Head of Communications

Star Academies; Lancashire; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Star Academies is seeking a Head of Communications and Engagement to lead the group’s communications, engagement, brand and marketing activities across the Trust and its schools.

You will shape a compelling narrative, safeguard reputation, and work with senior leaders to align communications with organisational priorities and strategic decisions.

Qualifications

• Degree level qualification or equivalent senior-level experience in communications/marketing/public relations/journalism.
• Proven track record delivering integrated communications and marketing strategies.
• Experience in media relations, reputation management and high-profile communications.
• Experience developing brand, marketing, digital and stakeholder engagement activity.
• Excellent written, verbal and editorial skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for communications, engagement, brand and marketing across Star Academies.
• Protect and strengthen Star’s reputation and influence through expert advice to senior leaders and proactive risk management.
• Lead a high-performing communications function with clear priorities, standards and measures of impact.

Skills

Leadership in communications

Media relations

Brand and marketing

Stakeholder engagement

Editorial skills

Strategic thinking

Education

Degree level qualification or senior-level experience

Job description

Internal Job Title: Head of Communications and Engagement

Strategic Direction and Development

Provide strategic leadership for communications, engagement, brand and marketing across Star Academies, shaping a clear and compelling Trust narrative and ensuring activity supports organisational priorities, change and strategic decision-making.

Protect and strengthen Star’s reputation, profile and influence through expert advice to senior leaders, effective stakeholder engagement and proactive management of reputational risks and opportunities.

Lead a high-performing communications function, setting clear priorities, standards and measures of impact and ensuring high-quality delivery across the Trust and its schools.

You will have:

• A degree level qualification or be able to demonstrate equivalent senior-level professional experience in communications, marketing, public relations, journalism or a related field.
• A strong track record of developing and delivering integrated communications and marketing strategies.
• Experience of media relations, reputation management and sensitive or high-profile communications.
• Experience of developing effective brand, marketing, digital and stakeholder engagement activity.
• Excellent written, verbal and editorial skills.
• A creative, collaborative and results-focused approach, with the ability to work both strategically and operationally.
• Full commitment to our mission, vision and values.

Our Commitment

Star Academies is committed to safeguarding, safer recruitment and promoting the welfare of pupils.

We are equally committed to eliminating discrimination and encouraging diversity. We aim for our workforce to be representative of society and that each employee feels respected and able to give their best. We are committed to providing equality and fairness in our recruitment and employment practices and not to discriminate on any grounds. We oppose all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination.