Deputy Head of Communications

Girls' Day School Trust; City of Westminster; Hybrid; GBP 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational organization in London is seeking a Deputy Head of Communications to elevate its public profile and enhance strategic communications. This role requires senior-level experience in communications, proven expertise in media relations, and a strong understanding of digital content strategy. Key responsibilities include leading content development, advising senior leaders, and driving innovation in audience engagement. Competitive salary and a commitment to diverse and inclusive hiring are part of the opportunity.

Benefits

Competitive salaries and pay progression

Professional development opportunities

Discount on fees for children at GDST schools

Generous pension schemes

Free life assurance benefit

Cycle to Work scheme

Qualifications

• Experience in high-impact storytelling in complex organizations.
• Expertise in handling sensitive or high-risk media issues.
• Ability to integrate various communication channels effectively.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of content and storytelling across platforms.
• Enhance strategic capability of the communications team.
• Advise senior leaders with confidence.

Skills

Senior-level experience in communications

Proactive and reactive media relations

Digital communications and content strategy

Exceptional writing and editing skills

Strong collaborative mindset

Job description

Deputy Head of Communications (Contract: Permanent, Full time)

Location: 10 Bressenden Place, London, SW1E 5DH (typically three days office based per week)

Salary: Circa £60,000, depending on experience

Are you a senior communications professional with a passion for powerful storytelling and the ability to shape content that influences and builds opinion? Do you have the experience, judgement and drive to operate at the heart of a high‑profile, values‑led organisation? The Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST), a global leader in girls’ education, is seeking a Deputy Head of Communications to help shape and deliver a modern, integrated communications function that supports our mission and protects and enhances our reputation.

About the role

This role will elevate the public profile of the GDST, enhance strategic capability across the communications team and move beyond a channel‑specific approach. You will lead the development of compelling, insight‑led content and storytelling across media and digital platforms, driving innovation in how we engage audiences and tell the GDST story. The role requires deep expertise in proactive media relations and reputation management, a strong working knowledge of digital communications, and a proven track‑record of delivering high‑impact storytelling campaigns. You will advise senior leaders with confidence and thrive in a complex environment while combining strategic thinking with hands‑on delivery.

What skills and experience you'll bring to the role:

• Senior‑level experience in communications, media relations or journalism, with a strong track record of shaping high‑impact storytelling in complex or high‑profile organisations
• Proven expertise in proactive and reactive media relations, reputation management and handling sensitive or high‑risk issues with sound judgement
• Strong understanding of digital communications and content strategy, with the ability to integrate media, digital and internal channels effectively
• Exceptional writing, editing and messaging skills, with the credibility to advise and influence senior leaders with confidence
• A values‑led approach, strong collaborative mindset and a clear commitment to the GDST’s mission and to girls’ education

Who we are

The GDST is the UK’s leading group of 24 independent girls’ schools and two academies across England and Wales. We educate around 19,000 students and employ 4,000 staff, all united for a shared purpose: to help girls learn without limits, so they can go on to lead lives without limits and make the world a better place for us all.

Our values

• We put girls first
• We think and act fearlessly
• We embrace a forward‑thinking mindset that shapes the educational offer for girls
• We are a family of schools
• We provide careers that are fulfilling and purposeful for our staff

Benefits

• Competitive salaries and pay progression
• Access to extensive professional development opportunities
• Training grants for qualifications
• A discount of up to 50 % on fees for children at GDST schools
• Generous pension schemes
• Free life assurance benefit
• Interest‑free loans for training, computer purchase loans and travel season ticket loans
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Competitive terms and conditions of employment

Closing date: Monday 19th January 2026, 10 am

The GDST is committed to diversity, inclusion and real change. We want every colleague to feel valued, respected and supported, and we actively welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities. We are equally committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Applicants must therefore be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including online searches, checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service. All candidates must be able to demonstrate their right to work in the UK.

To understand how your information will be stored and used, please visit: GDST privacy notice.

For further details and to apply please click the apply button.