At a Glance
- Tasks: Create engaging content and manage communications for UCL’s Grand Challenges programme.
- Company: Join UCL, a leading global university with a commitment to innovation and diversity.
- Benefits: 41 days holiday, pension scheme, cycle to work, and enhanced family leave.
- Other info: Fixed-term role until July 2030 with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make an impact through strategic communications and connect with diverse audiences.
- Qualifications: Degree in communications or marketing, plus experience in digital and print media.
The predicted salary is between 37800 - 47200 £ per year.
Ref Number B09-01321
Professional Expertise: External Engagement, Communications, Marketing and Events
Department: Vice-Provost (Research, Innovation and Global Engagement) (B09)
Location: London
Working Pattern: Full time
Salary: £43,981-£52,586
Contract Type: Fixed-term
Working Type: Hybrid
Available for Secondment: No
Closing Date: 16-Mar-2026
About us
Our Research, Innovation & Global Engagement department (RIGE) brings together c500 staff delivering a diverse portfolio of functions, services and resources for the UCL community and external partners, including: Research; Innovation & Enterprise; Global Engagement; and Pan-RIGE Strategy, Policy and Delivery. The UCL Grand Challenges (GC) programme works across all these areas and stimulates cross-disciplinary research and knowledge exchange on some of the most important issues facing the world today. It enables collaboration between experts in different disciplines, through funding, network building, events and commissions.
About the role
As the Communications Officer, you'll play a key role in delivering high-quality internal and external communications for UCL’s Grand Challenges programme and themes, ensuring high visibility internally and externally. You will support the development and delivery of impactful, strategically aligned communications campaigns and content that raise the profile of Grand Challenges and its themes, drive engagement with staff, students and external partners, and contribute to UCL’s wider institutional priorities and messaging. As a versatile communications professional, you'll create compelling editorial, digital and multimedia content across a range of channels, including web, social media, video, podcasts and publications. You'll manage and develop Grand Challenges’ digital presence, support brand development, and use insight and evaluation to continuously improve communications performance, working collaboratively with colleagues across RIGE, UCL Communications and senior stakeholders. This is a fixed term role until July 2030.
About you
Things you'll need in order to do this job include:
- Undergraduate qualification in a communications or marketing discipline, or equivalent professional experience
- Extensive experience of researching, writing, subediting and proofreading for print and digital communications
- Experience of supporting a range of communications functions, such as: print, digital, podcast and/or video production; social media management; content management systems; analytics and evaluation
- Experience of using data dashboards, KPIs and digital analytics (e.g. Google Analytics, Tag manager, Siteimprove, Sprout Social) to report on and analyse communications performance
- Experience of developing and delivering multi-channel digital communications across a range of audiences
- Experience in managing social media platforms and scheduling tools
Please read our job description carefully, paying particular attention to the essential and desirable criteria, and ensure these are covered in your application.
What we offer
As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits some of which are below:
- 41 Days holiday (27 days annual leave, 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days)
- Additional 5 days’ annual leave purchase scheme
- Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
- Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
- Relocation scheme for certain posts
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
- Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
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. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL’s workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women.
Communications Officer employer: UK Dementia Research Institute
UCL is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that champions innovation and collaboration within the Research, Innovation & Global Engagement department. As a Communications Officer, you will benefit from generous leave entitlements, a supportive environment for professional growth, and the opportunity to contribute to impactful projects that address global challenges, all while being part of London's diverse academic community.
Contact Details:
UK Dementia Research Institute Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Communications Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at UCL, especially in the RIGE department. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your best communications work—think articles, social media campaigns, or videos. This will help us see your versatility and creativity.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on UCL’s Grand Challenges. Familiarise yourself with their themes and recent projects. This knowledge will help you tailor your conversations and show genuine interest during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to UCL’s mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Communications Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Thoroughly:Before you start writing, give the job description a good read. We want to see how your skills and experiences align with what they're looking for, so make sure you highlight those in your application.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:As a Communications Officer, your writing needs to shine! Use clear, engaging language and make sure to proofread your application. We love a well-crafted piece that reflects your ability to communicate effectively.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application. We want to see how you can specifically contribute to UCL’s Grand Challenges programme. Mention relevant experiences and how they relate to the role to make your application stand out.
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Dementia Research Institute
✨Know Your Audience
Before the interview, take some time to research UCL and its Grand Challenges programme. Understand their mission, values, and recent initiatives. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their goals.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare specific examples of your experience in communications, especially in digital and multimedia content creation. Be ready to discuss how you've used analytics tools like Google Analytics to measure the success of your campaigns. This will demonstrate your ability to drive engagement effectively.
✨Engage with Their Vision
Think about how your skills align with UCL's commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to fostering a diverse environment through your communications strategies. This shows that you’re not just a fit for the role but also for their culture.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready. Ask about the current challenges the communications team faces or how they measure the impact of their campaigns. This not only shows your interest but also gives you valuable insights into the role and the organisation.
