Deputy Head of Communications

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.

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.

Please note, this role is offered on a hybrid working basis with currently a minimum of 2-days onsite at our London Kings Cross office (subject to change).

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.

To apply and be considered for the role, please submit your CV together with a personalised supporting statement (either in an attached covering letter or application questionnaire) outlining how your skills, knowledge and experience meet the requirements set out in the person specification. We also ask for an explanation of your interest in the role and in joining UCL.

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)

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.