At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead high-profile marketing projects and drive operational improvements at UCL.
- Company: Join UCL, a pioneering university with a rich history and diverse community.
- Benefits: Enjoy 41 days of holiday, hybrid working, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: This is a 12-month fixed-term contract with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on UCL's marketing transformation and engage with global students.
- Qualifications: Proven project management experience and strong stakeholder engagement skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
About us
UCL is a radically different university. Founded in 1826, we were the first university in England to welcome students of any religion and the first to welcome women to university education. Today, we are one of the world's leading universities, with a global community of more than 50,000 students and 15,000 staff.
The Vice‑President External Engagement (VPEE) team leads UCL's internal and external communications, events and marketing activity. Our work strengthens UCL's reputation, influence and public prominence, reflecting the excellence of our education, research and innovation.
This is an opportunity to join a collaborative and ambitious marketing function at a pivotal point of change, helping to shape how UCL delivers high‑impact marketing services across the university.
About the role
We are looking for an experienced Senior Marketing Projects Manager to lead and deliver a portfolio of high‑profile marketing transformation and operational improvement projects. You will be joining at an exciting time in the evolution of the central marketing and brand service proposition, and you'll play a pivotal part in managing two significant operating model projects in creative services, paid for student recruitment advertising, and partner agency selection. You'll be working closely with the Director of Marketing, senior marketing and brand colleagues, Heads of Faculty Marketing and Communications, and colleagues from the Professional Services, so great stakeholder management is a key requirement.
You will lead discovery activities to understand current practices, bring together data, insight and stakeholder perspectives, and develop robust business cases and recommendations for future‑state options. You will then support the implementation of agreed approaches, ensuring that change is well planned, clearly communicated and embedded effectively.
The role will also support a range of continuous improvement initiatives across marketing and brand operations, helping to strengthen the way we engage prospective students across different levels of study and global markets. This is a highly visible role for someone who enjoys bringing clarity to complex work, building trusted relationships and turning strategic ambitions into practical, deliverable plans.
Please note, this is a 12‑month fixed‑term contract offered on a full‑time basis with hybrid working. You will be expected to be onsite for a minimum of 2 days at our London Kings Cross office (subject to change).
About you
You will be an accomplished project management professional with experience of leading complex projects involving multiple stakeholders, competing priorities and significant organisational change. You will bring experience of marketing operations and an understanding of how external marketing, media and creative agencies work. Experience of procurement processes within higher education, an agency environment or another complex organisation will be particularly valuable.
You will be confident developing business cases, analysing information and insight, and translating diverse stakeholder input into clear recommendations, briefs and delivery plans. You will have excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with academic colleagues, professional services teams, external suppliers and senior stakeholders.
Highly organised and detail‑focused, you will be comfortable managing deadlines, tracking progress and navigating ambiguity. You will be motivated by the opportunity to improve services, strengthen collaboration and support UCL's continued success in attracting talented students from around the world.
What we offer
- 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
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.
Applicants should also familiarise themselves with UCL's policies on: Prevention of Bullying, Harassment and Sexual Misconduct Policy and Personal Relationships Policy.
Senior Marketing Projects Manager (12-Months Fixed Term Contract) in London employer: UCL
The Faculty of Social and Historical Sciences offers a dynamic and supportive work environment, where your contributions to student recruitment and marketing will be valued. With a strong emphasis on professional development, you will have opportunities to grow your skills in higher education admissions and digital marketing while collaborating with a diverse team dedicated to excellence in teaching and research. Located in a vibrant academic community, this role provides a unique chance to engage with prospective students and make a meaningful impact on their educational journey.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Marketing Projects Manager (12-Months Fixed Term Contract) in London
✨Dive into Local Events
Get involved with local marketing and communications events! These are great places to meet people from the industry, learn about temporary roles, and even uncover hidden job leads. Check out local networking events or marketing conferences that might be happening in your area.
✨Show Off Your Work
Create a standout digital portfolio showcasing your previous campaigns, writing samples, or projects. Share this on social media and professional groups relevant to marketing-communications. This public visibility can often attract interest from potential employers, especially for those temporary gigs!
✨Utilise Online Job Boards
Focus on job boards specific to marketing and communications. Sites like MarketingJobs.com or even LinkedIn can have temp roles that aren’t always advertised on the usual job sites. Keep your eyes peeled and apply through our website—temp roles can come up unexpectedly, and you want to be first in line!
✨Tap into Your Uni's Resources
If you're still at university, don't forget to lean on your career services for temporary marketing roles. They often have connections to firms looking for interns or temporary staff who can jump in at short notice. Plus, networking with your professors can lead to some valuable opportunities—always worth a chat!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Marketing Projects Manager (12-Months Fixed Term Contract) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Experience with Campaigns:In marketing-communications, it’s all about showcasing your ability to create impactful campaigns. Make sure to include any relevant projects you’ve worked on in your CV, detailing your role, the strategies used, and the results achieved. We're looking for candidates who can demonstrate their creativity and analytical skills!
Tailor Your Writing Samples:For a temporary role, we want to see your versatility and adaptability in communication. Include a couple of writing samples that align with our brand voice or reflect your ability to engage various audiences. This gives us a taste of what you can bring to the team at UCL from day one!
Show Off Your Digital Savvy:Digital marketing is a big part of marketing-communications, so make sure your application reflects your understanding of social media, SEO, and content marketing. Feel free to throw in any certificates you've earned in these areas—it shows your initiative and dedication to learning the latest trends!
Express Your Enthusiasm for the Short-Term Role:In your cover letter, focus on why you’re interested in this temporary position at UCL specifically. Share what you hope to learn during your time with us and how you can contribute to our ongoing projects. We're all about passion and potential, so let that shine through!
How to prepare for a job interview at UCL
✨Showcase Your Creative Portfolio
As a candidate for a temporary marketing-communications role at UCL, your portfolio will speak volumes. Bring along samples of your best work—think campaigns you've managed, social media content, and any visuals. Be ready to talk through your creative process and the impact your work had on previous projects.
✨Understand the Latest Trends
We know the marketing-communications field moves at lightning speed. Make sure you brush up on the latest trends—such as digital storytelling or the effectiveness of influencer partnerships. Being able to discuss these trends during your interview will show UCL you're not just up-to-date but also eager to innovate.
✨Highlight Your Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, emphasise your ability to adapt quickly and work on short timelines. Share examples from your past where you had to pivot a strategy or campaign swiftly to meet changing demands. This will reassure UCL that you’re ready to hit the ground running.
✨Ready Your Communication Strategy
Be prepared for questions that assess your communication skills. You might get asked to pitch a marketing idea on the spot or create a quick content plan. This is your chance to shine and show how your unique perspective can solve problems for UCL, so think on your feet and don't hesitate to showcase your creativity!
