Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead UCL's external engagement strategy and amplify its global presence.
- Company: Join a top-ranked university known for innovation and diversity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership role, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Shape the voice of a world-class institution and drive meaningful change.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in public affairs or communications required.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team committed to excellence and collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
UCL is a diverse community with the freedom to challenge and think differently. With over 12,500 staff and more than 41,500 students from 150 countries, UCL pursues academic excellence, breaks boundaries, and makes a positive impact on real world problems. We champion innovation, creativity and cross-disciplinary working in our teaching and research, and we are consistently ranked among the top 10 universities in the world. From the start, we opened higher education to students from a wide range of backgrounds and have changed the way we create and share knowledge. The courageous attitude and disruptive spirit of our founders is still alive today.
Our new President & Provost Dr Michael Spence joined UCL in 2021. As he builds UCL's senior leadership team, we now seek to appoint a new Vice-President (External Engagement). This new leadership team will deliver a unified strategy for UCL, through collaboration built on trust, openness, collaboration and commitment.
The main purpose of this new role is to establish, consolidate and grow the new external engagement function at UCL. As a member of UCL’s leadership team, the Vice-President (External Engagement) will report to the President & Provost and deliver an integrated and comprehensive set of externally facing functions to raise UCL’s national and international profile. The new Vice-President will also help build UCL’s presence in London as a resource for those who are working to consolidate the capital’s reputation as one of the world’s greatest cities.
The external engagement function will bring together communications, media relations, public affairs, events and stakeholder management functions to build an integrated team that can leverage UCL’s influence on the London, national and international stages. Collectively, the team will work to ‘tell UCL’s story’ and to leverage the networks and partnerships that will enable the university to maximise the impact of its world-leading research and amplify the voices of UCL’s most compelling and thoughtful theorists and scholars.
Main responsibilities include:
- Scope, establish and grow an effective External Engagement function for UCL that can provide leadership, direction, and professional services facilitation to support the work of the senior team and the President & Provost’s office.
- Lead the strategic planning work that will enable UCL to capitalise on its research breadth and the thought leadership of the academic community to leverage its profile nationally and internationally.
- Deliver public affairs and external engagement activities to build capacity and reach of the senior leadership team and expand UCL’s understanding and utilisation of best practice activity in this area.
- Provide visionary and ambitious leadership as an active and collegiate member of the Provost’s senior team, including contributing to the development and implementation of the UCL strategy, and leading on all aspects relating to UCL’s external profile, as well as serving as a trusted adviser to the President & Provost.
Required skills, experience, and abilities include:
- Experienced public affairs, stakeholder management or communication professional with senior leadership experience within a large, complex organisation.
- Strong track record of effective influencing and network building across government, industry and/or media and the capacity to use existing networks and establish new ones to further the interests of UCL.
- Ability to clearly communicate an organisation’s vision and its impact to multiple audiences and to support others to do this effectively.
- Well-developed negotiation skills and the ability to act as an ambassador for UCL in cross cultural settings with global stakeholders.
- Demonstrable record of outstanding achievement in a senior leadership role.
This important leadership role is a rare opportunity to shape the voice and influence of a world class organisation.
How to apply:
Vice-President (External Engagement), UCL in London employer: Ellwood Atfield
Contact Detail:
Ellwood Atfield Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Vice-President (External Engagement), UCL in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in your field. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts on LinkedIn. Remember, it’s all about building relationships that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Show up and shine! When you get the chance to attend interviews or networking events, make sure you’re prepared to showcase your skills and experiences. Bring your A-game, and don’t forget to share how you can contribute to UCL’s mission and values.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after meetings or interviews. A simple thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. Use this opportunity to reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and how you can add value to UCL’s external engagement efforts.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll have access to all the latest opportunities at UCL, so you won’t miss out on any exciting roles that fit your skills.
We think you need these skills to ace Vice-President (External Engagement), UCL in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect UCL's values and the specific requirements of the Vice-President role. Highlight your experience in public affairs and stakeholder management, and show how you can contribute to UCL’s mission.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: We want to see your leadership style! Share examples of how you've successfully led teams or initiatives in complex organisations. This is your chance to demonstrate your ability to influence and build networks.
Communicate Clearly: Your written application should clearly convey your vision for UCL’s external engagement. Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts logically to make it easy for us to understand your ideas and impact.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves and reaches the right people in our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ellwood Atfield
✨Know UCL Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into UCL's mission, values, and recent achievements. Familiarise yourself with their current projects and how they engage with the community. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you align your vision with theirs.
✨Showcase Your Network
As a candidate for Vice-President (External Engagement), your ability to build and leverage networks is crucial. Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully influenced stakeholders in the past. Highlight any existing connections you have that could benefit UCL.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Practice articulating UCL’s story and your vision for its external engagement function. Use clear, concise language and be ready to adapt your message for different audiences. This will demonstrate your communication skills and your understanding of the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities. Think about potential challenges UCL might face in external engagement and prepare thoughtful strategies to address them. This will showcase your leadership capabilities and innovative mindset.
