At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead impactful campaigns and strategies for education and training sectors.
- Company: Join the University and College Union, representing over 120,000 members across the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, health support, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with strong family policies.
- Why this job: Make a difference in education while developing your campaigning skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in campaigning and excellent copywriting skills required.
The predicted salary is between 65151 - 65151 £ per year.
The University and College Union (UCU) represents over 120,000 academics, lecturers, trainers, instructors, researchers, managers, administrators, computer staff, librarians and postgraduates in universities, colleges, prisons, adult education and training organisations across the UK. We also have members in the private sector, for example in private training agencies and language schools, as well as members working on a freelance basis. Students training to teach in post-school education also belong to UCU.
About the role:
The department at UCU is seeking a Campaigner to join the team on a permanent, full time basis. In this exciting role, based in our Carlow Street office and reporting to the Head of Campaigns your main duties will be:
- To be responsible for the development and effective delivery of campaigning and organising strategies at national and local level in areas delegated by the Head of Campaigns including:
- To contribute as part of the campaigns team to the development of national strategies and policies in the areas of campaigning, organising and recruitment in line with UCU's strategic objectives
- To liaise with external bodies in support of UCU's public policy objectives as directed by the Head of Campaigns
- To maintain awareness and knowledge of key professional industrial relations and political issues in the post-compulsory education sector and contemporary trends in organising and campaigning techniques
- To commission and oversee the production and distribution of campaigning, organising and promotional materials
You:
- Experience of a similar working environment and/or understanding of working for a Trade Union or other not-for-profit organisation
- Excellent copy writing skills across a range of platforms including articles, briefings, leaflets, posters, speeches, newsletters and social media
- Understanding of the effective use of publicity materials in supporting campaigning work
- Successful track record as a campaigner and experience of or demonstrable ability to provide high quality campaign support to members, activists and senior staff
- Understanding of or demonstrable ability to learn the political and policy environment within which UCU operates
Benefits of working for the University and College Union:
- Supportive Family Policies: Embrace family life with enhanced Maternity, Adoption, Paternity, and Shared Parental Leave schemes
- Health and Well-being Support: Access to confidential counselling 24/7 through our Employee Assistance Programme; advice and face-to-face intervention from via our Physiotherapy Advice Line; healthcare assessment
- Flexible Working: Take advantage of our Flexitime scheme, allowing you to tailor your work hours within our Work Life Balance policy
- Financial Assistance: Benefit from being enrolled in the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS), childcare support, interest-free season ticket loans, and assistance with the cost of eyesight testing and glasses for DSE use
- Training and Development: Elevate your skills with tailored training, developmental support, and access to live and on demand courses available through our online training platform
Note: working arrangements
UCU requires its employees to work from their office/in the field for at least 60% of their working week. They may apply to work from home for the remaining 40% but UCU cannot guarantee that this will be agreed.
Diversity & Inclusion Monitoring
We need your support to make sure our employees come from a variety of backgrounds, so we especially welcome applications from disadvantaged communities. Even if you are not selected, it would be really helpful if you could complete the diversity & inclusion data when you apply for this role, because we can make sure we are encouraging a diverse mixture of candidates to apply. Thank you very much.
Equal Opportunities
UCU is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity. We are happy to accept applications in alternative formats from applicants who, for reasons of disability, may find it difficult to fill in our standard form. Please see the advert on our website for further details.
Closing date for applications: Monday 6 July 2026 at 10 am.
Interview date: Tuesday 11 August 2026
To submit your application for this exciting Campaigner opportunity, please click Apply now!
Campaigner in England employer: University and College Union
The University and College Union (UCU) is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work environment in the heart of London. With a strong commitment to employee well-being, UCU provides generous family policies, flexible working arrangements, and extensive training opportunities, ensuring that staff can thrive both personally and professionally. Joining UCU means being part of a diverse and inclusive team dedicated to advocating for the rights and interests of educators across the UK.
Contact Details:
University and College Union Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Campaigner in England
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by University and College Union.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like University and College Union.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at University and College Union.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at University and College Union. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Campaigner in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of University and College Union. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Campaigner, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at University and College Union
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of University and College Union. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
