Deputy Head of PR and Communications (Maternity Cover)

Join the University of East London – Shaping Futures for 125 Years

Founded in 1898, the University of East London (UEL) changes lives through inclusive, practice-based education. We are an anchor institution in east London with a global outlook, focused on reimagining the role of higher education in support of a healthier, fairer and more sustainable world. Our campuses are in Stratford and the Royal Albert Dock, and our 40,000 students represent over 160 nationalities.

UEL has undergone an exciting transformation over the last several years which has resulted in national and international recognition. We were shortlisted for University of the Year at the Times Higher Education Awards in 2025 and 2023; named The Times & The Sunday Times University of the Year for Teaching Quality 2025; and rose 80 places in three years, entering the top 40 in 2026, in the Guardian University Guide league table.

UEL is now celebrating our Year of Health, which focuses on tackling health inequalities, promoting health and wellbeing and driving forward innovation in healthcare, centred around the opening of a new state-of-the-art, community-focused Health Campus in Stratford.

We need forward-thinking, innovative and driven individuals to join our community and help us continue to craft an exciting future. As part of the Communications Team, you'll have the opportunity to work with a diverse range of people who share a passion for creating positive change. We’re an inclusive and welcoming community that is constantly moving forward, never satisfied with the status quo.

About the Job

The Deputy Head of Public Relations and Communications is a high-profile leadership role responsible for directing and managing proactive PR strategies and ensuring the University’s PR function is a Centre of Excellence. You will lead on generating positive and proactive coverage that strategically enhances the UEL’s reputation and brand globally. 

You will inspire, mentor and coach a team of four PR managers. By providing clear direction and focus, you will guide the team in establishing close links with deans, academics, senior leaders and other key internal and external stakeholders, as well as local, national and international media contacts, to generate maximum impact. 

You will have a thorough understanding of the news and policy climate, and the University’s place in it, a strategic mindset and demonstrated success in executing successful PR campaigns. You will also have a strong understanding of how social media and other digital platforms can be leveraged to enhance PR, and understand how to support your team in building a strong media and influencer network.

We are looking for someone who is a self-starter and can produce results in a fast-paced work environment with a number of key priorities, and with the ability to support and guide a team.  

About you

• Demonstrated experience managing and mentoring a team of PR professionals to achieve best-in-class performance
• Track record of generating and executing successful, proactive PR campaigns that delivered measurable, positive reputation for the organisation
• Established ability to cultivate, maintain, and activate extensive media contacts (local, national, and international) and strategic links with the University’s internal and external stakeholders
• Sophisticated and current understanding of the higher education sector and the news agenda
• Strong understanding of how to leverage social media and other digital platforms to amplify PR efforts and strategic reach
• Demonstrated experience engaging and advising senior leaders on media strategy, including developing in-house media training and coaching programmes 

Benefits Package

At UEL, we believe that a great role is about more than just a salary. It’s about the complete package, including our outstanding work environment and inclusive culture.

We offer a genuinely competitive salary, dependent on experience (DOE), and a range of excellent benefits.

You can explore our full benefits package here: https://uel.ac.uk/benefits-professional-services-positions

Building an Inclusive Future 

UEL is an inclusive equal opportunities employer and is proud of our Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion achievements, including a zero gender pay gap, membership in Stonewall, and winning Athena Swan awards. We expect all UEL employees to accept our EDI policy and will not tolerate discrimination in any form.

We're a disability confident employer and value all applications. Please let us know if you require any reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process.

If you're ready to join a University that values your outstanding skills and perspectives and is dedicated to making a difference, we invite you to explore a career with us. We are excited to welcome versatile individuals who are committed to advancing their careers while making a positive impact on the world.

Please note that this advert may close earlier than the deadline if we receive many applications. We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.

To contact the recruitment team please phone +44 20 8223 3000 x 4600 or e-mail jobs@uel.ac.uk

CVs without a completed application form will not be accepted.

At UEL we are committed to working together to build a community which values diversity in both our staff and student populations, is representative and inclusive, enabling all to progress and thrive.