Head of Colleague Comms and Engagement

AQA Education; Guildford; Hybrid; GBP 74,000 - 82,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational organization in the United Kingdom seeks a Head of Colleague Comms and Engagement to develop and lead the internal communication strategy, enhancing colleague engagement and ensuring alignment with organizational values. The role requires strong leadership and significant experience in internal communications, along with the ability to manage cross-functional collaboration. This position offers a competitive salary and hybrid work arrangement.

Benefits

25 days holiday, rising to 30

Enhanced contributory pension scheme

Comprehensive health coverage

Access to eco-friendly transport schemes

Commitment to personal and professional development

Qualifications

• Significant experience in leading a communications team.
• Ability to navigate complex organisational structures.
• Experience in leveraging communication channels for employee engagement.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead the internal communication strategy.
• Support senior leaders with impactful communication.
• Mentor a team to deliver engaging initiatives.

Skills

Strong leadership skills

Experience in internal communication

Stakeholder management

Cross-functional collaboration

Succinct writing ability

Job description

Head of Colleague Comms and Engagement

Location: Manchester / Guildford

Employment type: Full-time | Permanent | Hybrid: 2 days a week in the office

Introduction

This is an exciting opportunity to lead AQA’s internal communications and engagement strategy at a pivotal moment. As Head of Colleague Comms and Engagement you will set the direction for how we connect with and inspire our 1,400 colleagues, play a key role in shaping the colleague experience, and build a culture of open communication.

Purpose of the role

In this role you will provide strategic leadership for AQA’s internal communication and engagement. You will support our Executive Team and senior leaders to deliver clear, impactful and inspiring content, work closely with the CEO and senior stakeholders as a trusted advisor on colleague communication and engagement challenges, and ensure AQA’s purpose and strategy are embedded across the organisation.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and lead the internal communication strategy to strengthen colleague engagement and align with AQA’s purpose and goals.
• Support senior leaders with clear, high‑impact communication and advice on key organisational messages.
• Lead, develop and inspire a dedicated communications team to deliver engaging initiatives and events across AQA.
• Lead and develop the internal communication strategy to drive employee engagement and alignment with organisational objectives.
• Scan the current and longer‑term external horizon to ensure internal communication matches what AQA needs now and in the future.
• Keep abreast of progress with the AQA strategy and organisational issues to ensure all are represented in the comms strategy and plan.
• Provide insightful and strategic advice on internal communication challenges to the Executive Team.
• Deliver highly impactful communication at the highest level, including content for the CEO and set‑piece internal events.
• Lead and mentor a team, providing clear direction, support and development opportunities.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to align communication strategies with business priorities and values.
• Develop and implement innovative communication initiatives to embed AQA’s purpose, strategy and culture in all internal communication channels.
• Act as an active member of the CAS SLT, ensuring that colleague needs and concerns are factored into organisational strategy.
• Handle internal communication responses to crisis situations or confidential projects.
• Work collaboratively with external communications colleagues to coordinate messages and campaigns.
• Line‑manage all members of the IC team.
• Be comfortable working in a changeable environment and embracing uncertainty.

What we are looking for

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to effectively engage, lead and develop a team.
• Significant experience in internal communication and leading a team.
• Excellent stakeholder management and relationship‑building capabilities.
• Ability to navigate complex organisational structures and collaborate with cross‑functional teams.
• Track record of writing succinctly for impact.
• Demonstrate experience in leveraging communication channels to foster employee engagement and embed company values.

Whats in it for you

This is a fantastic opportunity to make a lasting impact on how AQA communicates and connects with colleagues, shaping the future of colleague engagement while working closely with leaders across the organisation.

• A 35‑hour week and a flexible working culture.
• 25 days holiday, rising to 30 with service, plus bank holidays and additional Christmas closure.
• Enhanced contributory pension scheme (you contribute 7 %, AQA contributes 11.5%).
• Comprehensive health coverage from day one, including Bupa PMI Health Cash Plan and Life Assurance.
• Access to eco‑friendly transport schemes, including cycle‑to‑work and electric vehicle leasing.
• Strong commitment to personal and professional development.

Diversity and inclusion

At AQA we are committed to fostering a workplace that celebrates diversity and promotes equity and inclusion. We believe that a diverse team brings richer perspectives and drives better outcomes. Our ED&I strategy ensures that everyone, regardless of religion, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, age, disability, sexual orientation or background, is valued, respected and empowered to thrive. We actively promote inclusive language, avoid stereotypes and strive for representation across all dimensions of diversity. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and lived experiences.

Application process

To apply please submit your CV and cover letter. The deadline for applications is Sunday 28th September. The selection process will include two interviews: 1st stage face‑to‑face at our London office on 1st Oct and 2nd stage via MS Teams on 2–3 Oct. Successful candidates will be supported with a thorough onboarding process to help you get started.

Recruitment Agencies

We have a preferred supplier list (PSL) in place. Unsolicited CVs will be treated as a gift. We will not be subject to or liable under your terms and conditions for agency fees.

Full Job Description

The Head of Colleague Comms and Engagement is responsible for driving our internal communication strategy, fostering a culture of active engagement and ensuring AQA’s values are embedded. This highly strategic role plays a pivotal part in ensuring that internal communication is targeted, outcome‑focused, impactful and reflective of our commitment to excellence, creativity and innovation.

While the main focus is on AQAEd there is a growing need to support the wider Group, including Assessment Services and our increasing vocational portfolio. The Head of Colleague Comms and Engagement will lead and manage the Internal Communications and Engagement team, which is an integral part of the Corporate Affairs and Strategy business area.

You will report directly to the Executive Director for Corporate Affairs and Strategy and be a member of the Business Areas senior leader team. You will act as a business partner to the Executive Team, including the CEO, providing strategic advice and working collaboratively with the External Affairs and Strategy teams.

Additionally, you will lead and manage a small team of professionals delivering impactful corporate communication and overseeing the corporate comms calendar.

Required Experience

Director

Key Skills

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to effectively engage, lead and develop a team.
• Be up to date with latest communication trends, themes and tools.
• Track record of working under pressure fostering resilience within a team.
• Able to build strong relationships with colleagues at all levels and in all parts of the organisation.
• Significant experience in internal communication and leading a team.
• Excellent stakeholder management and relationship‑building capabilities.
• Ability to navigate complex organisational structures and collaborate with cross‑functional teams.
• Demonstrate experience in leveraging communication channels to foster employee engagement and embed company values.
• Track record of writing succinctly for impact.

Employment type: Full‑time | Experience: years | Vacancy: 1 | Monthly salary: 74406 – 81346