Imperial College London seeks a dynamic External Communications Manager for its Science and Engineering desk in London. This full-time role involves leading strategic communications to highlight the university’s research, innovation, and educational achievements to external audiences. The manager will craft compelling stories from complex scientific topics, manage media relations, and oversee digital content creation. Responsibilities include line management of a Communications Assistant, collaborating with internal teams, and building networks with journalists and influencers. Candidates must demonstrate strong news judgement, experience in integrated communications strategies, and existing media contacts within science or technology sectors. The position offers a salary between £59,808 and £71,793 annually, alongside extensive benefits such as 43 days off yearly, flexible working policies, and generous pension schemes. Interviews are scheduled for December 4.
Underlined terms explain themselves
About the role
Are you a dynamic and strategic communicator with excellent news judgement? Can you lead colleagues to create compelling stories from complex topics? Do you have a laser focus on delivering impactful communications to support organisational objectives?
We are looking for a driven External Communications Manager to join our Science and Engineering desk. As Communications Manager you will play a leading role in bringing Imperial’s science and engineering activities to life for external audiences. You will have direct line management of a Communications Assistant, and work collaboratively with Communications colleagues across Imperial to tell inspiring, impactful stories of Imperial’s research, innovation and education.
What you would be doing
Imperial College London’s scientists and engineers are brimming with world-changing ideas, and each day their research findings and imaginative innovations are transforming society.
Your challenge is to use these amazing breakthroughs to tell Imperial’s bigger story – of being the UK’s most entrepreneurial university, of forging fertile international ties, of radically boosting London’s economic potential through frontier innovation, of being a home to curiosity driven science.
You’ll use tenacity and creativity to get Imperial academics, innovators, initiatives and breakthroughs in the media – turning complicated ideas into compelling stories, crafting strong news hooks, and spotting and jumping on external opportunities.
You’ll create engaging, social-ready content at pace - bringing fresh ideas and approaches to create engaging digital and social media content.
You’ll take a collaborative approach, developing successful networks across the university, and with external stakeholders, partners, journalists and influencers.
What we are looking for
- You will be a strong communicator who can combine innovative, strategic thinking with hands-on delivery
- You will have experience in delivering integrated communications strategies, devising impactful campaigns and evaluating impact
- You will have strong media and influencer contacts (preferably in the science, technology or business space)
- You will be diplomatic with a sensitive approach to managing competing expectations – including at a senior level.
- You will be an experienced line manager, with skills in coaching and developing colleagues
What we can offer you
- The opportunity to build your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to deliver science for humanity
- The chance to work in a dynamic, forward-looking external communications team
- Benefit from sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 43 days off a year and generous pension schemes)
- Get access to a range of workplace benefits including a flexible working policy from day 1, generous family leave packages, on-site leisure facilities and a cycle-to-work scheme
- Interest-free season ticket loan schemes for travel
- Be part of a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative work culture with various staff networks and resources designed to support your personal and professional wellbeing .
Further information
Interviews will be held on 4 December
You will be based at our White City campus but travel to other campuses on a regular basis is to be expected and is a requirement of the role.
This is a role (35 hours per week) and is offered on a hybrid basis in line with Imperial’s Work Location Framework .
1 note on terms in this opportunity, checked against published references.
External Communications Manager (Science and Engineering) employer: Opportunita
Opportunita is an attractive employer due to its commitment to research excellence and professional development. Faculty members benefit from a collaborative work environment and opportunities to engage with industry partners, enhancing their academic careers.
