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- Tasks: Lead and shape impactful communications strategies to enhance UKRI's visibility and influence.
- Company: Join a dynamic organisation committed to innovation and collaboration in the research and innovation sector.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days of annual leave, employee discounts, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for professional development and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by driving high-impact campaigns and fostering collaboration across sectors.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in leading communications and building effective partnerships in complex environments.
The predicted salary is between 94931 - 117800 £ per year.
Deputy Director – External Affairs & Communication
Role overview and responsibilities for this position.
Job Details
- Job Title: Deputy Director – External Affairs & Communication
- Salary: £94,931 – £117,800 (plus £5,385 London Allowance) per annum, dependent on skills and experience (full-time equivalent; pro rata for part-time hours). Salary for internal employees awarded based on UKRI Pay & Reward principles.
- Hours: Full time or Part Time (minimum 0.8 FTE)
- Contract Type: Open Ended; secondees and transfers welcome. Job shares considered
- Location: Caxton House, London or Polaris House, Swindon – Hybrid working 2-3 days per week in office with travel across UKRI offices
- Grade: X
- Closing Date: 02 November 2025
- Proposed Shortlisting Date: 13 November 2025
- Proposed Interview Date: 03 December 2025
Role Overview
As Deputy Director, External Affairs and Communications, you will play a pivotal leadership role, responsible for shaping and delivering an integrated communications strategy that enhances the organisation’s visibility, credibility, and influence.
This is a new role, central to creating awareness and understanding of UKRI’s mission, impact, and priorities, developing and leading high-impact campaigns, with targeted and insight-led communications to support UKRI’s brand, organisational goals and narrative.
As a senior leader, you will build capability, foster a culture of collaboration and innovation, and ensure UKRI’s voice is coherent, compelling, and aligned with national priorities.
Responsibilities
- Working closely with the Chief of External Affairs and Communications and other senior leaders across UKRI, lead on the development, delivery and evolution of UKRI’s communications strategy.
- Developing and leading the strategic planning and campaigns approach needed to ensure successful implementation of our communications activity, based on insight, evaluation and effective partnerships.
- Acting as a senior advocate for the communications profession within the organisation and across government.
- Leading, inspiring, building capability, and motivating team and wider EAC colleagues.
- Developing exceptionally strong relationships with communications colleagues in the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and across government.
- Building positive relationships internally & externally across key partners and stakeholders within the R&I community.
About You
You will have the following essential skills and experience:
- A strong track record of shaping and leading high-impact communications and campaign activity across complex, multi-stakeholder environments, including internal teams, academia, industry, government, and the wider public.
- Proven ability to build and sustain effective partnerships across organisational, sectoral, and functional boundaries to deliver strategic objectives and drive collective impact.
- Experience of leading and supporting teams through periods of change and organisational transformation
- In-depth knowledge and experience of driving innovation in communications to improve reach, influence, and organisational effectiveness.
- Recognised as a credible voice within academic, industry, and government communities, with the ability to represent the organisation at senior levels and foster trust and engagement.
- Strong strategic mindset combined with the flexibility to adapt to shifting priorities, manage risks, and respond to emerging challenges and opportunities.
Application Guidance
How to evidence the criteria:
We encourage you to use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) in your cover letter to clearly demonstrate how your experience meets each of the ‘person specification’ criteria outlined in the job description. For examples of the STAR method, please visit: The STAR method | National Careers Service.
Please ensure your CV and cover letter are no longer than two A4 pages each, using a minimum font size of 11. If you encounter issues updating documents, contact SeniorRecruitment@ukri.org.
The selection process may include a staff engagement exercise. Details will be communicated to applicants ahead of interviews.
Benefits
- 30 days’ annual leave in addition to 10.5 public and privilege days (full-time equivalent)
- Employee discounts and offers on retail and leisure activities
- Employee assistance programme, providing confidential help and advice
- Flexible working options
Notes
We recognise and value our employees and are committed to supporting development and a culture of continuous learning.
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Deputy Director - External Affairs & Communication employer: UK Research and Innovation
Contact Detail:
UK Research and Innovation Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Director - External Affairs & Communication
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the organisation thoroughly and think about how your skills align with their mission. We recommend practising common interview questions and even doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion! When you get the chance to speak with potential employers, let your enthusiasm for the role and the organisation shine through. We believe that genuine interest can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After an interview, send a thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a simple gesture that can leave a lasting impression. And remember, apply through our website for the best chances!
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Director - External Affairs & Communication
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get to Know Us: Before you start writing, take a moment to explore our website and understand what we’re all about. Familiarising yourself with our mission and values will help you tailor your application to show how you fit into our culture.
Use the STAR Method: When crafting your cover letter, remember to use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). This approach helps us see your experiences in action and how they relate to the role, making your application stand out.
Keep It Concise: We appreciate clarity and brevity! Make sure your CV and cover letter are no longer than two A4 pages each. Stick to a minimum font size of 11 to ensure readability – we want to see your skills without straining our eyes!
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm shine through in your application. We’re looking for candidates who are not just qualified but also genuinely excited about the opportunity to contribute to our mission. Don’t hold back on sharing why you want to join us!
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Research and Innovation
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you thoroughly understand UKRI's mission and the role of Deputy Director in shaping communications. Research recent campaigns and initiatives they've undertaken, so you can discuss how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Use the STAR Method
When answering questions, use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses. This will help you clearly demonstrate your past experiences and how they relate to the skills required for this role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience in leading teams through change and building effective partnerships. Share specific examples that highlight your ability to inspire and motivate others, as this is crucial for a senior leadership position.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the organisation's future communications strategy and how the Deputy Director role fits into it. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.