Publications Manager (8-Months Fixed Term Contract)

Publications Manager (8-Months Fixed Term Contract)

Temporary 34121 - 41703 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the creation of UCL's flagship student recruitment publications across print and digital channels.
  • Company: Join one of the world's leading universities with a rich history and diverse community.
  • Benefits: 41 days’ holiday, pension scheme, cycle to work scheme, and enhanced family leave.
  • Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for professional growth and collaboration.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on student recruitment and inspire future generations at UCL.
  • Qualifications: Experience in publishing, strong editorial skills, and proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite.

The predicted salary is between 34121 - 41703 £ per year.

Ref Number: B23-00217

Professional Expertise: External Engagement, Communications, Marketing and Events

Department: Vice-President (External Engagement) (B23)

Location: London

Working Pattern: Full time

Salary: £54,931-£64,644

Contract Type: Fixed-term

Working Type: Hybrid

Available for Secondment: Yes

Closing Date: 25-Aug-2026

About us: Founded in 1826, we were the first university in England to welcome students regardless of religion and the first to welcome women on equal terms. Today, we are one of the world's leading universities, home to more than 50,000 students and 16,000 staff, united by a belief in the power of knowledge to change the world.

The Vice-President External Engagement (VPEE) team leads UCL's communications and marketing activity, helping to ensure our reputation, influence and impact reflect the excellence of our education, research and innovation.

We're now looking for an experienced Publications Manager to join our Marketing team and shape the content that inspires future generations of students to choose UCL.

About the role: This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled publishing and content professional to lead the planning, production and delivery of UCL's flagship student recruitment publications across print and digital channels. You'll oversee the creation of our undergraduate prospectus, undergraduate and postgraduate online prospectuses, and a range of recruitment publications and marketing materials that showcase the breadth and ambition of the UCL experience.

Working collaboratively with colleagues across Marketing, Communications, Student Recruitment and Academic Departments, you'll manage the entire publication lifecycle - from content planning and commissioning through to production and delivery. You'll also build strong relationships with agencies, designers, photographers, printers and other external suppliers to ensure exceptional quality and consistency across every output.

You'll play a key role in developing authentic, compelling stories that resonate with prospective students worldwide, while championing editorial excellence, accessibility, brand consistency and regulatory compliance. This role offers the chance to make a tangible impact on UCL's student recruitment ambitions, leading high-profile projects that reach audiences across the globe.

Please note this is an 8-month fixed term contract available on a full-time basis. The role operates hybrid working with currently a minimum of 1-2 days onsite (subject to change) per week in our London Kings Cross office.

About you: You’ll be an experienced publishing, editorial or content professional with a strong track record of delivering high-quality publications and communications materials in complex stakeholder environments. You’ll bring significant experience of managing publication production processes from planning through to delivery, alongside strong editorial skills and the ability to create engaging, audience-focused content across print and digital formats.

You’ll have experience designing and producing communications materials, supported by advanced knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite, including InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator. You’ll be an excellent writer, proofreader and storyteller, with exceptional attention to detail and the ability to communicate complex information clearly and effectively.

You’ll be confident building effective relationships with colleagues, senior stakeholders and external partners, and highly organised, with the ability to manage multiple projects and competing deadlines. An understanding of student recruitment communications and the UK higher education landscape would also be highly desirable.

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.

Publications Manager (8-Months Fixed Term Contract) employer: UK Dementia Research Institute

At the UCL Institute for Materials Discovery, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through ample networking opportunities with leading experts in academia and industry, as well as our generous benefits package, including 41 days of holiday and a defined benefit pension scheme. Join us in our mission to advance materials research and make a meaningful impact in the field of biosensing technology, all while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of London.

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Contact Details:

UK Dementia Research Institute Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Publications Manager (8-Months Fixed Term Contract)

Get Your Portfolio Sorted

As a publishing-media temporary position, having a well-curated portfolio of your work is key. Gather your best writing samples, layouts, or projects you’ve been involved in, and make sure they're easily accessible online. This’ll give potential employers like UK Dementia Research Institute immediate insight into what you can bring to the table.

Tap into Publishing Networks

Don’t underestimate the power of industry connections! Join platforms like PublishingPerspectives or attend local publishing events. Engaging with others in the field can not only provide job leads but also valuable insights into temporary roles, like the one at UK Dementia Research Institute. Plus, you might just snag that insider info that helps you land the job!

Utilise your University Resources

If you're currently studying or recently graduated, your university's career services are a treasure trove! They often have connections with publishing agencies or temporary roles available in the industry. Make a visit or reach out to see if there are opportunities with companies like UK Dementia Research Institute that you can jump on.

Be Ready for Short Notice

In the world of temporary publishing roles, flexibility is your best friend. Be prepared to jump in at short notice! Keep an eye on job boards and set alerts for opportunities at places like UK Dementia Research Institute. The more proactive you are, the better your chances will be!

We think you need these skills to ace Publications Manager (8-Months Fixed Term Contract)

Publishing
Content Management
Editorial Skills
Project Management
Stakeholder Engagement
Adobe Creative Suite
InDesign

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Writing Portfolio:When you're applying for a temporary role in publishing-media, it's crucial to include samples of your writing. Whether it’s articles, blog posts, or even creative pieces, let us see your flair for storytelling and your ability to engage readers. A well-curated portfolio can really set you apart!

Tailor Your CV to Highlight Relevant Skills:Make sure your CV shines with skills that are essential for the publishing-media world. Highlight your experience with editing, content creation, or even specific software like InDesign or Photoshop. The more relevant experience you flaunt, the better your chances at catching our eye!

Show Us Your Flexibility:Since this is a temporary role, we want to see that you can hit the ground running. In your cover letter, mention your adaptability and your willingness to tackle various tasks or changes in workflow. This kind of attitude is gold in the fast-paced publishing world.

Make It Personal and Engaging:Your cover letter is your chance to connect with us at UK Dementia Research Institute—don't hold back! Share why you're passionate about publishing-media and what excites you about joining our team. A personal touch goes a long way in making your application memorable.

How to prepare for a job interview at UK Dementia Research Institute

Know Your Digital Tools

In the publishing-media world, being savvy with digital tools like InDesign, Photoshop, and content management systems can really set you apart. We should brush up on our skills with these tools, as many interviewers might throw in some technical questions or scenario-based tasks to see how you’d handle real projects.

Showcase Your Portfolio

Since we're looking at a temporary role, it’s crucial to demonstrate that you can hit the ground running. Make sure your portfolio is up to date with a variety of your best work! Talk us through your projects, highlighting your involvement and the impact of your contributions.

Be Ready for Creative Discussions

Interviews in publishing-media often dive deep into creative discussions. We should be prepared to chat about our favourite pieces of media, current trends, or even pitches for new ideas. This is our time to shine and show our enthusiasm for the industry!

Flexibility is Key

Temporary roles can sometimes involve ever-changing tasks and priorities. Let’s showcase our adaptability by sharing examples of times we’ve successfully handled last-minute changes or embraced new challenges. This will show them we’re not just committed but also capable of thriving in a dynamic environment!