About us

The Strategic Marketing & Communications Directorate’s primary focus is to generate awareness and visibility of the University, creating public and media interest and thereby helping to raise the profile and reputation of the University on a national, regional and local basis. This is a different emphasis from (although clearly influential on) student recruitment marketing activity for courses, which is managed by the Student Recruitment teams within the Student Experience Directorate and the Faculty Marketing and Recruitment teams.

The experienced Corporate Communications team manages all media relations activity on behalf of the University, and all media enquiries should be directed to them. Corporate advertising and sponsorship are commissioned and managed by the Directorate, and corporate events such as the opening of buildings are organised in conjunction with the VC’s Office.

The Directorate produces key University publications such as Connection magazine and the annual undergraduate prospectus, and also acts as an advisory service for locally-produced print and digital publications; all publications should be sent to the Directorate for approval before publication, and all written publications must conform to the University’s brand and house style guidelines.

The Directorate is responsible for shaping, producing and advising on internal communications, which are vital in communicating the vision, mission and values of the University to employees and for facilitating feedback mechanisms.

Summary of main responsibilities

• Developing the University’s corporate identity and ensuring that it is used appropriately both internally and externally;
• Developing best practice in communications, for instance through the development of a house style;
• Acting as the press office for Bucks New University, dealing with all media enquiries, proactively placing news stories, and managing crisis and issues communications;
• Producing flagship University marketing literature such as the undergraduate prospectus;
• Publishing the University magazine, Connection, and other University publications such as the Strategic Plan;
• Developing effective employee communications working closely with the Senior Management Team, faculties, and directorates;
• Developing and cultivating proactive relationships with external bodies and individuals to raise the profile of the University and enhance our reputation and standing in the wider community;
• Actively supporting faculties and directorates in an advisory capacity;
• Managing the University’s Facebook group and Twitter account;
• Organising corporate events such as the opening of buildings and press launches;
• Managing corporate advertising and partnerships;
• Facilitating employee communications.