About us
UCL is one of the world’s top universities and London’s global university. We are a diverse, forward-looking institution, committed to working at the frontiers between disciplines and addressing global challenges through world-class research, teaching and innovation.
The Office of the Vice-President (External Engagement) (VPEE) brings together teams working across communications, brand, integrated marketing, public affairs, media relations and events. Together, we build affinity between UCL and its staff and students, strengthen our reputation and influence, and demonstrate the public value of our research, education and partnerships.
This varied role will put you at the heart of staff and student engagement at UCL as we enter our third century.
We are looking for an experienced communications professional who can bring creativity, sound judgement and a strong understanding of audiences to a varied portfolio of internal communications activity.
About the role
As Senior Communications Manager, you will support the planning, creation and delivery of high-quality communications for key areas of UCL activity. Working as part of the VPEE communications team, you will develop and deliver engaging communications that help colleagues and students understand, connect with and engage with UCL’s priorities, initiatives and activities.
You will take a strategic and audience-led approach to communications, developing integrated communications and engagement activity and ensuring that key messages reach the right audiences through the right channels. You will manage a coordinated pipeline of content and activity, balancing strategic campaigns with day-to-day communications needs.
A significant part of the role will involve creating and shaping compelling content. You will write, commission, edit and adapt communications for different audiences and channels, including webpages, SharePoint, staff and student emails, news stories and other digital communications. You will be confident translating complex information into clear, engaging and accessible content, while maintaining an appropriate tone and strong editorial standards.
You will also use audience insight and channel performance to understand what works and continually improve the impact of communications. This will include managing web content and email communications, monitoring performance and using data to inform future activity.
Building effective relationships will be central to your success. You will develop strong networks across UCL, working with colleagues in Faculties, VP Offices and Professional Services to understand communication needs, provide expert advice and ensure activity is coordinated and aligned with institutional priorities. You will also contribute to communications during periods of organisational and strategic change.
The role offers the opportunity to contribute to communications best practice across UCL, keeping up to date with developments in the higher education sector, digital innovation and changing audience expectations. You will also ensure that communications meet UCL’s requirements around accessibility, data privacy and information governance.
You will have the opportunity to work across a varied portfolio, attend events and meetings, share insight with colleagues and play an important role in delivering a consistent, effective and audience-focused communications function.
Please note, this role is offered on a part-time (0.8 FTE/ 29.2 hrs per week) basis. We also offer hybrid working with currently a minimum of 25% per week onsite in our London Kings Cross office (subject to change).
Job Ref: B23-00233
Closing Date: 16-10-2026– 23:59 (UK time)
About you
You will be an experienced communications professional with a strong track record of writing, editing and proofreading high-quality content for different audiences and in different voices. You will have experience working in a communications, PR, brand or marketing environment, ideally within a complex organisation with a diverse range of stakeholders.
You will bring excellent copywriting and research skills, with the ability to translate complex information into clear and compelling communications for a range of audiences and channels. You will understand how to tailor content for different platforms and will be confident developing and repurposing content to maximise engagement and reach.
You will be comfortable using audience insight and data to measure the impact of communications and inform your approach. You will have strong digital communications experience, including updating websites and using email marketing systems.
You will be a confident communicator who can build trusted relationships and influence colleagues at all levels, including senior stakeholders. You will be able to work collaboratively while also taking ownership of your own work, managing multiple priorities and maintaining a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
You will bring strong organisational skills and the ability to manage a varied pipeline of communications activity, responding flexibly to changing priorities while keeping sight of UCL’s strategic objectives. You will be comfortable exercising judgement, managing change and working with internal stakeholders and external suppliers to deliver high-quality outcomes.
Most importantly, you will understand the importance of inclusive, accessible and audience-focused communications. You will be committed to UCL’s values and Ways of Working, using influence and persuasion to achieve outcomes that support our institutional priorities and goals.
A CIPR or IPA qualification, line management experience, and knowledge of Adobe Creative Cloud applications such as InDesign, Photoshop or Acrobat would be desirable, although substantial relevant experience will also be valued.
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)
- Discounted medical insurance
Full details: UCL Rewards and Benefits.
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.
Read more: UCL Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.
Applicants should also familiarise themselves with UCL’s policies on: Prevention of Bullying, Harassment and Sexual Misconduct Policy and Personal Relationships Policy
