At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead impactful communications and engage diverse audiences at a world-class university.
- Company: Join UCL, a leading global university committed to innovation and community engagement.
- Benefits: Enjoy 41 days' holiday, a pension scheme, and flexible hybrid working.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape communications during an exciting transformation and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in communications, strong writing skills, and team leadership.
The predicted salary is between 68284 - 76244 £ per year.
Ref Number: B23-00205
Department: Vice-President (External Engagement) (B23)
Location: London
Working Pattern: Full time
Salary: £68,284-£76,244
Contract Type: Permanent
Working Type: Hybrid
Available for Secondment: Yes
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.
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.
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).
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.
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)
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.
Deputy Head of Communications in London employer: UK Dementia Research Institute
UCL is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters creativity and collaboration among diverse minds. With a commitment to employee growth, UCL provides extensive benefits including 41 days of holiday, a defined benefit pension scheme, and opportunities for professional development, all while being located in the vibrant city of London. Join us in shaping impactful communications at one of the world's leading universities during a transformative period, where your contributions will truly matter.
Contact Details:
UK Dementia Research Institute Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Head of Communications in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at UCL through LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching UCL's recent projects and initiatives. Show us that you’re not just interested in the role but also passionate about the university’s mission and how you can contribute to it.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your storytelling skills! Be ready to share examples of your past work that highlight your creativity and strategic thinking. We want to see how you’ve made an impact in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows us that you’re genuinely interested in the position.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Head of Communications in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Supporting Statement:Make sure to personalise your supporting statement! Highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Deputy Head of Communications. We want to see your passion for UCL and how you can contribute to our mission.
Show Off Your Writing Skills:As a communications professional, your writing is key! Use your application to showcase your exceptional writing and editing abilities. Keep it clear, engaging, and audience-focused – just like we do at StudySmarter!
Be Authentic:Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in your application. We value authenticity and want to know what makes you tick. Share your genuine interest in the role and why you want to join UCL!
Apply Through Our Website:Remember to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy to navigate!
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Dementia Research Institute
✨Know UCL Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into UCL's mission, values, and recent initiatives. Understanding their strategic goals, especially around the UCL East campus and community engagement, will help you tailor your responses and show genuine interest in the role.
✨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 resonated with diverse audiences and drove engagement.
✨Demonstrate Collaborative Spirit
This role requires working closely with various teams. Think of instances where you've successfully collaborated with different stakeholders. Highlight how you fostered positive relationships and navigated competing priorities to achieve common goals.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Expect questions about your strategic thinking and editorial judgement. Be prepared to discuss how you would approach advising senior leaders on communications strategies for major programmes. Show them you can think both strategically and operationally.
