The British Academy, the UK's national body for the humanities and social sciences, is seeking a Deputy Head of Communications to join its Communications and Marketing team, leading strategic communications focused on policy, corporate and development audiences. This is a full-time fixed-term contract (maternity cover) with a salary of £52,440.
The role: The Deputy Head of Communications plays a central role in extending and enhancing the influence of the Academy with key external audiences. You will lead a small team to devise and deliver communications that meet the needs of the policy, corporate and development audiences and lead to tangible outcomes. Priority projects in 2027 include coordinating delivery of the 125th anniversary campaign and launching the new strategic plan.
About you: We are looking for an experienced strategic communications professional who enjoys bringing colleagues together across different teams to align on a shared goal. You will be comfortable working in complex environments, turning competing priorities and differing perspectives into clear plans and effective action. You will be able to build relationships with and influence colleagues at all levels, as well as lead and develop a high-performing team. You will bring a strong track record of developing and delivering integrated communications strategies, along with the judgement, credibility and collaborative approach needed to help the Academy achieve its ambitions.
About the Academy: Established by Royal Charter in 1902, the British Academy has a Fellowship of around 1,700 leading national and international academics, invests in researchers and projects across the UK and overseas, engages the public with fresh thinking and debates, and brings together scholars, government, business and civil society to influence policy.
Terms and conditions: Based at 10-11 Carlton House Terrace, London SW1. Benefits include a 35-hour working week with hybrid working, 34 days' annual leave plus Bank Holidays, a subsidised canteen and an occupational pension.
The closing date for applications is 30 October 2026.
HOW TO APPLY:
Apply via the Applied recruitment platform: https://app.beapplied.com/apply/pu0ijqegvy. Applications must be received no later than 12:00 noon on 30 October 2026. Questions can be sent to the HR team at hrteam@thebritishacademy.ac.uk.