Location: London, United Kingdom
Working Pattern: Full-time
Salary: £43,374 – £51,860 per annum
Contract Type: Fixed-term
Working Type: Hybrid
Certificate of Sponsorship: Available
About UCL and the Role
University College London (UCL) is one of the world’s leading universities, known for its commitment to research excellence and innovation. The Communications Manager role is within the Professional Services Admin team at the UCL Hawkes Institute, an interdisciplinary research hub that bridges engineering, healthcare technology, and medical sciences. This position plays a vital role in amplifying the institute’s impact, particularly in advancing healthcare technologies, including the Optical and Acoustic Imaging for Surgical and Interventional Sciences (OASIS) Hub.
OASIS Hub is an innovative, EPSRC-funded project led by UCL in collaboration with the University of Cambridge and Imperial College London. The hub focuses on developing low-cost, portable devices that use optical, acoustic, and photoacoustic imaging techniques to identify and visualize cancer. This role will help maximize the impact of this cutting-edge research, ensuring its successful implementation in clinical trials and broader healthcare settings.
Key Responsibilities
As the Communications Manager, your responsibilities will encompass strategic planning, content creation, and management of communications for the OASIS Hub and UCL Hawkes Institute. You will lead on various initiatives to elevate the institute’s research profile and its collaborations with industry, academia, and the NHS. The main duties include:
1. Communications Strategy Development and Implementation
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Create and execute comprehensive communications strategies for both OASIS Hub and UCL Hawkes Institute.
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Develop a variety of communication materials, including press releases, news articles, annual reports, and case studies, tailored to diverse audiences.
2. Public Relations and Media Engagement
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Manage all external communications and maintain a consistent brand identity for both OASIS Hub and UCL Hawkes Institute.
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Act as the primary contact for media inquiries and press releases, ensuring all communications are clear, compelling, and aligned with the institute’s goals.
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Establish and maintain media relationships to increase visibility and awareness of the institute’s achievements.
3. Digital Communication and Content Management
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Oversee and manage content across various digital platforms, including UCL websites, social media channels, and internal communications tools.
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Ensure all digital content is optimized for user engagement and aligned with the institute’s strategic objectives.
4. Event Management
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Organize and coordinate large-scale events for 100+ attendees, ensuring smooth logistics, budgeting, and engagement with senior stakeholders.
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Manage event communications, from invitations to follow-up, to enhance visibility and impact.
5. Stakeholder and Team Collaboration
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Work closely with UCL researchers, students, and professional services teams to ensure that the research findings and institutional updates are communicated effectively.
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Serve as a liaison between the OASIS Hub, UCL faculty communications, and external partners, ensuring seamless communication across all channels.
Required Qualifications and Experience
To be successful in this role, you should have the following qualifications and experience:
1. Proven Expertise in Strategic Communications
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Extensive experience in managing communication strategies for academic institutions or research organizations.
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Strong track record in writing, editing, and proofreading content for a wide range of audiences, including technical and non-technical stakeholders.
2. Experience with Large-Scale Event Management
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Experience organizing and managing complex events, including logistical coordination, budgeting, and working with senior executives and external partners.
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A knack for problem-solving and ensuring events run smoothly, whether in-person, hybrid, or virtual.
3. Excellent Written and Oral Communication Skills
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Strong ability to communicate complex scientific research in an engaging and accessible way to diverse audiences, including media, stakeholders, and the general public.
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Ability to create compelling narratives that highlight the impact of the research and its potential benefits to society.
4. Technical Proficiency
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Proficiency in using content management systems, digital communication tools, and social media platforms.
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Familiarity with tools for editing and managing multimedia content (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, video editing software, etc.).
What We Offer
Joining the UCL team comes with a wealth of opportunities, as well as a competitive benefits package:
1. Generous Leave and Work-Life Balance
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41 days of holiday (27 days annual leave, 8 bank holidays, and 6 closure days).
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Additional 5 days’ annual leave purchase scheme for enhanced flexibility.
2. Pension Scheme and Financial Support
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A defined benefit career average revalued earnings (CARE) pension scheme, ensuring your financial security post-retirement.
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Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan for cost-effective commuting.
3. Health and Wellbeing Benefits
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On-site gym and access to an on-site nursery for a healthy work-life balance.
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Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption pay to support family life.
4. Employee Support Services
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Employee assistance program, including staff support services and discounted medical insurance.
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Access to immigration and relocation support for eligible international candidates.
For more details on UCL’s employee rewards and benefits, visit UCL Rewards and Benefits.
Application Process
To apply for this exciting role, please submit your CV and a Cover Letter demonstrating how you meet the essential and desirable criteria outlined in the person specification. The cover letter should address how your skills and experience align with the responsibilities of the position and your motivation for applying.
Deadline for Applications: 11 April 2025, 23:59 GMT
Interview Date: Afternoon of 2 May 2025
For any questions or inquiries, please contact Simon Watt at simon.watt@ucl.ac.uk.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion at UCL
UCL is committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion. As London’s Global University, we celebrate diversity and aim to build a workforce that represents the global talent pool. UCL particularly encourages applications from underrepresented groups, including those from Black, Asian, and ethnic minority backgrounds, disabled individuals, and women for senior roles.
To learn more about UCL’s commitment to equality and diversity, visit UCL Equality and Diversity.
By joining UCL, you’ll be part of an exciting, impactful, and supportive environment that encourages growth, innovation, and a diverse range of perspectives. Apply now to make a difference in the future of healthcare technology!