Corporate Affairs Manager – University Stakeholder Relations

About the role

The university is seeking an experienced Corporate Affairs professional to safeguard its reputation, build strategic stakeholder relationships, and support the Vice‑Chancellor in daily executive duties. This senior position will shape both internal and external communications across a complex tertiary‑education environment.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and nurture relationships with government agencies, industry partners, alumni, donors, and the local community.
• Oversee branding, draft press releases, manage media contacts, and protect the institution’s public image.
• Facilitate university‑industry collaborations, student placements, and staff exchange programmes.
• Keep staff informed of policy changes, administrative updates, and institutional achievements.
• Monitor emerging issues and coordinate rapid crisis‑response actions.
• Plan major events such as graduations, public lectures, exhibitions, and stakeholder meetings.
• Manage the Vice‑Chancellor’s diary, appointments, meetings, and official engagements.
• Collaborate with Marketing to align communications, brand messaging, and advertising.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, Business Administration, Management, Marketing, English, International Relations or a related field (Master’s preferred).
• Minimum 7 years of relevant experience in corporate communications, stakeholder engagement, or executive support.
• Proven experience supporting senior executives and handling confidential or reputational matters.
• Strong professional writing and correspondence skills.
• Experience in higher education, government, or large corporate organisations is an advantage.

Required skills