Director of Marketing and External Affairs

This is a senior management role responsible for building brand awareness, managing reputation, and driving audience engagement. The role focuses on place-based economic development - positioning the region to attract inward investment, businesses, capital, real estate occupiers, and local talent. Core Responsibilities Strategic Marketing & Campaigns: Develop multi-year marketing strategies and execute PESO (Paid, Earned, Shared, Owned) campaigns across digital, PR, and events.

Partner with internal Business, Skills, and Inward Investment teams to create Go-To-Market (GTM) plans and Account-Based Marketing (ABM) for target prospects. External Affairs & Stakeholder Management: Build trust, advocacy, and influence with high-level stakeholders, including UK government departments, universities, science parks, trade bodies, and regional alliances (e.

g., Ox-Cam Growth Corridor). Brand & Place Positioning: Shape the core Oxfordshire narrative and brand architecture. Lead thought leadership, market research, and evidence-based propositions to position the region as a global hub for innovation, growth, and investment. Team & Operational Leadership: Lead the marketing/comms team, manage external agencies, oversee budgets, and set data-driven KPIs.

Optimize digital channels, web architecture, martech/AI tools, and CRM systems for lead generation and client journeys. Governance & Reporting: Act as a trusted advisor to the executive team and prepare board papers for the Senior Leadership Team. Represent the organisation at regional, national, and international events.

Ideal Candidate Profile Experience: Proven track record in place marketing, economic development, and international market engagement within key growth sectors. Skills: Strong blend of strategic leadership and hands-on, analytical execution (ROI tracking, pipeline generation, media/crisis management). Approach: A collaborative, data-driven marketer capable of navigating a complex, multi-stakeholder government and commercial landscape.

This is a home-based role with local travel across Oxfordshire. Candidates should ideally be located within or near Oxfordshire to effectively deliver the regional external affairs remit. Salary c £95k FTE DOE. Email Helen@923jobs.com for more information.