At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative research and education initiatives in Intercultural Communication.
- Company: UCL, a leading global university committed to diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: 41 days holiday, pension scheme, gym access, and employee support services.
- Other info: Flexible job share options available for collaborative leadership.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global challenges while collaborating with diverse experts.
- Qualifications: Visionary leadership and deep knowledge of intercultural communication.
The predicted salary is between 77000 - 77000 £ per year.
Ref Number: B09-01360
Department: Vice-Provost (Research, Innovation and Global Engagement) (B09)
Location: London
Working Pattern: Part time
Salary: £77,000+
Contract Type: Fixed-term
Working Type: Hybrid
Available for Secondment: Yes
Closing Date: 14-Jun-2026
About us
We invite members of the UCL community to apply for strategic leadership roles (Pro-Vice-Provost) in one of UCL’s evolved Grand Challenges: Intercultural Communication. The UCL Grand Challenges (GC) programme is a flagship institution-wide programme designed to stimulate 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 and across sectors, through funding, network building and knowledge mobilisation.
As part of the UCL Strategic Plan 2022 - 2027, the GC programme is expanding with:
- Five new GC Themes: Mental Health & Wellbeing; Climate Crisis; Data-Empowered Societies; and Inequalities themes have already been launched. This final theme - Intercultural Communication - will be launched in Academic Year 2026/27.
- An expanded remit, covering not only research and innovation but now also integrating GC Themes across UCL’s education mission and institutional operations.
- New strategic academic leadership (Pro-Vice-Provosts for each theme) and a revised programme of activities for each GC Theme.
- Significantly expanded funding over each GC Theme’s five-year lifespan.
In its evolved form, the GC programme aims to apply the collective expertise of our community and its partners to areas of pressing societal concern, as well as to influence the university's educational offering and institutional operations.
This role is available as an internal five-year 0.5 FTE secondment, with funding for backfill of the appointee’s substantive post. We would very much welcome applications from potential job share candidates who are seeking to jointly lead the Intercultural Communications theme as Pro-Vice-Provosts. Previous appointments to GC Themes, including for Climate Crisis, Inequalities, Data Empowered Societies and Mental Health & Wellbeing, have successfully followed this approach.
About the role
The Pro-Vice-Provost (PVP) Intercultural Communication role will provide strategic academic leadership for their GC Theme, working closely with the Vice-Provost (RIGE), the Director of Grand Challenges, the designated Dean Sponsor, members of the Theme’s Executive Group and the pan-GC Steering Group, and professional staff in the GC team and across RIGE.
The role requires inspiring and engaging leadership sufficiently comfortable in the language of several disciplines to be able to excite and engage people within and beyond UCL about the potential benefits of involvement. As PVP, you will respond to the external landscape and stakeholder needs, as well as internal capabilities and aspirations. You will kick-start new research, innovation and education initiatives in partnership with internal and external collaborators. You’ll channel investment into academic departments and faculties that network and empower colleagues and raise our institutional reputation in areas relating to the GC Theme. Reflecting the expanded scope of the programme, you will ensure that our collective expertise – both disciplinary and professional – is consistently brought to bear on UCL’s decision-making on issues related to the GC Theme.
A full job description is attached to this advert. If you would like an informal chat about the role please contact our Director of Grand Challenges, Sam Balch, on s.balch@ucl.ac.uk.
Please note that we currently intend to hold interviews on July 3rd.
About you
Each PVP role is available as an internal five-year 0.5 FTE secondment (0.25 FTE as a job share), with funding provided for backfill of the appointee’s substantive post. Successful applicants will be visionary, inclusive leaders with the ability to inspire colleagues across disciplines and sectors. They will bring deep knowledge of the theme and related issues, and a commitment to harnessing UCL’s excellence to tackle complex societal issues.
Please review the job description, paying particular attention to the Essential and Desirable criteria, and ensure these are covered in your application. We warmly welcome joint applications from two colleagues with complementary experience and interests who wish to job-share. This model provides an excellent opportunity for colleagues at different career stages or with diverse responsibilities to take on institutional leadership roles while maintaining their academic work.
What we offer
As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits:
- 41 Days holiday (27 days annual leave, 8 bank holidays 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
- On-site gym
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
- Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
- Discounted medical insurance
Visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/rewards-and-benefits to find out more.
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.
Pro-Vice-Provost (Intercultural Communication) employer: UK Dementia Research Institute
UCL is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead the Grand Challenge in Intercultural Communication while being part of a vibrant academic community in London. With a strong commitment to employee growth, UCL provides extensive benefits including 41 days of holiday, a defined benefit pension scheme, and a supportive work culture that values diversity and inclusion. This role not only allows for impactful research and collaboration but also encourages innovative leadership in addressing pressing societal issues.
Contact Details:
UK Dementia Research Institute Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Pro-Vice-Provost (Intercultural Communication)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in academia and beyond. Let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities, especially in intercultural communication. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research UCL's Grand Challenges and think about how your vision aligns with their goals. Be ready to discuss how you can inspire and lead initiatives in intercultural communication. Show them you’re not just a fit, but the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t shy away from informal chats! If you can, reach out to Sam Balch or others involved in the hiring process. Ask questions, express your enthusiasm, and get a feel for the team culture. It’s a great way to make a memorable impression before the formal interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the UCL community and contributing to their mission in intercultural communication.
We think you need these skills to ace Pro-Vice-Provost (Intercultural Communication)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know the Role Inside Out:Before you start writing, make sure you really understand what the Pro-Vice-Provost (Intercultural Communication) role is all about. Dive into the job description and highlight the key responsibilities and requirements. This will help us see how your experience aligns with what we're looking for.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Make it personal by tailoring your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences that match the role. Use the language from the job description to show us you’re a perfect fit for the team.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a Pro-Vice-Provost, inspiring leadership is key. In your application, share examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past. We want to see how you can engage and motivate others across different disciplines.
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to submit your application through our official website. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Dementia Research Institute
✨Know Your Themes
Familiarise yourself with UCL's Grand Challenges, especially the Intercultural Communication theme. Understand its goals and how it integrates with other themes. This will help you articulate your vision and demonstrate your commitment to tackling complex societal issues.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your leadership approach and how you inspire collaboration across disciplines. Think of examples where you've successfully led diverse teams or projects, as this role requires engaging various stakeholders both within and outside UCL.
✨Engage with Current Issues
Stay updated on current trends and challenges in intercultural communication. Be ready to discuss how these issues impact research and education, and how you can leverage UCL’s strengths to address them effectively.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions for your interviewers about the role and the Grand Challenges programme. This shows your genuine interest and helps you gauge how your vision aligns with UCL’s strategic goals.
