Job Description

Job Title:

Deputy Director External Affairs & Communication

Salary

: 94,931 - 117,800 per annum, dependent on skills and experience (this is the full-time equivalent; actual salary will be pro rata for part-time hours).

Hours:

Full time/Part Time (Minimum of 0.8 FTE)

Contract Type

: Open Ended; secondees and

transfers

welcome. Job shares also considered

Location:

Caxton House, London or Polaris House, Swindon - Hybrid working available with 2-3 days per week office-based and travel across UKRI offices.

Grade:

X

Closing Date:

02 November 2025

Help us tell stories that matter. Lead our strategy to amplify UKRI's impact.

Role Overview:

As Deputy Director, External Affairs and Communications, you will play a pivotal leadership role, responsible for shaping and delivering an integrated communications strategy that enhances the organisation's visibility, credibility, and influence.




This is a new role, central to creating awareness and understanding of UKRI's mission, impact, and priorities, developing and leading high-impact campaigns, with targeted and insight-led communications to support UKRI's brand, organisational goals and narrative.




As a senior leader, you will play a key role in the External Affairs and Communications function, building capability, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation, and ensuring UKRI's voice is coherent, compelling, and aligned with national priorities.

Responsibilities:

The Deputy Director, External Affairs & Communications (EAC) is accountable for:

Working closely with the Chief of External Affairs and Communications and other senior leaders across UKRI, leading on the development, delivery and evolution of UKRI's communications strategy.


Developing and leading the strategic planning and campaigns approach needed to ensure successful implementation of our communications activity, based on
insight,

evaluation and effective partnerships.



Acting as a senior advocate for the communications profession within the organisation and across government.


Leading, inspiring, building capability, and motivating team and wider EAC colleagues.


Developing exceptionally strong relationships with communications colleagues in the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and across government.


Building positive relationships internally & externally across key partners and stakeholders within the R&I community


.

About You:

You will have the following essential skills and experience:

A strong track record of shaping and leading high-impact communications and campaign activity across complex, multi-stakeholder environments, including internal teams, academia, industry, government, and the wider public.


Proven ability to build and sustain effective partnerships across organisational, sectoral, and functional boundaries to deliver strategic objectives and drive collective impact.


Experience of leading and supporting teams through periods of change and organisational transformation


In-depth knowledge and experience of driving innovation in communications to improve reach, influence, and organisational effectiveness.


Recognised as a credible voice within academic, industry, and government communities, with the ability to represent the organisation at senior levels and foster trust and engagement.


Strong strategic mindset combined with the flexibility to adapt to shifting priorities, manage risks, and respond to emerging challenges and opportunities.

To view the full job description and requirements please e-mail us at

seniorrecruitment@ukri.org

to request the candidate pack and learn more about the role.

Application Guidance:

How to evidence the criteria:

We encourage you to use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) in your cover letter to clearly demonstrate how your experience meets each of the 'person specification' criteria outlined in the job description. For examples of the STAR method, please visit:

The STAR method | National Careers Service'.

Please ensure your CV and cover letter are no longer than two A4 pages each, using a minimum font size of 11. Once submitted, your application cannot be edited via your

careers

website; however, if you encounter any issues or need to update your documents, please contact us at

SeniorRecruitment@ukri.org

.


The selection process may also include a staff engagement exercise. Exact details will be communicated to shortlisted applicants ahead of interviews.

Other information

If you'd like to have an informal chat about the role before applying, you're welcome to get in touch with us at seniorrecruitment@ukri.org

Benefits

We recognise and value our employees as individuals and aim to provide a favourable pay and rewards package! We are committed to supporting employees' development and promote a culture of continuous learning! A list of benefits below;

An outstanding defined benefit pension scheme


30 days' annual leave in addition to 10.5 public and privilege days (full time equivalent)


Employee discounts and offers on retail and leisure activities


Employee assistance programme, providing confidential help and advice


Flexible working options

Please click here for more details

Benefits of Working for UKRI