Deputy Director - External Affairs & Communication

UK Research and Innovation; Swindon; Hybrid; GBP 95,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research organization is seeking a Deputy Director, External Affairs and Communications to shape and deliver a communications strategy that boosts visibility and influence. This hybrid role is based in Swindon and involves leading high-impact campaigns and fostering collaboration across teams. The ideal candidate will have a strong track record in communications and be able to navigate complex environments effectively.

Benefits

Defined benefit pension scheme

30 days annual leave

Employee discounts

Flexible working options

Qualifications

• Proven track record of leading high-impact communications.
• Experience in complex, multi-stakeholder environments.
• Ability to sustain effective partnerships across boundaries.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and delivery of the communications strategy.
• Inspire and build capability within the team.
• Develop strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Skills

High-impact communications

Partnership building

Organisational transformation

Innovation in communications

Strategic mindset

Job description

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.

Accountability

The Deputy Director, External Affairs & Communications (EAC) is accountable for:

• Working closely with the Chief of External Affairs and Communications and other senior leaders across UKRI, leading 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 the 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.

How to demonstrate fit

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.

Application guidance

Please ensure your CV and cover letter are no longer than two A4 pages each, using a minimum font size of 11. Once submitted, your application cannot be edited via your careers website; however, if you encounter any issues or need to update your documents, please contact us at [e-mail].

The selection process may also include a staff engagement exercise. Exact details will be communicated to applicants ahead of interviews.

Other information

If you'd like to have an informal chat about the role before applying, you're welcome to get in touch with us at [e-mail]. Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. They must meet security requirements before appointment. The level of security needed is a security check. See our vetting charter. People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard checks.

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.

Location and working pattern

Caxton House, London or Polaris House, Swindon – Hybrid working available with 2-3 days per week office-based and travel across UKRI offices.

Salary and benefits

Salary: £94,931. UKRI contributes £27,501 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

Benefits include:

• An outstanding defined benefit pension scheme
• 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

Learning and development

We recognise and value our employees as individuals and aim to provide a favourable pay and rewards package. We are committed to supporting employees' development and promote a culture of continuous learning. A list of benefits is below.

Benefits of Working for UKRI