At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead impactful communications campaigns and manage the university's reputation.
- Company: King’s College London, a prestigious institution with a commitment to excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team dedicated to inclusivity and community engagement.
- Why this job: Shape the narrative of a leading university and engage with diverse audiences.
- Qualifications: Degree level education and significant experience in communications and media relations.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 € per year.
Salary: Competitive Salary
Business unit: Strategic Comms & External Relations
Department: News & Brand PR
Location: Guy's Campus
Category: Professional & Support Services
About Us
King’s College London’s mission is to achieve excellence in education and research, using our knowledge with purpose since 1829 for the benefit of society. Our thriving and an award-winning External Communications team plays a key role in helping the University achieve its mission.
About The Role
The Interim Deputy Director, External Communications, has responsibility for leading all aspects of our communications campaigns and reputation management including media relations, research communication, social media and issues management. You will provide outstanding editorial leadership working across the university and with the Executive Director of Communications and External Relations, other senior colleagues in the team, and senior managers in the organisation, to build and protect the university’s reputation. You will lead a team of external communications professionals in creating and placing compelling and engaging content aligned to the university’s strategic priorities in national and international news channels, on the website and across King’s digital channels; devising and implementing a series of communications campaigns that appeal to staff, students and external stakeholders; and supporting and designing and curating news and external campaigns aligned to strategic themes set out in the University strategy. You will also have responsibility for leading the application of brand and tone of voice across communications, contributing to their ongoing development and embedding across the university. This is a full time post, and you will be offered a fixed term contract until 31/12/2027.
About You
To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:
- Essential criteria
- Educated to degree level or equivalent experience.
- Knowledge of communications best practice, including media relations, PR and crisis communications.
- Significant experience of media handling and crisis communication management.
- Experience of leading a team of communications professionals.
- Experience of delivering digital communications, including social and digital media.
- Extensive experience of devising, writing and implementing effective communications and engagement strategies – including both traditional and digital communications – and evaluating outcomes.
- Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to work sensitively with colleagues across the university, including senior management, and balancing professional skills in an academic environment.
- Lead the consistent application of the university’s brand and tone of voice across external communications, supporting its ongoing development and embedding across channels.
- Desirable criteria
- Knowledge and experience of working in the higher education sector.
Further Information
We pride ourselves on being inclusive and welcoming. We embrace diversity and want everyone to feel that they belong and are connected to others in our community. We are committed to working with our staff and unions on these and other issues, to continue to support our people and to develop a diverse and inclusive culture at King's.
As part of this commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and through this appointment process, it is our aim to develop candidate pools that include applicants from all backgrounds and communities. We ask all candidates to submit a copy of their CV, and a supporting statement, detailing how they meet the essential criteria listed in the advert. If we receive a strong field of candidates, we may use the desirable criteria to choose our final shortlist, so please include your evidence against these where possible.
Closing date: 27 May 2026.
Interim Deputy Director, External Communications employer: KINGS COLLEGE LONDON-1
At King’s College London, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work environment that champions professional growth and collaboration. As an Interim Deputy Director in External Communications, you will be part of an award-winning team dedicated to enhancing the university's reputation through innovative communication strategies, all while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of Guy's Campus. With a commitment to diversity and employee development, we offer a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in higher education communications.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Deputy Director, External Communications
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the communications field, especially those who have experience in higher education. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about the role and even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your best work in media relations and crisis communication. This will help you stand out during interviews and demonstrate your expertise in handling complex situations.
✨Tip Number 3
Research, research, research! Familiarise yourself with King’s College London’s recent communications campaigns and their brand voice. This knowledge will not only impress during interviews but also help you tailor your approach to fit their style.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team at StudySmarter.
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Deputy Director, External Communications
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully:Before you start writing, make sure to read the job description thoroughly. It’s packed with info on what we’re looking for, so tailor your application to highlight how you meet those essential criteria.
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement:Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Use it to showcase your experience and skills that align with the role. Be specific about your achievements in communications and how they relate to our mission at King’s College London.
Show Off Your Team Leadership Skills:Since this role involves leading a team, don’t forget to mention your leadership experience. Share examples of how you’ve successfully managed teams and driven effective communication strategies in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and is reviewed properly. Good luck!
How to prepare for a job interview at KINGS COLLEGE LONDON-1
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest communications best practices, especially around media relations and crisis management. Brush up on King’s College London’s recent campaigns and how they align with their strategic priorities.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you’ve successfully led a team in the past. Highlight your experience in managing communications professionals and how you’ve fostered collaboration to achieve common goals.
✨Be Digital Savvy
Since digital communications are key for this role, come ready to discuss your experience with social media and digital content creation. Share specific campaigns you've worked on and the outcomes they achieved.
✨Align with Their Values
King’s College London values diversity and inclusion, so be prepared to discuss how you’ve contributed to these areas in your previous roles. Show that you understand the importance of these values in external communications.
