Job Description

(NCCPE) supports culture change in the UK higher education (HE) sector. We are working to build an inclusive higher education sector where communities can contribute to, and benefit from, knowledge, teaching and research. We do this by supporting excellent public engagement practice; creating the conditions for public engagement to thrive in universities; and building strong networks and partnerships to amplify our impact.
We are an agile and creative organisation, core funded by UK Research and Innovation, Research England, Wellcome, Higher Education Funding Council for Wales, Scottish Funding Council and the Department for the Economy, Northern Ireland. We are also funded by earned income from projects and services provided to HEIs. The Centre is jointly hosted by University of the West of England (UWE) and University of Bristol (UoB), benefitting from being part of two vibrant universities. This role is being recruited through UWE.
As the Head of Communications- External Engagement, you will play a pivotal role in shaping how the NCCPE connects with external partners and collaborators, and influences wider sector policy and practice in public engagement. Working closely with the Co-Directors and senior team, you will help grow the NCCPE's external profile, build strategic relationships, and contribute to thought leadership in the field of public engagement. You will also support the development of new project opportunities, helping to secure funding and co-create impactful work with universities, funders, and community partners.
This will be a varied and interesting role, so come and join our friendly, busy team based at 4, Portwall Place in central Bristol - and help unlock the potential of universities to make a positive difference to society.
About You
You will be a confident and experienced leader with a passion for engagement and partnership working, and significant expertise in event design and delivery, strategic influencing and network building. You'll bring a strong track record of delivering complex projects, managing budgets and resources, and navigating relationships with skill and diplomacy. You'll be adept at convening networks, facilitating collaboration, and representing the NCCPE in external forums. You'll have excellent communication skills and a strategic mindset, able to spot opportunities and contribute to bid development and business planning. You'll enjoy working as part of a senior team, helping shape the Centre's direction and supporting colleagues to thrive. Above all, you'll be committed to unlocking the potential of universities to make a positive difference to society.
Where is this role based
Our offices are based in the city at 4 Portwall Place, Bristol BS1 6NB
We are one of the largest providers of Higher Education in the South West with 38,000 students and 4,000 staff from right across the globe. Based in , one of the UK's most exciting and forward-thinking cities, we are regionally embedded and globally connected, with an established network of employer and academic partners.
We offer a wide range of including progressive pay rates, generous annual leave and career average pension schemes as well as retail savings, onsite nursery and opportunities for training and personal development.
Add your individuality to ours
UWE Bristol recognises the power of a .
We are proud to be part of a vibrant, multicultural city that celebrates diversity, we're always looking for talented people from all backgrounds to join us. Our people are our strength, and diversity enhances our creativity and leads to better decision-making and problem-solving. Bring your talent and ambition to our growing community and find yourself in a stimulating and supportive environment where you'll thrive.
As a employer, we welcome applications from those who identify as having a disability. We particularly encourage applications from global majority candidates as we are currently under-represented in this area of the organisation. However, all appointments are made strictly on individual merit.
At the NCCPE, we are looking for people who thrive working in a flexible way in a small, but busy team. We strive to live our values and have created an inclusive and supportive working environment which aims to help our team to grow and develop. We put learning and reflection at the heart of all our activities to enable us to realise our commitments to inclusive practice. Our commitment is public, and you can read more about it here
In line with our inclusive culture, we will welcome applications from people with a wide variety of backgrounds, life experiences and organisational knowledges, recognising that they bring rich experiences and different perspectives that are of great benefit to our work, alongside their skills and expertise.
Further information
If you have a question about these job roles then please post it on our Padlet in the first instance and we will try and answer it within 48 hours. You can access our Padlet here: . Your questions and our answers will be visible to all interested candidates.
Initial interviews may be conducted online. We aim to give candidates a week's notice to attend interview. Final Interviews are scheduled to take place at our offices at 4 Portwall Place, BS1 6NB on a date to be confirmed
This is a full-time, fixed-term post until 31/3/27, working 37 hours per week.
The post is available on a job share basis for applicants wishing to work part-time.
UWE Bristol is a campus-based University and it is vital to our success that our campuses are dynamic and vibrant places to learn and spend time. This role is therefore office based for 2 days per week with the opportunity to work from home on the remaining days.
To ensure fairness and equity all salary offers will be made in line with the University's salary assessment guidelines and will be based on your relevant skills and experience.
Right to Work in the UK
The University has a legal responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK. You will therefore be required to provide evidence of your right to work in the UK, please refer to the for information on which documents are acceptable.
We are unable to provide sponsorship for this role under the Home Office Skilled Worker visa route. If you do not have current right to work in the UK you may wish to explore .
Please note that UWE Bristol does not cover any visa or health surcharge costs.
Advice to applicants
We'd love to hear from you - if you are excited about this opportunity please complete our application form as soon as possible.
Tell us how your skills and experience relate to the requirements of this role by describing how you meet each of the essential and desirable criteria listed in the Person Specification section of the and include specific examples wherever possible.
Once we have completed shortlisting, we will let you know the outcome of your application by email, so please check your inbox for updates.

Skills Required