At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead impactful communications and engage diverse audiences at a top global university.
- Company: UCL, a leading university committed to innovation and community engagement.
- Benefits: 41 days holiday, pension scheme, gym access, and relocation support.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team and contribute to meaningful change.
- Why this job: Shape communications during exciting transformations and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in internal communications and strong writing skills required.
The predicted salary is between 68284 - 76244 £ per year.
Location: London
Working Pattern: Full time
Salary: £68,284-£76,244
Contract Type: Permanent
Working Type: Hybrid
Closing Date: 18-Jun-2026.
About us
At UCL, we believe world‐changing ideas begin with diverse minds coming together. As one of the world's leading universities and London's global university, we are committed to advancing knowledge, driving innovation and creating meaningful impact locally and globally. The Vice‐President External Engagement portfolio plays a central role in shaping how UCL connects with its communities — from students and staff to partners, policymakers and the wider public. Our Communications team helps bring UCL's mission, strategy and stories to life through engaging, creative and audience‐focused communications.
We are now looking for an experienced and collaborative communications professional to join us as Deputy Head of Communications. This is an exciting opportunity to help shape communications across a complex and fast‐moving institution during a period of significant transformation and growth, including the continued development of our UCL East campus on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford and major strategic change programmes across the university.
About the role
This is a senior and influential role within our Communications team, reporting to the Head of Communications and helping to lead a high‐performing group of communications specialists. You will play a key role in delivering engaging and impactful internal communications that connect our staff and students to UCL's strategy, priorities and culture. Working closely with colleagues across the university, you will help ensure our communications are clear, timely, inclusive and strategically aligned.
We are looking for someone who combines strong editorial judgement with creativity and strategic thinking. You will oversee the development of compelling campaigns, leadership communications, digital content, events and storytelling initiatives that resonate with a wide range of audiences. This role is both strategic and hands‐on. One day you may be advising senior leaders on communications approaches for a major institutional programme; the next, shaping a campaign narrative, mentoring colleagues, analysing audience insight or identifying new and innovative ways to engage our communities.
You will also help foster a positive, collaborative and supportive team culture, enabling colleagues to do their best work while balancing multiple priorities across a busy and evolving communications landscape. This is an opportunity to contribute to communications at one of the world's most dynamic universities — helping to tell the stories that matter and shaping how UCL communicates during a period of ambitious change.
About you
You will be an experienced communications professional with a strong background in internal communications, corporate communications, PR or agency environments, ideally within a large, complex or highly matrixed organisation. You will be an exceptional writer and editor, able to translate complex information into engaging, audience‐focused communications that inform, connect and inspire. Comfortable operating both strategically and operationally, you will have experience developing impactful communications approaches while also creating high‐quality content across multiple channels and formats.
You will bring proven experience of leading and developing teams, building trusted relationships with senior stakeholders and balancing competing priorities in a fast‐paced environment. We are looking for someone with excellent editorial judgement, creativity and a strong instinct for storytelling — someone who understands how to use campaigns, digital channels, audience insight and creative content to drive engagement and support organisational objectives. You will be collaborative, curious and solutions‐focused, with the confidence to influence at all levels and the ability to remain calm and organised during periods of change and complexity.
What we offer
- Standard UCL Benefits
- 41 days' holiday (27 days annual leave, 8 bank holidays, 6 closure days)
- Option to purchase 5 additional days' annual leave
- Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
- Cycle to work scheme, season ticket loan, and immigration loan
- Relocation support for eligible posts
- On‐site nursery and gym
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption pay
- Staff Support Service (employee assistance programme)
- Discounted medical insurance
Full details: UCL Rewards and Benefits.
Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
As London's Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We particularly encourage applications from candidates underrepresented in UCL's workforce, including those from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds, disabled people, and – for Grade 9 and 10 roles – women.
Job Ref: B23-00205
Closing Date: 18-Jun-2026
Deputy Head of Communications, University College London employer: Rachel Miller
At University College London, we pride ourselves on being a leading institution that values diversity and innovation, making it an exceptional employer for those looking to make a meaningful impact. Our collaborative work culture fosters professional growth through mentorship and the opportunity to engage in strategic communications that resonate with a global audience. With generous benefits including 41 days of holiday, a supportive environment for work-life balance, and a commitment to equality and inclusion, UCL is dedicated to nurturing talent and empowering employees to thrive in their careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Head of Communications, University College London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at UCL through LinkedIn or alumni networks. A friendly chat can give us insider info on the role and help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching UCL's recent communications campaigns. We want to see your passion for their mission and how you can contribute to their storytelling efforts.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your creativity! Bring examples of past campaigns or projects that highlight your strategic thinking and editorial judgement. We love seeing how you’ve made an impact in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the UCL team.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Head of Communications, University College London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Deputy Head of Communications role. Highlight your relevant experience in internal communications and storytelling, and show us how you can contribute to UCL's mission.
Showcase Your Creativity:We love creativity! Use your application to demonstrate your editorial judgement and innovative thinking. Share examples of campaigns or projects you've led that had a real impact, especially in complex environments.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is key. We want to see how you can translate complex information into engaging content. Keep your language straightforward and focus on what makes you the perfect fit for this role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at UCL!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rachel Miller
✨Know UCL Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into UCL's mission, values, and recent initiatives. Familiarise yourself with their communications strategies and any recent campaigns they've launched. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you tailor your responses to align with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Storytelling Skills
As a Deputy Head of Communications, storytelling is key. Prepare examples of past campaigns or communications you've led that had a significant impact. Be ready to discuss how you crafted narratives that engaged diverse audiences and drove results.
✨Demonstrate Collaborative Spirit
UCL values collaboration, so be prepared to discuss how you've worked with various teams and stakeholders in the past. Share specific instances where your collaborative approach led to successful outcomes, highlighting your ability to build relationships and foster a positive team culture.
✨Prepare for Strategic Questions
Expect questions about your strategic thinking and how you would approach communications during periods of change. Think about how you would advise senior leaders on communication strategies and be ready to share your insights on engaging internal audiences effectively.
