Head of Communications and Engagement

Star Academies; Lancashire; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Star Central, based at our head office in Blackburn, Lancashire, leads communications, engagement, brand and marketing across the Star Trust. You will work with senior leaders to shape Star’s story and reputation with staff, pupils, parents, communities and partners.

We’re seeking a strategic, collaborative leader with experience in a large, multi-site organisation, capable of managing sensitive issues and coordinating communications activity.

Qualifications

• Degree level qualification or equivalent senior-level experience in communications, marketing, PR or journalism.
• Proven record delivering integrated communications and marketing strategies.
• Experience in media relations, reputation management and high-profile communications.
• Experience in brand, marketing, digital and stakeholder engagement activity.
• Excellent written, verbal and editorial skills.
• Creative, collaborative and results-focused with strategic and hands-on approach.
• Commitment to our mission, vision and values.

Responsibilities

• Lead communications, engagement, brand and marketing across the Trust.
• Provide strategic communications advice to senior leaders.
• Shape how Star tells its story and strengthen reputation with stakeholders.
• Lead and develop a multidisciplinary team across corporate and internal communications, media/PR, brand and digital.
• Ensure communications activity is coordinated, timely and effective.
• Collaborate across schools and communities.

Skills

Strategic communications

Stakeholder engagement

Media relations

Brand and marketing

Editorial writing

Team leadership

Crisis communications

Education

Degree-level qualification or equivalent senior-level experience in communications/PR

Job description

Could you shape the story and reputation of one of the country’s leading multi-academy trusts?

About Star Central

Star Central, which is based at our head office in Blackburn, Lancashire, provides leadership, strategic direction and support to Star Academies, Star Talent Academy and our schools.

The Star Central team includes experts from a range of professional backgrounds, who work together to provide an outstanding support service to the Star community. We support our schools to provide educational and operational excellence and to cultivate a strong Star community, with the aim of nurturing today’s young people and inspiring tomorrow’s leaders.

Who we’re looking for

Star Academies is seeking an experienced and accomplished communications professional to lead communications, engagement, brand and marketing across the Trust.

Working closely with senior leaders, you will provide strategic communications advice and play a key role in shaping how Star tells its story, communicates its priorities and strengthens its reputation with staff, pupils, parents, communities, partners and other key stakeholders.

You will bring experience in communications within a large, complex or multi-site organisation, with the judgement to manage sensitive and high-profile issues and ensure communications activity is coordinated, timely and effective.

You will lead and develop a multidisciplinary team, setting high standards across corporate and internal communications, media and PR, brand, marketing, digital communications and stakeholder engagement.

We welcome applications from a wide range of sectors and backgrounds. We are looking for a strategic, collaborative and proactive leader who can combine sound judgement with a practical, hands-on approach and a genuine commitment to improving the life chances of young people.

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.

About Star Academies

Star Academies is a high-performing multi-academy trust that runs more than 30 primary and secondary schools. We are a values-based organisation that works to improve the life chances of young people in areas of social and economic deprivation to help them succeed at the highest levels of education, employment and the professions. Every single day you’ll be rewarded with the opportunity to shape a young person’s future - our STAR values embody what we believe is needed to succeed.

Professional development is key to our ongoing success, so we continually invest in our employees through our professional development hub, Star Talent Academy. With a wealth of training, mentoring and progression opportunities across a large, growing group of academies, joining our team of leading education experts could propel your career to the next level.

We can also offer you a range of rewards and benefits, including competitive salaries and pension schemes, generous holiday entitlements and healthcare cash plans.

Key Dates

Closing Date: Thursday, 19 November 2026 at midnight.

Interview Date: Monday, 30 November 2026.

Proposed Start Date: Ideally January 2027, but subject to the successful candidate's notice period.

Our Commitment

Star Academies is committed to safeguarding, safer recruitment and promoting the welfare of pupils. Our comprehensive recruitment and selection processes aim to discourage and screen out unsuitable applicants. Successful candidates are subject to rigorous pre-employment checks.

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.