Head of Communications & PR

NFP PEOPLE; Greater Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 39,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

A values-driven arts education charity is seeking a Head of Communications & PR to elevate its national voice. This pivotal role will involve shaping a clear communications strategy, managing media relationships, and overseeing digital communications. The ideal candidate will have excellent writing skills, media handling experience, and a natural storytelling ability. This position offers flexibility with hours and the chance to influence national conversations on arts education as the charity prepares to open its new headquarters in Wigan.

Qualifications

• Confident communicator with excellent writing skills.
• Experienced media handler building strong journalist relationships.
• Curious, creative, and able to turn complex ideas into compelling stories.

Responsibilities

• Lead proactive, strategic communications bringing the charity’s mission to life.
• Manage media relationships to secure impactful press coverage.
• Oversee all digital communications including website and social channels.

Skills

Strategic communication

Media relationship management

Excellent writing skills

Creative storytelling

Team leadership

Job description

Head of Communications & PR

We are seeking a Head of Communications & PR to elevate the national voice of a values-driven arts education charity as they prepare to open their new headquarters at the iconic Wigan Pier. Shape the story of their next chapter and help influence the future of cultural education in England and beyond.

Position: Head of Communications & PR
Salary: £39,837 to £43,570 (pro rata based on 35 hour week FTE)
Location: Wigan (hybrid: home working, Wigan Pier office from Summer 2026, plus travel as needed)
Hours: 25-30 (negotiable)
Contract: Permanent

Closing Date: 9.00 am on Monday 19th January 2026

Please note - This role is offered at 25-30 hours per week (FTE 35 hours), with flexibility and negotiation on your working pattern to help you to balance work and life.

About the Role

The Head of Communications & PR plays a pivotal role in strengthening the organisation’s national presence and ensuring that the story of arts education and the people who make it possible, is heard, understood and valued.

You will shape a clear communications and PR strategy, lead and support a small communications team, champion ethical and inclusive storytelling, and ensure all messaging reflects the organisation’s values of equity, inclusion, quality and care.

• Lead proactive, strategic communications that bring the charity’s mission to life
• Manage media relationships and secure thoughtful, impactful press coverage
• Oversee all digital communications, including website and social channels
• Support colleagues to communicate their work confidently and clearly
• Shape organisational messaging around programme launches, events and key moments
• Elevate the visibility of teaching artists, cultural organisations and partners
• Uphold high-quality, accessible and ethical storytelling in all content

This is a unique opportunity to influence national conversations, shift perceptions about arts-based learning, and shine a spotlight on the people, places and practices shaping cultural education today.

About You

We’re looking for a strategic communicator, a relationship-builder and a natural storyteller, someone who loves ideas, thrives on collaboration and believes deeply in the power of the arts to help children flourish.

You will be:

• A confident communicator with excellent writing skills and an eye for accuracy
• An experienced media handler who builds strong, respectful journalist relationships
• Curious, creative and able to turn complex ideas into compelling stories
• Organised, calm under pressure and skilled at managing multiple priorities
• Inclusive and ethical in your approach to storytelling and representation
• A supportive team leader who motivates others with clarity, care and ambition

This is an exciting moment to join the team. You’ll help establish the organisation’s voice as it moves into its new home at Wigan Pier and expands its local, national and international reach.

About the Organisation

The charity’s vision is for a future where being creative and experiencing brilliant culture is a regular part of every child’s learning and life. They work strategically across Northern England, nationally and internationally to tackle unequal access to creativity and the arts for children and young people.

They value curiosity, courage, collaboration, care, conscientiousness and credibility, and are committed to anti-racist practice, ensuring diversity is at the heart of everything they do.

Other roles you may have experience of could include:

Head of Communications, PR Manager, Communications Lead, Head of External Affairs, Media & Communications Manager, Senior Communications Officer, Strategic Communications Lead, Head of Marketing and Communications, Public Relations Lead, or similar.