Director of Corporate Affairs

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Employer:
Kingston University
Location:
London
Salary:
Competitive
Closing date:
Midnight, Friday 16th October 2026
Job Ref:
GSe129668

Recruitment timetable

Closing Date
Midnight, Friday 16th October 2026
Preliminary Interviews
w/c 26th October 2026
Final Panel
Tuesday 24th November 2026

Description

Shape the voice, reputation and influence of one of London's most ambitious universities.

Kingston University is seeking an exceptional leader to shape and lead it’s Corporate Affairs function at a pivotal moment in the University's development.

With a distinctive Future Skills agenda, strong industry partnerships and a growing reputation for innovation and impact, Kingston is entering an exciting new phase. The University is bringing together communications, public affairs, stakeholder engagement and digital communications under a single strategic leader to create a more connected, influential and outward-facing function.

Reporting to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor and joining the Senior Leadership Executive, you will play a key role in shaping and championing Kingston's story. You will bring together talented teams around a shared vision, strengthen the University's profile and influence, and help position Kingston as a leading voice across higher education, industry, government and civic life.

We are looking for a collaborative and strategically minded leader with the credibility, judgement and ambition to operate at the highest levels. You may come from higher education, the public sector, communications, public affairs or a related environment, but you will bring a track record of shaping reputation, influencing stakeholders and leading high-performing teams through change.

This is a rare opportunity to shape the future the Corporate Affairs function within a university that is ambitious, inclusive, innovative and enterprising.

Join Kingston University and help strengthen its reputation, influence and impact locally, nationally and internationally.

For an informal conversation about the role, please contact: 

Dr. Maliha Ahmed – maliha.ahmed@gatenbysanderson.com

Hilda Gjika – hilda.gjika@gatenbysanderson.com

Alison Elton – alison.elton@gatenbysanderson.com

 

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How to Apply

1. Curriculum Vitae

2. Supporting Statement

A supporting statement of no more than two pages, demonstrating how your experience, skills and qualities meet the requirements of the role and person specification.

3. Video Submission - YOU MUST USE THE LINK BELOW TO SUBMIT YOUR VIDEO

Using the link provided, please record a video of up to three minutes responding to the following question:

What excites you most about the opportunity to lead Corporate Affairs at Kingston University, and what contribution do you believe you could make to the University's reputation, profile, and future success?

Link - https://myint.video/a9pXovCc7-  

Acceptable use of AI

Candidates may use AI tools to support proofreading, editing and presentation. However, all application materials should represent the candidate's own experience, perspectives and leadership thinking. We are seeking original and authentic responses, and applicants should ensure that any submission reflects their own analysis, judgement and vision for the role.

Support for Applicants

We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. If you require any adjustments or support at any stage of the application or assessment process, please contact Clair Clarke at our recruitment partners GatenbySanderson clair.clarke@gatenbysanderson.com. We will be pleased to discuss your requirements and work with you to ensure you are able to participate fully.

Continue to full details and application