Job Description

Ref Number

B09-01252

Professional Expertise

External Engagement, Communications, Marketing and Events

Department

Vice-Provost (Research, Innovation and Global Engagement) (B09)

Location

London

Working Pattern

Full time

Salary

54,172-63,752

Contract Type

Permanent

Working Type

Hybrid

Available for Secondment

No

Closing Date

01-Sep-2025

About us

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UCL is a diverse community of over 50,000 students and 18,000 staff, consistently ranked among the top 10 universities in the world. Our research changes lives, in areas from global health to climate.



The Vice-Provost (Research, Innovation & Global Engagement) portfolio (RIGE) brings together research, innovation, enterprise, and global engagement under one umbrella. RIGE supports and empowers UCL's community, connecting our students and researchers with external partners to transform lives for the better.



The RIGE communications team plays a vital role in amplifying UCL's real-world impact globally, developing compelling narratives and campaigns that champion the excellence and societal impact of UCL's research and innovation, while supporting initiatives such as UCL Public Policy and the university's cross-cutting strategic priorities.

About the role

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We are seeking a dynamic and strategic Senior Communications Manager (Research) to lead communications for UCL's institutional research strategy. This is a high-impact role at the heart of our efforts to effectively position and promote UCL's research excellence with key stakeholders. This role is eligible for hybrid working with a minimum of 20% on site.


You will take ownership of UCL's research narratives and proof points, creating integrated campaigns and compelling content that supports the university's research strategy. From major moments like the Research Excellence Framework (REF) to long-term initiatives like UCL Public Policy, your work will reflect the breadth and depth of our research excellence.



You'll collaborate widely - from senior leadership and communications colleagues to researchers and policy professionals - to ensure that UCL's research stories and thought-leadership are communicated with clarity, creativity and strategic insight. You will also lead on high-profile events and oversee digital platforms to engage both internal and external audiences.



The role includes line-management of the Communications Officer (Research) and offers an exciting opportunity to shape and lead communications for a globally recognised institution making a real difference in the world.

About you

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You are an experienced and confident communications professional, with a strong track record of leading strategic campaigns and producing high-quality content across a range of communications channels. You thrive in fast-paced, collaborative environments and are comfortable engaging with complex subject matter, including scientific or policy-related themes.



You bring initiative, creativity and outstanding editorial judgement to your work - alongside strong organisational skills and the ability to juggle multiple priorities. Your written and verbal communication skills are excellent, and you know how to tailor messages to different audiences and platforms.



Experience in a research, higher education, policy or public sector context would be beneficial, as would familiarity with digital channels, media relations and thought-leadership. Line-management experience and the ability to deliver effectively within a large, complex organisation is essential.



For a communicator who thrives on collaboration and making an impact, this is a rare opportunity to shape how one of the world's top universities shares its research with the world

Closing date for applications is 1st September 2025

What we offer

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As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents we also offer some great benefits some of which are below:


41 Days holiday (including 27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days) Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE) Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan On-Site nursery On-site gym Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service Discounted medical insurance

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

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



We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL's workforce.



These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women.



You can read more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here : https://www.ucl.ac.uk/equality-diversity-inclusion/