Ref Number B23-00153 Professional Expertise External Engagement, Communications, Marketing and Events Department Vice-President (External Engagement) (B23) Location London Working Pattern Full time Salary £43,981-£52,586 Contract Type Fixed-term Working Type Hybrid Available for Secondment Yes Closing Date 02-Oct-2025

About us

UCL is a radically different university. Since 1826, we have opened our doors to new ideas, new people and new ways of doing things. We were the first university in England to welcome students of any religion, and the first to welcome women to higher education. Today, with more than 51,000 students and 16,000 staff, UCL is consistently ranked among the world’s top 10 universities.

In 2026, UCL will celebrate its 200th anniversary – marking two centuries of discovery, innovation and impact. Through UCL200, our Bicentenary programme, we will reflect on our founding values while looking firmly to the future: showcasing our world-leading research and teaching, inspiring future leaders, and reinforcing our role as London’s Global University.

About the role

We are seeking an pro-active Events Manager to play a central role in delivering UCL200’s landmark programme of events – including our high-profile launch and closing celebrations. This is a unique opportunity working cross organisationally to shape and deliver a series of ambitious and inspiring activities that celebrate UCL’s history and set the tone for our third century.

Working within the central Institutional Events team (part of the Vice-President External Engagement directorate) and with a dotted line into the dedicated UCL200 team, you will:

• Design, plan and deliver high-profile in-person and online events – from sourcing venues and managing AV to selecting platforms for digital engagement.
• Lead on delegate management and communications, ensuring audiences are engaged, inspired and connected to UCL.
• Take ownership of complex budgets, suppliers and contracts to deliver outstanding events to time and cost.
• Collaborate across UCL, working with Faculties, Professional Services, Campus Experience and the Students’ Union to ensure events reflect our community.
• Ensure accessibility, inclusivity and innovation are embedded across all activities.

Line manage an Events Officer (in post until December 2026).

You will also contribute to the wider institutional events portfolio, working alongside colleagues responsible for graduations, open days, public engagement and strategic stakeholder events.

UCL200 note: Please note, this is a fixed-term contract starting immediately from October 2025 until December 2026 and is available for secondment. The role is available on a hybrid basis, with 2-days onsite on Campus and our London Kings Cross Cross office.

The application process: Please apply with your CV and Covering Letter (or supporting statement on the application questionnaire) detailing your suitability for the role and how you meet the person specification. Please note, applications that do not include a tailored covering letter/supporting statement will not be considered for shortlisting.

Job Ref: B23-00153

Closing Date: 02-10-2025 – 23:59 (UK time)

In-Person Interviews scheduled for: 1st Stage Weds 8th Oct | 2nd Stage Tues 14th Oct

About you

As an experienced Events Manager, you're passionate and excited to celebrate UCL’s 200th Anniversary collectively and collaboratively. You’ll bring proactive energy, creativity and a collaborative spirit to this milestone year. You're able to deal with difficult and ambiguous situations diplomatically and calmly and make on the spot decisions. You also have an ability to bring together a diverse group of people in order to deliver a year-long programme of outstanding events marking UCL’s Bicentennial milestone. Additionally, you're used to working as part of a wider events team across a whole organisation.

You will also be able to demonstrate the following:

• Proven experience managing and taking ownership of large, complex in-person events (500+ attendees) and high-profile stakeholder activities.
• A track record of delivering insight-led, measurable and engaging events that tell a clear story.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with confidence working with senior stakeholders (both in person and virtually).
• Strong project and budget management skills, with the ability to make calm, informed decisions under pressure.
• Leadership experience, with the ability to motivate through ambiguity and manage staff.
• A meticulous eye for detail, alongside the ability to see the bigger picture.

Although not essential, any experience working within the Higher Education sector would be beneficial.

What we offer

As well as exciting opportunities, UCL offers a range of great benefits including the below:

• 41 days’ holiday (27 days annual leave, 8 bank holidays, 6 closure days)
• Option to purchase 5 additional days’ annual leave
• Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
• Cycle to work scheme, season ticket loan, and immigration loan
• Relocation support for eligible posts
• On-site nursery and gym
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption pay
• Staff Support Service (employee assistance programme)

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

As London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong.

We particularly encourage applications from candidates underrepresented in UCL’s workforce, including those from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds, disabled people, and – for Grade 9 and 10 roles – women.

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