of a small leadership team proven leadership and development of a high-performing team, including motivating staff, managing change, and supporting rapid, agile working Our Candidate Pack, which includes the full vacancy description for the role, is available to download below. Employment Package This appointment is for a permanent, full-time, London-based position with a highly competitive salary commensurate with a senior Director level role. Our offices are based in the heart of Westminster, with proximity to key stakeholders and easy access to public transport links. The nature of this role will require significant presence in and around Westminster, including evening commitments from time to time, alongside national and international travel, as required. To maximise effective team-based working, we offer flexibility for staff to work from home up to two days a week, subject to work priorities. As well as a competitive salary, our employment package includes generous additional benefits, including: Membership of the USS pension scheme 25 days of Annual Leave at start, increasing by 1 day annually to a maximum of 30 days Discretionary closure days at Easter and Christmas holidays (in addition to Public Holidays) Private healthcare insurance Employee Assistance Programme Staff technology allowance Application Process We welcome applications from anyone with the required experience and qualifications, regardless of their background. Closing date for all applications: 5pm, Wednesday 19th August 2026 To apply, please submit the following by the closing date: 1. An up-to-date curriculum vitae (max. three sides of A4) including: a summary of your relevant skills and experience full details of your current and past employment your degree or postgraduate qualifications, including subjects and grades two references: your current or most recent employer (who would not be approached until a job offer had been made and accepted); and a former line manager who could be contacted during the process 2. A cover letter no more than two sides of A4 addressing the following points: how your knowledge, skills and experience meet the requirements of the role why you are interested in working for the Russell Group 3. We ask all applicants to complete an Equal Opportunities Monitoring form which you can download below. For a confidential discussion, please contact Paul Purcell (Director of Operations) on 020 3816 1314 or at [email protected].