Deputy Head of Communications (People, Culture & HR)

UCL Eastman Dental Institute; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university institute is seeking a communications professional to lead internal communications strategies, engaging with diverse stakeholders. The role involves developing impactful campaigns, writing and editing various materials, and supporting senior leaders. Ideal candidates will have strong experience in communications, proven management skills, and excellent content creation abilities. The position offers a hybrid work model and numerous benefits including generous annual leave, pension scheme, and on-site amenities.

Benefits

41 Days holiday

Defined benefit pension scheme

Cycle to work scheme

On-site gym

Employee assistance programme

Qualifications

• Experience in internal and corporate communications environments.
• Strong writing, editing, and proofing skills.
• Ability to navigate complex organizations and work with senior leaders.

Responsibilities

• Develop strategies for impactful communication campaigns.
• Write and edit internal and external communications.
• Plan content effectively in line with UCL's Strategic Plan.
• Build relationships of trust with leadership and stakeholders.
• Deputize for senior colleagues as required.

Skills

Communications expertise

Stakeholder engagement

Content creation

People management

Organizational skills

Job description

About the role

Reporting to the Head of Communications, you will act as a key interface between UCL’s central internal communications function and the rest of the university with a focus on HR, People and Culture communications.

You will help lead a skilled team of communications staff to engage and communicate effectively with our internal audiences which includes academics, senior leadership teams, professional services staff and students.

Your main responsibilities will involve the following :

• lead on developing strategies and delivering impactful and engaging communication campaigns, including compelling news stories, case studies, events and engagement moments, ensuring the effective dissemination of key messages to target audiences
• Contribute to the writing and editing of internal and external communications, including copy for web, emails and other digital and printed materials, with consideration of style, tone and content
• Use a strategic approach to planning including developing an annual content calendar and triaging priorities from different areas to align with UCL's Strategic Plan
• Build relationships of trust as a senior point of contact for leadership, with ongoing and honest conversation, and acting as counsel on impactful communications.
• Deputise for senior colleagues are required.

Please note, this is a permanent post and is available to start immediately. The role is offered on a hybrid basis and you will be based onsite at our Bidborough House office and Bloomsbury campus on average 3-days per week.

Job Ref : B23-

Closing date : 18-12- at 23 : 59 GMT (the role will be advertised for a minimum of 2-weeks, applications may close early if volumes are high, so early submission is recommended)

About you

You’re a communications professional who feels at home in both internal and corporate communications environments. You understand how to navigate complex organisations and are confident engaging with a wide range of stakeholders. Your diplomacy, discretion and ability to build strong, trusted relationships mean you work comfortably with senior leaders and external partners alike.

You bring experience as a people manager, and you’re confident guiding and supporting colleagues while keeping a clear focus on delivering impactful work aligned to strategic priorities. You take pride in creating and commissioning high-quality content — with excellent writing, editing, and proofing skills, and a great eye for strong imagery and design — and you’re able to tailor messages so they resonate with different audiences.

You also bring sound judgement and an ability to read the wider organisational context, helping you understand how communications contribute to UCL’s broader goals and direction. Your initiative, creativity and enthusiasm shine through in the way you approach your work, and you’re adept at juggling multiple projects while staying organised and maintaining high standards.

And, while not essential, any experience in HR communications would be a welcome bonus.

What we offer

• 41 Days holiday (27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days)
• Additional 5 days’ annual leave purchase scheme
• Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
• Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
• Immigration loan
• Relocation scheme for certain posts
• On-Site nursery
• On-site gym
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
• Employee assistance programme : Staff Support Service
• Discounted medical insurance