Senior External Communications Manager

Salary: £62,000 - £67,000 per annum
Location: The Alan Turing Institute, British Library, London, NW1 2DB (hybrid)
Vacancy Type: Permanent, full-time
Directorate: Communications & Engagement
Closing date: 06 Dec 2026

About The Role

At the Alan Turing Institute, we’re tackling some of the biggest opportunities and challenges in AI and data science. We’re looking for a Senior External Communications Manager to help bring that work to life and strengthen the Institute’s voice and profile.

This is an opportunity to lead external communications for the UK’s national institute for AI and data science, working with leading researchers, senior leaders and partners to turn complex ideas into compelling stories that reach and influence the right audiences.

You’ll lead our media relations and shape our strategic communications, identifying opportunities to raise the profile of our research, expertise and impact. From preparing major announcements and campaigns to developing thought leadership opportunities and building relationships with journalists, you’ll help put our people and ideas at the heart of important conversations about AI and its role in society.

How you will make an impact

• Shape and lead strategic external communications across key Institute priorities.
• Find and tell powerful stories about our research, people and impact.
• Build strong relationships with journalists, commentators and external partners.
• Advise senior leaders and researchers on messaging, media opportunities and reputation.
• Develop and deliver communications campaigns, thought leadership opportunities and high-profile content.
• Help shape the Institute’s response to emerging and sensitive issues.
• Lead and develop a small external communications team.
• Work collaboratively across communications, policy and research communities.

About you

We’re looking for an experienced communications professional who can bring together strategic thinking, strong judgement and compelling storytelling.

You will be able to:

• Turn complex subjects into clear, engaging and accessible stories for different audiences.
• Develop, deliver and evaluate strategic communications, campaigns and proactive and reactive media activity that builds profile and influence.
• Build trusted relationships with journalists, senior stakeholders, researchers and partners.
• Spot opportunities for media coverage, thought leadership and creative storytelling.
• Provide confident communications advice, including on sensitive or high-profile issues.
• Write and edit compelling content across a range of channels and audiences.
• Lead and support others, encouraging collaboration, creativity and different perspectives.
• Bring curiosity and enthusiasm for communicating complex areas such as AI, technology, science or research.

Application procedure

If you are interested in this opportunity, please click the apply button below. You will need to register on the applicant portal and complete the application form including your CV and covering letter. If you have questions about the role or would like to apply using a different format, please contact us at recruitment@turing.ac.uk.

Due to the upcoming holiday period, interviews will take place in January 2027.

Terms and conditions

This is a full-time post offered on a permanent basis. The annual salary is £62,000 - £67,000 with excellent benefits, including flexible working and family friendly policies.

The Alan Turing Institute is based at the British Library, in the heart of London’s Knowledge Quarter. We offer a flexible, hybrid approach to working, recognising the benefits of both remote working and in-person collaboration. Office attendance expectations may vary depending on the role, team and organisational needs, and may evolve over time. The hiring team will be happy to discuss the current arrangements during the interview process.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

We value diversity of background, experience, and perspective, and are proud to be an inclusive employer. We warmly encourage applications from all backgrounds, particularly from groups currently under-represented in our sector. If you feel passionate about this role but don’t meet every single requirement, please apply – we recognise that great candidates may bring strengths beyond the criteria listed.

We are committed to making sure our recruitment process is accessible and inclusive. This includes making reasonable adjustments for candidates who have a disability or long-term condition. Please contact us at recruitment@turing.ac.uk to advise us how we can assist you.

Please note all offers of employment are subject to obtaining and retaining the right to work in the UK and satisfactory pre-employment security screening which includes a DBS Check.

Full details on the pre-employment screening process can be requested from HR@turing.ac.uk

About Us

The Alan Turing Institute is the UK’s national institute for AI and data science.

We are named in honour of Alan Turing, whose pioneering work in mathematics, engineering and computing helped shape the development of modern AI and remains an enduring example of how technical innovation can serve the national interest.

Our mission is to secure the UK’s resilience for the age of AI. We do this by bringing together expertise from across the country to protect critical systems against disruption, counter AI-enabled threats and shape UK strategic AI capability.

This is an exciting time to join us as we enter a new phase, with new leadership and a strategy focused on strengthening the nation’s resilience and shaping a better future.