Communications Manager – UCL Grand Challenges

About us

Applications are now open for an experienced Communications Manager to lead the communications strategy for our Evolved Grand Challenges (EGC) programme. Reporting to the Director of Communications (RIGE) and managed day-to-day by the Grand Challenges Programme Manager, the successful candidate will design and deliver innovative internal and external communications that elevate the visibility and influence of the EGC. This role offers a unique opportunity to collaborate across diverse disciplines and contribute to addressing some of the most pressing societal issues through strategic and impactful messaging, campaigns, and content. Join the UCL Grand Challenges team and help drive forward our mission to integrate research, innovation, and education in tackling global challenges.

Background

The GC programmes stimulates cross-disciplinary research and knowledge exchange on a range of globally significant issues. It facilitates interaction and novel collaboration between expert researchers in different disciplines, through mechanisms ranging from small grants addressing academics’ concerns and curiosities, to thematic larger grants, network building, events and commissions.

Over the course of its first 15 years the GC programme had major impact, including: £1.9m in grants awarded; 442 projects supported, involving more than 850 researchers and 170 centres, institutes, and departments; and a further £31m external funding won as a result. It established impactful cross-disciplinary collaboration as a core feature of UCL’s culture and identity.

About the role

The Communications Manager will design and deliver ongoing internal and external communications for the EGC to ensure the programme is highly visible internally, and well-known and respected externally. This includes focusing on developing and delivering impactful messaging, campaigns and content that increase its profile and engagement with students, staff and external stakeholders, while strategically aligning with UCL’s institutional messaging and campaigns.

As the EGC is integrated across research and innovation, as well as UCL’s education mission and institutional operations, the role holder will be highly collaborative. Supported by the Director of Communications (RIGE) and GC Programme Manager, they will work closely with the GC Director, as well as the Pro-Vice-Provosts and Assistant Directors for the GC themes, developing an in-depth knowledge of the programme and delivering communications campaigns and content that strategically support them. The role holder will also collaborate closely with communications colleagues from across the university, particularly with VPEE (including MarComms, Media Relations, Public Affairs, Brand, Social Media teams), RIGE and Faculty Comms, co-creating campaigns and content.

This role may involve some work outside of core office hours, including attendance at evening events.

About you

The role holder will be a versatile communications professional, proficient in a wide array of internal and external communications activities. This includes creating diverse content such videos, podcasts, articles, case studies and profiles, as well as thought leadership pieces, and managing digital channels.

They will be the primary point of contact for all EGC communications enquiries, and will serve as a trusted communications expert for the GC team.

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