Director of External Engagement

Imperial College London; London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Imperial College London seeks a Director of External Engagement to elevate the global profile of its Business School. This strategic role involves leading communications efforts, curating thought leadership, and driving impactful engagement across various platforms. The ideal candidate will possess significant leadership experience in communications, with exceptional storytelling abilities and a collaborative approach to drive the School's reputation.

Benefits

39 days annual leave

Generous pension schemes

Flexible working policy

Family leave packages

On-site leisure facilities

Cycle-to-work scheme

Interest-free season ticket loan schemes

Qualifications

• Proven senior leadership experience in communications or PR.
• Exceptional storytelling and media skills.
• Strong ability to lead teams and manage projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver an integrated communications and media strategy.
• Curate high-impact thought leadership events.
• Collaborate with faculty to showcase academic excellence.

Skills

Leadership in communications

Strategic storytelling

Public relations

Media engagement

Collaborative team management

Job description

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Shape the voice and reputation of a world-class business school.

Are you a visionary communications leader ready to amplify the global profile of one of the world’s leading business schools? As our new Director of External Engagement, you’ll take centre stage in crafting and executing a bold, integrated strategy that elevates our School’s voice across media, academia, industry, and beyond. This is an exciting opportunity to inspire, innovate, and influence - leading a dynamic team and working closely with faculty, researchers, and senior leaders to position Imperial Business School as a global authority in business education and research. If you’re passionate about strategic storytelling, impactful PR, and curating thought leadership that truly makes waves, we want to hear from you.

As the Director of External Engagement, you will lead the development and delivery of an ambitious communications strategy that supports the Business School’s global reputation and strategic priorities. You will oversee media relations, internal communications, and content creation — driving a cohesive narrative that highlights the School’s academic strengths, research impact, and societal relevance. You’ll be a key partner to faculty and senior leadership, shaping how our story is told and heard across diverse platforms and audiences.

A central part of your role will be curating thought leadership initiatives that go beyond visibility — actively shaping conversations that influence industries, policy, and the future of business education. From high-profile events to multimedia content, you’ll champion fresh perspectives and deliver engagement that drives real-world outcomes.

You will:

• Lead and deliver an integrated communications and media strategy that aligns with institutional goals and enhances global reputation
• Curate and manage a high-impact programme of thought leadership events and content that engage external audiences and elevate the School’s voice
• Collaborate with faculty, research centres and internal stakeholders to tell compelling stories that showcase academic excellence and real-world impact

We’re looking for a dynamic and strategic leader who can drive meaningful engagement through communication. You’ll bring:

• Proven senior leadership experience in communications, PR, or thought leadership, with a strong track record of delivering integrated strategies in complex environments.
• Exceptional storytelling and media skills — confident across written, verbal, and visual formats, with experience in public speaking and media engagement.
• Strong ability to lead teams and manage agencies, projects, and stakeholders with a collaborative, values-led approach.
• Deep understanding of strategic communications, brand and reputation management, and a data-informed approach to engagement and impact.
• The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to use science for humanity.
• Benefit from a sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 39 days’ annual leave and generous pension schemes).
• Access to a range of workplace benefits including a flexible working policy from day one, generous family leave packages, on-site leisure facilities and cycle-to-work scheme.
• Interest-free season ticket loan schemes for travel.
• Be part of a diverse, inclusive and collaborative work culture with various and resources to support your personal and professional