Job Description

Ref Number

B23-00156

Professional Expertise

External Engagement, Communications, Marketing and Events

Department

Vice-President (External Engagement) (B23)

Location

London

Working Pattern

Full time

Salary

54,931-64,644

Contract Type

Permanent

Working Type

Hybrid

Available for Secondment

No

Closing Date

23-Oct-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 on equal terms with men. 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-based function made up of communications and marketing professionals who deliver media relations, public affairs, institutional communications, brand and integrated marketing, student recruitment, and events.

About the role

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The Senior Communications Manager will develop and deliver communications to ensure the institution's narrative is coherently and consistently communicated through impactful content and campaigns to key audiences and stakeholders.



You will play a pivotal role in enhancing and safeguarding UCL's reputation by managing complex internal communication challenges and mitigating potential risks.



This will include a particular focus on working closely with our Head of Communications to help lead UCL's internal communications response to issues and incidents of reputational significance, including both reactive issues and longer-term positioning around strategically important topics. This remit includes communicating our institutional messages and positioning, providing strategic guidance, horizon scanning, planning and preparedness for future issues, and evaluating and improving the processes around our institutional communications response.


Please note this is a full-time role offered on a permanent basis with an immediate start. The role is available on a hybrid basis and will be based onsite at our London Kings Cross office 2-days per week.



Job Ref: B23-156



Closing Date: 23-10-2025 - 23:59 (UK time)

About you

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To be successful in this role, you will bring substantial experience in PR, communications, brand or agency marketing within a complex, stakeholder-focused environment. You will have demonstrable expertise in managing and responding to critical incidents that may impact an organisation's brand integrity, reputation, or safety.



You will be an outstanding communicator, with excellent written and verbal skills, meticulous attention to detail, and the ability to write and edit copy for a range of audiences. You will be comfortable translating complex material into clear, accessible language, and adept at presenting ideas persuasively.



Highly motivated, adaptable and innovative, you thrive in fast-paced settings, managing multiple projects simultaneously. You are skilled at delivering through others, quickly bringing together informal teams to achieve shared goals. As a credible professional, you can advocate effectively for the VPEE's position and influence decision-making at all levels.



Flexibility is essential, including a willingness to occasionally work evenings and weekends, with time off in lieu provided.

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