At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead communications campaigns and manage the university's reputation across various channels.
- Company: King's College London, a prestigious institution with a commitment to excellence.
- Benefits: Fixed-term contract until 2027, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a diverse community dedicated to inclusion and belonging.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in higher education communications and shape the university's narrative.
- Qualifications: Degree level education, media relations expertise, and team leadership experience.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 € per year.
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 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.
Interim Deputy Director, External Communications employer: King’s College London
King's College London is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and collaboration thrive. With a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, employees are encouraged to grow professionally while contributing to impactful communications that enhance the university's reputation. Located in the heart of London, staff benefit from access to a vibrant cultural scene and numerous opportunities for personal and professional development.
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 job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your best work in media relations and digital communications. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on current trends in external communications and crisis management. Be ready to discuss how you would handle specific scenarios relevant to King's College London.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to 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 King's.
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Deputy Director, External Communications
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Communications:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for communications shine through! We want to see how your experience aligns with our mission at King's College London and how you can contribute to our award-winning External Communications team.
Tailor Your Content:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. Highlight your media relations and crisis communication expertise, as well as any leadership roles you've held in communications—this will help us see why you're a great fit!
Be Clear and Concise:We appreciate clarity in applications. Use straightforward language and keep your points concise. This not only makes it easier for us to read but also showcases your ability to communicate effectively—an essential skill for this role!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! This ensures that we receive all your details correctly and helps us keep track of your application. Plus, it’s the best way to stay updated on the process!
How to prepare for a job interview at King’s College London
✨Know Your Audience
Before the interview, take some time to research King's College London and its External Communications team. Understand their mission, values, and recent campaigns. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their goals.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your skills in media relations, crisis communication, and digital strategies. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your achievements effectively.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As this role involves leading a team, be prepared to talk about your leadership style and how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Share instances where you've inspired your team or navigated challenges, showcasing your ability to foster collaboration and drive results.
✨Align with Their Values
King's College London values inclusivity and diversity, so make sure to express your commitment to these principles during the interview. Discuss how you've promoted an inclusive culture in your previous roles and how you plan to continue doing so in this position.
