Work for us

The University and College Union (UCU) is the largest trade union and professional association for lecturers, learning support staff, academic related staff, trainers, researchers and managers working in further & higher education in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Our 120,000 members are employed mainly in colleges, universities and in adult, prison and land-based education. 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.

Current vacancies

• IT Technician
• Head of Campaigns

IT Technician

About the role

UCU is seeking an IT Technician, to join the team at the head office in Carlow Street, London NW1 7LH, on a permanent, full time basis, to work as part of the IT Services team, ensuring the smooth operation and further development of the organisation's IT systems and services. Your main duties include:

• provide IT support (hardware and software) for UCU staff, officers and members by being a first point of contact for IT Helpdesk and prioritising support calls, triaging calls and dealing with them or allocating them to colleagues or external suppliers as appropriate
• ensure that network security is maintained through the use of passwords, multi-factor authentication (MFA), software solutions (e.g. Mimecast, FortiGate, Mobile Iron) and physical security measures, software updates and use of security software
• plan, facilitate and support the use of video-conferencing equipment (Teams/Zoom) at UCU's London offices, for meetings involving staff, Officers, members and other stakeholders
• diagnose faults and arrange appropriate actions to resolve them
• monitor progress of support calls, reporting and escalating where appropriate.

The ideal candidate must be educated to GCSE level or equivalent (inc. maths & English) and would suit someone with experience of a similar working environment and/or understanding of working for a trade union or other not-for-profit organisation. Other duties to include:

• experience of working with and supporting video-conferencing equipment
• knowledge of IT systems in use; e.g. Microsoft products, including Server and User applications, anti-virus products, mobile security, internet, communications, databases and backup software
• knowledge of IT equipment, e.g. PCs, laptops, peripherals, servers, videoconferencing, wireless access points, printers, mobile devices, etc
• knowledge of Active Directory, group policy and software deployment
• experience of working within an IT helpdesk team, including delivery of support to a range of staff including non IT-proficient users.

To apply, please download an application pack below or email recruitment@ucu.org.uk quoting job reference ITT1:

Application pack: IT Technician [291kb]

Closing date for applications: 9 February 2026 at 10.00am

Interview date: Tuesday 3 March 2026

Head of Campaigns

About the role

UCU is looking for an exceptional and inspiring individual to lead its campaigns team. This is a key post for an experienced and ambitious individual to lead the campaigns 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.

Key responsibilities:

• to be responsible for the management and implementation of UCU's campaigns strategy
• to be responsible for the line management of UCU's campaigns team, in accordance with UCU's employment policies and procedures
• to develop and promote national UCU campaigns
• to maintain awareness and knowledge of current issues and political trends in post compulsory education
• to supervise and support the production and distribution of national, regional, and local campaign material, working with other teams and departments as appropriate.

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
• experience of developing and implementing effective campaigning strategies
• understanding of the use of publicity materials in supporting campaigning, organising, and recruitment campaigns.

To apply, please download an application pack below or email recruitment@ucu.org.uk quoting job reference HOC1:

Application pack: Head of Campaigns [291kb]

Closing date for applications: 2 February 2026 at 10.00am

Interview date: Friday 27 February 2026

Returning your application

Please note that applicants should apply using the application form and CVs will not be considered. Completed application forms must be received by us by 10am on the closing date. Late applications will not be considered. Applications to be emailed to recruitment@ucu.org.uk

We are happy to accept applications in alternative formats from applicants who, for reasons of disability, may find it difficult to fill in our standard form. Please contact the People and Development Team by e-mail at recruitment@ucu.org.uk or telephone 020 7756 2558 for further details.

Diversity & inclusion monitoring

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 when you apply for this role, because we can make sure we are encouraging a diverse mixture of candidates to apply. Thank you very much.

Equal opportunities

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.

Benefits of working for the University and College Union

Benefits to support your well-being:

• generous holiday entitlement of 35 days' annual leave plus 8 bank holidays, and 8 closure days with a pro-rata entitlement for part time staff
• disability leave arrangements
• special leave arrangements
• a range of family friendly policies and procedures with enhanced maternity, adoption, paternity and shared parental leave schemes
• an Employee Assistance Programme that provides access to 24-hour confidential counselling
• access to advice and face-to-face intervention from a senior chartered physiotherapist through the award-winning Physiotherapy Advice Line service
• flexitime scheme available by agreement where employees can vary their start and finish times or lunch breaks within the set parameters of the work-life balance policy.

Benefits to support you financially:

• all employees are contractually enrolled into the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) where currently the employee contribution is approximately 6.1% of salary and the employer contribution is approximately 14.5% of salary
• we will pay 50% of the net cost of childcare provision for children. The scheme is currently available to employees up to and including Grade G
• interest free season ticket loans to cover the cost of a second-class season ticket between home and the office
• UCU will assist with the cost of an eyesight test and the purchase of a basic pair of glasses, where these are required for DSE use.

Benefits to support your training and development:

• training and developmental support
• access to over 300 eLearning modules through UCU's online training room.