Ref Number
C16-00314
Professional Expertise
Administration and Business Support
Department
Vice-President (Advancement) (C16)
Location
London
Working Pattern
Full time
Salary
£56,431-£66,437
Contract Type
Permanent
Working Type
Hybrid
Available for Secondment
No
Closing Date
09-Oct-2026
About us
That covers alumni engagement, philanthropic partnerships, volunteering and supporter communications. Whatever the channel, our aim is the same: to help our global community feel they belong here, and to inspire them through experiences and stories that show the difference UCL makes in the world.
Right now, much of that energy is focused on Here, it will happen – UCL's major philanthropic and engagement campaign and one of Advancement's key strategic priorities. The campaign brings alumni, donors, volunteers, partners and supporters together to tackle some of the most significant challenges facing society. It's a big moment for us, but our work doesn't stop there: we're also here to support Advancement's long-term engagement, communications and fundraising goals.
You'll join the Advancement Messaging, Storytelling and Content Team, part of our Alumni and Donor Engagement function. We provide strategic leadership for Advancement's communications, content and audience engagement, and we're organised around three closely connected disciplines:
- Strategic Messaging – narrative development, messaging, tone of voice, strategic communications planning and high-profile communications.
- Publications and Stories – editorial strategy, storytelling, publications, multimedia content, design, visual identity and content asset management. This is where you come in.
- Digital Channels – digital channel strategy, websites, email and CRM communications, social media, audience journeys, optimisation and analytics.
The three Heads work as one leadership team, making sure everything we put out into the world is strategically aligned, creatively distinctive, focused on our audiences and genuinely effective at inspiring engagement, advocacy and support across UCL's global community.
About the role
If you love finding the story behind the story and turning it into something people want to read, watch and share, this is a role where you can make a real mark.
You'll lead our editorial strategy, storytelling programme, publications, multimedia content, design services and content asset management, sharing stories that show what philanthropy, alumni engagement, volunteering and partnership achieve. Working hand in hand with your fellow Heads of Strategic Messaging and Digital Channels, you'll bring Advancement's narratives to life through high-quality, audience-centred content.
What you'll be doing
Shaping our editorial and storytelling direction
- Leading an editorial strategy and storytelling programme that bring our priorities, philanthropic impact and community engagement to life for alumni, donors, volunteers and supporters.
- Managing our story pipeline, so we always have a diverse, sustainable supply of high-quality stories.
- Translating strategic narratives and messaging into compelling editorial content, publications, multimedia stories and creative assets.
Bringing content and creativity to life
- Leading the planning, commissioning and delivery of our flagship publications and editorial products.
- Overseeing written, visual, audio and video content that's engaging, accessible and effective across audiences and formats.
- Leading our design and creative production services, and acting as steward of Advancement's visual identity with the guidance, templates and resources colleagues need.
Keeping our content ethical and well governed
- Overseeing consent, rights management and content governance, so stories, images, video, testimonials and other assets are used ethically, compliantly and effectively.
Collaborating and building relationships
- Working closely with the Heads of Strategic Messaging and Digital Channels so our content reflects agreed messaging and tone of voice, and is optimised across digital channels and audience journeys.
- Building strong partnerships across UCL, including with the central Brand Team, to stay aligned with institutional standards.
- Managing editorial, design, multimedia, print and other specialist suppliers, ensuring high standards and value for money.
Measuring impact and always improving
- Using audience insight, performance data and feedback to evaluate our work and drive continuous improvement.
- Developing KPIs and reporting that show how our content and creative activity contribute to engagement, advocacy and philanthropic goals.
Leading and supporting your team
- Leading, coaching and developing the Publications and Stories team, creating a high-performing, collaborative and inclusive culture.
- Setting team objectives, KPIs and service standards that focus our energy on the highest-value priorities.
- Deputising for the Associate Director when needed and contributing to departmental planning and strategic decisions.
About you
You're a natural storyteller and an experienced editorial leader who knows how to turn big strategic priorities into content that moves people. You enjoy bringing out the best in a creative team, you're comfortable working with a wide range of stakeholders and partners, and you care about getting the details right – from the quality of the writing to the way content is governed and shared.
We don't expect anyone to tick every box on day one. If this role excites you and you meet most of the essential criteria, we'd genuinely love to hear from you.
Experience and Skills
- Experience of leading the development and delivery of high-quality publications, editorial content or publishing programmes within a complex organisation.
- Experience of translating organisational priorities, strategies or campaigns into compelling stories, publications and audience-centred content.
- Experience of developing and delivering strategic storytelling programmes that support engagement, fundraising, marketing or organisational objectives.
- Experience of managing creative, editorial or design professionals and developing high-performing teams.
- Experience of managing external agencies, suppliers or creative partners to deliver high-quality outputs.
- Experience of establishing content governance, asset management, information management or consent processes.
- Understanding of editorial standards, content governance, brand management and accessibility requirements.
- Excellent communication, leadership and stakeholder management skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities, projects and stakeholders while maintaining high standards of quality and delivery.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with outstanding editorial judgement and attention to detail.
- Ability to identify, develop and communicate compelling stories that engage audiences and support strategic objectives.
- Ability to provide strategic communications advice and constructive feedback in a collaborative and supportive manner.
- Ability to use audience insight, performance data and stakeholder feedback to evaluate and improve content effectiveness.
What we offer
As well as the chance to tell the stories of one of the world's leading universities, you'll enjoy a generous package of benefits, including:
- Flexible, hybrid working – you may normally work remotely for part of the week if you wish.
- 41 days' holiday (27 days' annual leave, 8 bank holidays and 6 university closure days).
- A defined benefit career-average pension scheme.
- Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan.
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay.
- On-site nursery, on-site gym and an Employee Assistance Programme.
- Discounted medical insurance and a wide range of staff discounts.
- Ongoing learning and development opportunities.
Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
As London's Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world's talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong.
If you need any adjustments during the application or interview process, please let us know – we're happy to help.
Available documents
Attached documents are available under links. Clicking a document link will initialize its download.
- download: G8 JD Head of Publications and Stories.docx
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