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 110,000 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:

• Head of Campaigns

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.

Current vacancies

Head of Campaigns

Reference Number: HC1
Salary: £62,340 p.a. (inclusive of London Allowance)
Hours: 35 pw
Contract: Permanent
Location: London NW1 (normally)
Closing Date: 19 May at 10.00 am

Our Bargaining, Organising, Campaigns & Education department, at UCU, is seeking a Head of Campaigns to join the campaigns team on a permanent basis. In this exciting role, based (normally) in our Head Office in London NW1, and reporting to the Head of Bargaining, Organising, Campaigns & Education, your main duties will include:

• leading and managing UCU's campaign strategy
• supporting and overseeing the success of local and national UCU campaigns
• supporting the delivery and production of campaign materials
• presenting UCU's campaigning work to branches and other internal and external bodies
• drawing up a campaigns budget
• effectively managing the campaigns team
• promoting equality and diversity.

The ideal candidate must be educated to GCSE level or equivalent experience (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. You will need strong interpersonal skills and effective communication; the ability to lead and development individuals and teams/groups and develop enthusiasm and motivation among activists. You will also have an understanding of the use of publicity materials in supporting campaigning, organising and recruitment campaigns.

(This is a London-based job, but UCU are currently negotiating a hybrid working policy which would allow for some home working for the successful candidate).

To apply, please download an application pack below or email recruitment@ucu.org.uk quoting job reference HC1.

Closing date for applications: 19 May 2022 at 10am

Interview date: 14 June 2022

Benefits of working for the University and College Union

Benefits to support your well-being:

• generous holiday entitlement of at least 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 9% of salary and the employer contribution is approximately 21% 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 250 eLearning modules through UCU's online training room.