University and College Union have a new opportunity for Head of Communications to join the team. Reference Number: HOC2 Salary: £78,426 p.a (inclusive of London Allowance) Hours:35 per week Contract: Permanent, Full Time Location:Carlow Street, London NW1 7LH Closing Date: Monday 30 March 2026 at 10.00 am About Us: The University and College Union (UCU) represents over 120,000 academics, lecturers, trainers, instructors, researchers, managers, administrators, computer staff, librarians and postgraduates in universities, colleges, prisons, adult education and training organisations across the UK. We also have members in the private sector, for example in private training agencies and language schools, as well as members working on a freelance basis. Students training to teach in post-school education also belong to UCU. Head of Communications – The Role: UCU is looking for an exceptional and inspiring individual to lead its communications team. This is a key post for an experienced and ambitious individual to lead the team and maximise exposure for the union’s work. You will have an important role in managing a small team to ensure strategic and operational aims and objectives are met. Head of Communications - Key responsibilities: - To be responsible for the implementation of UCU’s communication and media strategies and protocol, covering all relevant channels including social media - To be responsible for the line management of UCU’s communications team, in accordance with UCU’s employment policies and procedures - To ensure that the team’s public affairs work addresses UCU’s strategic objectives, in consultation with the head of department and other SMT members - To maintain awareness and knowledge of current issues and political trends in post compulsory education - To develop and maintain relationships with appropriate media outlets and political contacts in Westminster and beyond Head of Communications – You: - Experience of a similar working environment and/or understanding of working for a trade union or other not-for-profit organisation - Experience of managing a team of staff - Knowledge of current issues and political trends in post-16 education - Extensive knowledge of individual UK media organisations and social media platforms - Experience of developing and implementing effective communications strategies - Experience of analysing media coverage and engagement and identifying new ways to improve coverage and engagement Benefits of working for the University and College Union: - Supportive Family Policies: Embrace family life with enhanced Maternity, Adoption, Paternity, and Shared Parental Leave schemes - Health and Well-being Support: Access to confidential counselling 24/7 through our Employee Assistance Programme; advice and face-to-face intervention from via our Physiotherapy Advice Line; healthcare assessment - Flexible Working: Take advantage of our Flexitime scheme, allowing you to tailor your work hours within our Work Life Balance policy - Financial Assistance: Benefit from being enrolled in the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS), childcare support, interest-free season ticket loans, and assistance with the cost of eyesight testing and glasses for DSE use - Training and Development: Elevate your skills with tailored training, developmental support, and access to live and on demand courses available through our online training platform Further Information: UCU requires its employees to work from their office/in the field for at least 60% of their working week. They may apply to work from home for the remaining 40%. We need your support to make sure our employees come from a variety of backgrounds, so we especially welcome applications from disadvantaged communities. Even if you are not selected, it would be really helpful if you could complete the diversity & inclusion data. UCU is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity. We welcome applications from any candidate but are particularly keen to receive applications from women and global majority candidates, if this is you, we invite you to join an online briefing on Tuesday 24 March from 1pm. We are happy to accept applications in alternative formats. Closing date for applications: Monday 30 March 2026 at 10 am. Interview date: Wednesday 29 April 2026. To submit your application for this exciting Head of Communications opportunity, please click ‘Apply’ now