Marketing and Communications Manager

Department

Academic Support

Entity

Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations

Location

London, United Kingdom

Introduction

The Marketing and Communications Manager is responsible for developing and implementing strategic marketing and communications initiatives that strengthen the organisation’s brand, enhance its visibility, and support its overall objectives. The role leads internal and external communications, digital marketing, content development, media relations, and stakeholder engagement while ensuring consistent and effective messaging across all communication channels.

The successful candidate will combine strong strategic thinking with excellent writing, relationship management, and project management skills. They will work closely with senior leadership and internal teams to identify communication opportunities, promote organisational programmes and achievements, and build meaningful engagement with key audiences.

Create and commission high-quality content that brings our research, publications, programmes, events and people to life.

Lead the implementation and development of the Institute’s digital communications strategy.

Strengthen our website and digital presence, ensuring content is engaging, accessible, accurate and audience-focused.

Improve SEO performance and grow engagement and reach across social media and other digital channels.

Find creative ways to communicate complex academic and intellectual ideas to specialist and wider public audiences.

Promote the work of our academic staff, researchers and visiting scholars, as well as the Institute’s programmes, publications and events.

Maintain a strong and consistent institutional voice and brand across communications.

Use analytics and audience insights to evaluate performance, identify opportunities and continually improve our communications.

Manage relationships with external agencies, designers, suppliers and partners as required.

Build strong working relationships with colleagues in London and across Aga Khan University, including teams in Pakistan and East Africa.

Proactively identify new opportunities to increase the Institute’s visibility, reach and influence.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement an integrated marketing and communications strategy aligned with organisational priorities and objectives.
• Manage and strengthen the organisation’s brand identity, ensuring consistency across all communications and marketing materials.
• Plan, develop, edit, and oversee high-quality content for websites, newsletters, reports, brochures, social media, press releases, presentations, and other communication channels.
• Lead digital marketing activities, including social media strategy, website content, email campaigns, and audience engagement initiatives.
• Develop and maintain relationships with journalists, media organisations, partners, stakeholders, and other external audiences.
• Identify opportunities for media coverage and prepare press releases, media statements, briefing materials, and key messages.
• Support senior leadership with speeches, presentations, talking points, and strategic communications.
• Plan and deliver marketing campaigns that promote programmes, events, research, partnerships, and organisational achievements.
• Coordinate communications for events, conferences, campaigns, launches, and other institutional activities.
• Monitor media coverage, digital engagement, campaign performance, and communication trends, and provide reports and recommendations.
• Manage external suppliers, designers, photographers, videographers, agencies, and other communications partners where required.
• Ensure communications materials meet high editorial, branding, accessibility, and quality standards.
• Support internal communications and help strengthen engagement across teams and departments.
• Manage multiple communications projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines and maintaining attention to detail.
• Contribute to crisis and reputation-management communications when required.
• Undertake other marketing and communications responsibilities in support of the organisation’s strategic goals.
• Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Media, Business, or a related discipline. A relevant postgraduate qualification would be an advantage.

Demonstrable professional experience in marketing, communications, public relations, media, or a related field.

Strong experience developing and implementing marketing and communications strategies.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong editing and proofreading ability.

Experience producing high-quality content for different audiences and communication channels.

Strong understanding of digital marketing, social media platforms, website management, and audience engagement.

Experience managing media relations and developing press and publicity materials.

Strong project-management and organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.

Ability to work effectively with senior leaders, colleagues, external partners, and diverse stakeholders.

Strong judgment, creativity, initiative, and attention to detail.

Ability to analyse communication and marketing performance and use insights to improve future activity.

Experience working in an academic, research, healthcare, international development, or similar professional environment would be an advantage.

Proficiency in relevant digital communications and office tools.

To Apply

Interested candidates should submit their CV and a cover letter outlining their suitability for the role to [email protected]

Please use the subject line: Application – Marketing and Communications Manager.

Applications should clearly demonstrate how the candidate’s experience, skills, and qualifications meet the requirements of the position.

Applications should be submitted latest by October 30, 2026