Job Description

Ref Number

B23-00160

Professional Expertise

External Engagement, Communications, Marketing and Events

Department

Vice-President (External Engagement) (B23)

Location

London

Working Pattern

Full time

Salary

43,981-52,586

Contract Type

Permanent

Working Type

Hybrid

Available for Secondment

No

Closing Date

30-Nov-2025

About us

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UCL is a radically different university. Founded in 1826 in the heart of London, we were the first university in England to welcome students of any religion and the first to welcome women to university education. Today UCL has over 50,000 students and 16,000 staff and is one of the world's top 10 universities.



The department of the Vice-President External Engagement coordinates UCL's engagement with a range of audiences, raising the university's profile and influence, and managing its reputation. It promotes the public value of UCL's research and partnerships to the future of Britain and globally. It is a service function made up of communications and marketing professionals who deliver sector based media relations, public affairs, institutional communications, brand and integrated marketing, student recruitment, and events.

About the role

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The UCL Media Relations Manager is responsible for planning and implementing media relations strategies on a diverse range of issues, working to deliver positive coverage of the university. Specifically, this role will translate complex research into impactful media coverage, supporting REF priorities, and maintaining UCL's reputation in areas of national significance such as health and Artificial Intelligence.



You will work with the appropriate national, international, regional and local media to ensure that UCL's key messages are delivered to its range of audiences. You will respond to a variety of calls on a daily basis, write and edit news releases and press statements, update web pages, organise media briefings and develop and maintain excellent relationships with the media and the UCL community, using expertise and creativity to advise on appropriate media handling whenever necessary. You are also responsible for all media activity for an appropriate number of UCL Faculties (to be confirmed in discussion with the Executive Director of Media and Public Affairs and Head of Media Relations).



You will be required to build strong internal networks with academic and professional staff - mainly focused around their areas of responsibility - as well as external networks with journalists and external stakeholders such as partner institution media teams.



Additionally, you'll provide strategic advice to academics on media engagement and profile raising - including delivering developmental media training within their faculties and areas of responsibility.


Please note, this permanent role is available on a full-time basis and is available to start from 5 January 2026. The role is offered on a hybrid basis and will be based onsite 2-days per week at our London Kings Cross/ St Pancras office.

This is an internal recruitment advert, available to eligible UCL workers only.



Job Ref: B23-00160



Closing Date: 30-11-2025 - 23:59 (UK time)

About you

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As an experienced Press professional, you will have significant experience of working within a busy news environment -- for example, in a university press office or as part of a communications team -- with the ability to manage complex workloads and deliver high-quality, timely outputs. You'll bring strong editorial judgement and a strategic understanding of how communications can enhance reputation, support institutional priorities, and engage diverse audiences.



Additionally, you will be able to demonstrate the following:

Excellent understanding of the external media landscape

includingprint, broadcast, online and social platforms, and how to engage effectively with journalists, commentators and influencers.

Experience pitching stories

to a wide range of outlets, from trade press to national newspapers, broadcast, and online media.

Demonstrable experience of taking a strategic approach

to communications activity, planning and delivering campaigns as part of a wider strategy to secure high-profile, positive coverage and achieve organisational goals.

Editorial expertise

, with the ability to translate and adapt complex academic or research material into clear, compelling and accessible content (such as tabloid-style writing to longer-form features) for different audiences with varied levels of knowledge and interest.
In addition, you will have experience of working efficiently in a small, fast-paced team, supervising and supporting colleagues, and managing external suppliers to ensure the delivery of high-quality outputs. You'll be adept at operating within a large and complex organisation, building strong relationships with a wide range of internal stakeholders -- including senior leaders, academics and professional services colleagues -- as well as with external partners.



Overall, this role requires a skilled communicator who combines creativity with strategic insight; someone who can identify and shape strong stories, craft engaging content, and use the full range of media channels to strengthen understanding of, and pride in, the university's work and impact.

What we offer

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Standard UCL Benefits

41 days' holiday (27 days annual leave, 8 bank holidays, 6 closure days) Option to purchase 5 additional days' annual leave Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE) Cycle to work scheme, season ticket loan, and immigration loan Relocation support for eligible posts On-site nursery and gym Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption pay Staff Support Service (employee assistance programme) Discounted medical insurance

Full details: UCL Rewards and Benefits.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

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As London's Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong.



We particularly encourage applications from candidates underrepresented in UCL's workforce, including those from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds, disabled people, and - for Grade 9 and 10 roles - women.



Read more: UCL Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.



Applicants should also familiarise themselves with UCL's policies on: Prevention of Bullying, Harassment and Sexual Misconduct Policy and Personal Relationships Policy