Communications Officer

Education Partnership North East; Sunderland; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational organization in Sunderland is seeking a Communications Officer to enhance the profile of its initiatives. The role involves creating and managing high-quality content across various channels, supporting strategic communications, and building brand reputation. Candidates should possess an undergraduate degree related to marketing or communications with strong skills in content development and communication. This position offers a supportive work culture and a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

Generous holiday allowance (35-48 days)

Flexible working options

Pension scheme

Access to myLifestyle benefits platform

Health cash plans

Wellbeing support through a digital hub

Free parking

Free gym access at Bede Campus

Qualifications

• Develop and deliver engaging content across various platforms.
• Ability to communicate effectively both in writing and verbally.
• Strong digital communication skills and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Support planning and delivery of strategic communications.
• Create and manage high-quality multi-channel content.
• Research and communicate effective brand positioning.

Skills

Content development

Written communication

Verbal communication

Digital communication

Attention to detail

Interpersonal skills

Education

Undergraduate Degree in a related discipline

Job description

About Education Partnership North East (EPNE)

At EPNE our ‘purpose’ is our north star. It is what we expect of ourselves every single day and why we ask all staff to keep our purpose front and centre in all that they do.

Our Purpose is to “unlock potential, create opportunities, and transform lives through outstanding education, skills and training”. Rooted in our transformative power, it communicates our work in tackling inequalities, removing barriers, and improving the life chances of the people and communities we serve.

We nurture our very special culture. Our unifying values framework “The actions we take the choices we make - The actions I take the choices I make” represent the character of our college group, and are grounded in the belief that every action, by every individual, contributes to our success. This why we encourage empowered individuals, personal accountability and growth.

Building on our remarkable past, creativity and pioneering spirit, we are moving forward with courage into the future, improving what we do, remaining action-orientated, and innovating to make an exceptional difference for the world we live in. Shaping futures for a better tomorrow, join our changemaking community now.

About the Role

The Communications Officer plays a central role in raising the profile and impact of the Construction Technical Excellence College (CTEC) and Housing Innovation and Construction Skills Academy (HICSA) through the delivery of compelling communications. The role plans, creates and delivers high-quality content across digital and print channels, managing the CTEC website and social media content and campaign activity. Working collaboratively with internal teams, partner colleges, sector partners and external agencies, the postholder also supports PR activity, official visits, internal communications and brand positioning. The role oversees content initiatives, ensuring assets are effectively created, repurposed and evaluated. With a strong focus on storytelling, reputation building and audience engagement, the role contributes directly to the wider EPNE Communications Strategy and will work collaboratively with the Communications Team on achieving EPNE’s strategic goals, values and culture.

Role Responsibilities

• Work with the Head of Communications and the Communications Team to support the planning and delivery of strategic external and internal communications to enhance the profile, reputation and impact of CTEC and HICSA across priority audiences and media channels.
• Plan, create and manage high-quality, multi‑channel content, ensuring assets are strategically developed, effectively repurposed and accessible to maximise audience engagement and campaign impact.
• Work with the Corporate Engagement Coordinator to support the planning and delivery of high‑profile official visits and sector events.
• Strengthen brand positioning by researching and communicating clear, evidence‑based USPs that reflect organisational values and support reputation building.
• Support external communications, the Communications Team and wider Marketing and Communications Team when needed at key events and during busy periods.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate Degree in a related discipline or relevant marketing or communications experience.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Developing and delivering a range of content for use on multiple platforms and channels.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Digital communication skills.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal skills.

What’s in it for you?

Join EPNE and you’ll be part of a culture that prioritises your development and wellbeing, which is why all employees receive an extensive benefits package.

• Enjoy a generous holiday allowance ranging between 35‑48 days per year, plus public holidays - (Excluding Term Time Only contracts)
• Generous family leave and flexible working options (dependent on role)
• LGPS or Teacher Pensions Scheme, (dependent on role 15.7% - 28.68%)
• Access to myLifestyle benefits platform providing retail discounts and more.
• We offer dental, eye care & health cash plans.
• Extensive wellbeing support through a digital Wellbeing Hub that offers a broad range of support for physical, mental, and financial wellbeing.
• Free parking on most campuses.
• Free Gym access available at Bede Campus

Due to the nature of this post, you will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure Check.

We believe in equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

We are committed to PREVENT and safeguarding the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.

Safeguarding Statement

Education Partnership North East is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We particularly welcome applications from under represented groups including ethnicity, gender, transgender, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion.