Job Overview and Description

The University of Reading, a leading institution in the UK and globally, is celebrating a significant milestone in 2026-its Centenary Year. Recognized for its innovation, social impact, and sustainability commitments, the University is known for its diverse student body, boasting over 27,000 students from 160 countries. Not only was it awarded “Sustainable University of the Year 2025” by The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025, but it also continues to drive academic excellence and climate-conscious leadership.

In this context, the University is seeking a Campaigns Manager to join its Brand and Marketing team within the External Relations directorate. This dynamic role is critical to shaping how the University is perceived by prospective students and their key influencers, both domestically and internationally. As Campaigns Manager, you’ll focus on creating innovative advertising campaigns, engaging digital and social media strategies, and driving brand awareness to position the University as a top-choice institution.

Not only does this role involve managing multiple campaigns (digital and print, above and below the line), but you’ll also contribute to developing an impactful, recruitment-focused social media strategy. Collaborating with stakeholders, agencies, and colleagues across the institution, you’ll be at the forefront of delivering insight-led, creative campaigns that attract students worldwide and support their journey to joining the University of Reading.

Advice on Applying with an International Education Perspective

For those interested in this opportunity, especially with an eye on international education, here are some key tips:

1. Show an Understanding of Global Recruitment Dynamics: Highlight any previous experience working on campaigns targeting international audiences, particularly in education. Showcase your familiarity with the unique needs of international students (e.g., visa information, cultural adaptation, and communication preferences), as this will demonstrate your ability to engage diverse prospects effectively.

1. Demonstrate Expertise in Multichannel Campaigns: Be prepared to talk about how you’ve planned and delivered integrated campaigns across multiple platforms-digital, print, social media, CRM, and more. Evidence of experience with international platforms, such as Weibo or WhatsApp for international students, will stand out.

1. Emphasize Creativity and Innovation: With the University pushing for distinctive and innovative campaigns, examples of past work where you took creative risks, explored new formats, or delivered high-impact results will be valuable. If you’ve led campaigns that broke through cultural or language barriers, be sure to mention this.

1. Highlight Sustainability Alignment: As the University champions environmental sustainability, demonstrate your alignment with their values. If you’ve integrated sustainability themes into your previous campaigns or adopted eco-friendly marketing practices, make this known.

1. Tailor Your Insights to University Objectives: Research the University of Reading’s core strengths and recent positioning in global rankings, sustainability accolades, and diversity. Align your application to reflect how you can help maintain and elevate these goals through your campaigns.

1. Showcase Strong Project Management and Collaboration Skills: This role requires the ability to lead multiple campaigns and work closely with diverse teams. Provide evidence of how your organizational and interpersonal skills have contributed to successful completions of past projects. If you’ve worked across international time zones or cultures, emphasize your adaptability.

1. Make Connections with Core Requirements: In your CV and cover letter, directly match your experience to the listed skills and responsibilities, such as developing content strategies, managing CRM systems, or creating effective student journeys online. Make your application precise, demonstrating that you understand and can deliver on the role’s expectations.

1. Prepare for Interviews: Interviews will occur on the 15th and 16th of September, so if invited, ensure you are fully prepped. Familiarize yourself with notable University campaigns or advertising efforts and bring ideas for how they could be scaled or adapted for new markets. Be ready to discuss specific strategies you would implement to attract students globally.

How to Apply
When applying, ensure you submit a comprehensive CV and a tailored cover letter addressing the role’s requirements and the University’s international, innovative, and sustainable ethos. Contact Simon Pride (Director of Brand and Marketing) or Kirsty Grant (Head of Marketing and Campaigns) for any role-related questions or clarifications.

The University encourages applications from applicants of all backgrounds. As a Disability Confident Employer and a supporter of the Athena SWAN and Race Equality Charters, the institution values diversity and inclusion. Flexible working options, including job-shares and part-time roles, are actively considered.

Submit your applications before 23:59 BST, 29th August 2025, for the chance to leave your mark during the University of Reading’s centenary year as the Campaigns Manager of this historic institution