Associate Lecturer in Public Relations and Professional Communication

Associate Lecturer in Public Relations and Professional Communication

Part-Time 52 - 87 £ / hour (est.) No working from home possible
Birkbeck Sport Business Centre

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Teach Public Relations and Professional Communication to enthusiastic students this Summer.
  • Company: Join Birkbeck, University of London, a diverse and inclusive educational institution.
  • Benefits: Earn £69.68 per hour with flexible part-time hours and professional development opportunities.
  • Other info: Fixed-term contract from April to September 2026, with a supportive academic community.
  • Why this job: Inspire the next generation while sharing your passion for PR and communication.
  • Qualifications: Vocational experience in PR and a knack for engaging teaching required.

The predicted salary is between 52 - 87 £ per hour.

We have an excellent opportunity for an Associate Lecturer to teach this Summer 2026. Birkbeck, University of London, is looking to recruit an Associate Lecturer on a part-time, fixed term basis.

Salary: £69.68 per hour

Contract type: Fixed term

Mode: Part time

Grade: 7

Business Unit: School of Social Sciences

Closing date for applicants: 25-Mar-2026

Ref No: 2353

Application: Please submit a CV and statement for consideration. The opportunity includes teaching and related course administration duties.

Responsibilities and module:

Joining The School of Social Sciences, you would teach on the following module: Public Relations and Professional Communication.

Teaching: 30 hours in total, Wednesday 6-9pm, April to July 2026.

Your role will be to deliver teaching to Birkbeck students, and to undertake all related course administrative duties as required. The module runs on Wednesdays 6–9pm from April to July. It provides a grounding in the skills and theories of public relations and professional communications, including developing campaign strategies and business plans, with a critical perspective on communication strategy across various professional contexts and ethical considerations.

Qualifications and experience:

Please refer to the person specification for further selection criteria. To succeed in this role you should also have vocational experience in PR and a working knowledge of the academic literature in critical public relations. If you have knowledge in this area and are an excellent and innovative teacher with a track record of student engagement, you are invited to apply.

Remuneration and contract details:

Payment: Payment is based on an hourly rate depending on length of continuous service with the College (starting rate £69.68 per hour inclusive of pro-rata London Allowance and holiday pay) for contact hours worked. This rate is based on the starting point of Grade 7 and includes a 'Duties Related to Teaching Multiplier' at 2.5, covering preparation, teaching, administration, assessment marking and other examining duties in connection with the course.

Contract: Fixed-term, 1 April to 30 September 2026, part-time contract. Closing date: Wednesday 25 March; interview date: Wednesday 8 April 2026.

Enquiries: If you would like to know more about the role, please contact Tim Markham, Professor of Journalism and Media, at t.markham@bbk.ac.uk. If you have difficulty using the recruitment portal, please contact jobs@bbk.ac.uk providing your name and the job reference number of the position. While we are happy to respond to all informal enquiries, only formal applications through the online system will be considered.

We welcome applicants from all sections of the community and backgrounds. The College is committed to improving the gender and ethnic diversity of its workforce, holding an Athena SWAN award and operating Disability Confident & Mindful Employer schemes.

Associate Lecturer in Public Relations and Professional Communication employer: Birkbeck Sport Business Centre

Birkbeck, University of London is an exceptional employer that values diversity and inclusivity, offering a supportive work culture where innovative teaching thrives. As an Associate Lecturer in Public Relations and Professional Communication, you will benefit from competitive remuneration, flexible part-time hours, and the opportunity to engage with a diverse student body in the heart of London, fostering both personal and professional growth.

Birkbeck Sport Business Centre

Contact Details:

Birkbeck Sport Business Centre Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Associate Lecturer in Public Relations and Professional Communication

Dive into Local PR Events

Get yourself to any local PR meetups or networking events in your area. These gatherings are perfect for making connections with professionals in the field, and you never know who might have a lead on a part-time gig with companies like Birkbeck Sport Business Centre!

Leverage Social Media

PR is all about visibility, so show off your skills on platforms like Twitter or LinkedIn. Share insights on current trends, engage with industry leaders, and tag companies you admire, like Birkbeck Sport Business Centre. It’s a great way to catch their eye and demonstrate your knowledge.

Volunteer for PR Projects

Look for opportunities to volunteer in PR roles, even if they’re unpaid. It’s a great way to get hands-on experience, build your portfolio, and make professional connections that could lead to part-time openings.

Tap into University Resources

If you're currently at uni, check on your career services for part-time PR opportunities. Many larger companies, including Birkbeck Sport Business Centre, keep an eye out for budding talent at universities. They might even have exclusive listings just for you!

We think you need these skills to ace Associate Lecturer in Public Relations and Professional Communication

Teaching Skills
Course Administration
Public Relations Knowledge
Professional Communication Skills
Campaign Strategy Development
Business Planning
Critical Thinking

Some tips for your application 🫡

Make Your Passion Shine Through:In your cover letter, we want to see why you're into public relations! Share what draws you to the field and any relevant experiences, even if they're volunteer gigs or university projects. Show us your enthusiasm, and don't hold back on your stories!

Showcase Your Writing Skills:PR is all about strong communication! Include samples of your writing—whether that’s press releases, blog posts, or social media content—in your application. If you have a portfolio or something similar, definitely attach it. This is where you can truly demonstrate your flair for captivating content.

Tailor Your CV to the PR World:When crafting your CV, highlight any relevant coursework or projects that demonstrate your understanding of PR concepts. Include any internships, volunteer work, or even part-time roles where you had to communicate effectively or manage public relations tasks—this will help us see your fit for the role at Birkbeck Sport Business Centre.

Flexibility is Key:Since this is a part-time role, make sure to mention your availability clearly in your application. Are you a student juggling classes, or do you have other commitments? Being upfront about your schedule helps us plan better and shows that you’re considerate of our needs too. We want to find a mutually beneficial arrangement!

How to prepare for a job interview at Birkbeck Sport Business Centre

Know Your Buzzwords

Public relations is all about communication, so make sure you're up-to-date with the latest buzzwords and trends in the industry. Brush up on terms like 'media relations', 'stakeholder engagement', and 'crisis management', as they might come up in conversation with Birkbeck Sport Business Centre.

Show Off Your Portfolio

As you're applying for a part-time role, it’s crucial to showcase your past work. Prepare a portfolio with examples of press releases, media kits, or campaigns you've contributed to. This tangible evidence of your skills can set you apart and demonstrate your hands-on experience to Birkbeck Sport Business Centre.

Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect some scenario-based questions, like handling a PR crisis or managing a challenging client relationship. Think about past experiences where you've had to think on your feet, as these reflective examples will show your problem-solving abilities and how you work under pressure.

Highlight Your Flexibility

Since it's a part-time role, make sure to emphasise your availability and how you can fit into Birkbeck Sport Business Centre's schedule. Speak about your ability to manage multiple projects or juggle responsibilities, as the PR environment is fast-paced and needs someone who can adapt quickly.