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‍About the organisation:

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Ellwood Atfield is thrilled to partner with the National Centre for Universities and Business (NCUB) who serve as the collective voice of its members, comprising the UK’s universities and leading businesses.

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NCUB is committed to bringing organisations together to leverage the skills and talent fostered by UK universities and to further strengthen thenation’s world-class research and development. Its strategic, cross-sector network links universities, businesses, and governments together to provide a platform for members to engage on areas of shared opportunity. NCUB is a trusted expert, driven by data.  

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Through strong relationships with UKRI and government, NCUB acts as a voice of influence, ensuring its members’ views are heard. Now, more tha never, the UK needs the shared learning and skills that arise from collaboration. This approach will help build a stronger nation, with a flourishing economy, a united society, and lasting positive impact.

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The opportunity:

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NCUB are seeking an experiencedCommunications and PR Manager to lead their communications function and strengthen its visibility, reach and influence. This is a strategic and hands-on role, focused on ensuring NCUB’s work engages key audiences including policymakers, senior leaders across business and higher education, and the media. You will develop a proactive, media-focused approach that raises the organisation’s profile and positions it as a credible voice in national discussions on innovation, skills and economic growth.

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Working closely with the SeniorLeadership Team, you will shape messaging, support external engagement and build strong relationships with journalists and stakeholders. You will also oversee the creation of high-quality content across digital and communications channels, ensuring a clear and consistent voice.

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This is an exciting opportunity to take ownership of a critical function and play a leading role in how a small, ambitious organisation influences thinking and delivers meaningful impact at the heart of the UK’s innovation ecosystem.

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Main responsibilities:

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• Lead and deliver NCUB’s communications strategy to maximise reach, impact and visibility.

• Develop and implement a proactive PR approach, building strong media and stakeholder relationships.

• Drive media engagement, securing coverage and thought leadership opportunities while supporting senior leaders.

• Oversee digital and content channels, using data and AI tools to improve performance and engagement.

• Manage brand, website and content, evaluate impact, support stakeholder communications and line manage the Events Manager.

• Line manage three members of staff, including the Donor Relations Manager, Proposition Manager and Prospect Development Manager: coaching and empowering the team to achieve their operational plans and priorities.

• Cultivate strong ties across the charity to ensure all work delivered by the team is informed by strategic and operational decisions and that colleagues provide the information and access required to deliver high quality relationship management, prospect research, stewardship and propositions.

• Lead delivery of the operations elements of the Campaign. Ensure the delivery of a compelling and robust case for support, a suite of impactful fundraising materials, a strong prospect pool, a series of cultivation and stewardship events, and a stewardship matrix which can be flexed to meet the needs of different types of donors.

• Keep up to date with ARUK’s research and other news to be able to engage effectively with supporters, communicating the charity’s key messages both among the team and to key supporters.

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Key skills and experience required:

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• Proven experience delivering strategic communications and PR activity that raises organisational profile and secures impactful media coverage.

• Strong ability to translate complex issues into clear, compelling messages, with excellent copywriting skills across multiple formats.

• Demonstrated expertise in using digital, social and traditional channels to drive engagement, alongside data-led evaluation of communications performance.

• Experience identifying and securing media opportunities, building relationships with journalists, and using monitoring tools to track impact.

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Benefits:

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• Salary banding: £45,000 - £50,000, dependent on experience

• Hybrid working (2 days per week in the office)

• Office based in London (SE1 6FE)

• 30 days including 3-day Christmas closedown plus Bank Holidays

• Enhanced Maternity and Paternity pay

• Employer pension contribution of 5% (on top of the 5% employee contribution)

• Rolling annual training and development plan

• Benenden Healthcare scheme.

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How to apply:

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To apply, please submit the form below and include a copy of your CV. 

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The deadline for applications is Friday 17 April 2026, however we may close the advert earlier if we receive sufficient applications, so we would encourage you to apply sooner rather than later.

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Ellwood Atfield are the leading headhunters for corporate affairs, communications, policy, and advocacy. An employee-owned boutique search firm, we help you hire the most senior leaders and everyone who reports to them. We promise to connect talented people, smoothly and efficiently.

Our purpose is to create important and enduring relationships. We are an equal opportunities employer and promote diversity across our profession to ensure every individual has the opportunity to perform at their best. If you have not done so already, please let us know if you require any support so we can make the right adjustments and considerations should they be required.

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