Head of Executive Office and Communications

Coast and Vale Learning Trust; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Ormiston Academies Trust is seeking a Head of Executive Office and Communications to sit at the heart of our organisation—running our Executive Office and shaping how we communicate with 45 schools, our staff, and the wider world.

In this dual role, you’ll advise our CEO and Deputy CEO, manage priorities and special projects, and lead our communications across internal, external, press and public affairs, building a strategy that connects schools to our mission and raises Ormiston’s voice in

Qualifications

• Senior leadership experience, ideally managing a press office or public affairs function.
• Experience delivering communications across multiple channels in a large organisation.
• Confident adviser to CEO-level stakeholders and Principal-level executives.
• Knowledge of AI in communications and administration is advantageous.
• Experience in education, the public sector, or regulatory/national media exposure would be useful but isn’t essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead Executive Office and communications portfolio including internal, external, press and public affairs.
• Advise the CEO and Deputy CEO; manage priorities and special projects across the Trust.
• Shape a communications strategy that connects schools to the mission and raises Ormiston’s voice in education.
• Collaborate with National Leadership Group and senior leaders to influence how the organisation speaks externally.

Skills

Senior leadership

Press office experience

Public affairs

Communications strategy

Stakeholder management

Job description

Work where it matters most, achieve what matters more

Be part of a team where passion meets purpose, as we work together where the challenge is greatest to change the lives and build the futures of children and young people.

Ormiston Academies Trust is looking for an exceptional Head of Executive Office and Communications to sit at the heart of our organisation — running our Executive Office and shaping how we communicate with 45 schools, our staff, and the wider world.

In this dual role, you'll act as trusted adviser to our CEO and Deputy CEO, managing correspondence, priorities and special projects across the Trust. You'll lead our entire communications agenda including internal, external, press and public affairs, building a strategy that helps every one of our schools feel connected to our mission, and that raises Ormiston's voice and influence across the education sector.

You'll work closely with our National Leadership Group, Principals and senior leaders, and you'll have real scope to shape how a large, multi-layered organisation talks to itself and to the outside world.

About you

You'll bring senior leadership experience, ideally gained managing a press office or public affairs function, and you'll be confident operating as a trusted adviser to CEO-level and Principal-level stakeholders. You'll have a track record managing communications across multiple channels in a large, complex organisation, and be a confident user of technology and AI, with a clear view of how AI will change communications and administration. Experience in education, the public sector, or working with ministers, regulators or national media would be an advantage, but isn't essential.

Strong writing and interpersonal skills are essential, along with the ability to distil complex information for different audiences and communicate it clearly and simply. You'll bring calm, decisive leadership under pressure, including experience managing high-profile issues or reputational risk. This role requires you to combine excellent project management with the ability to build and sustain relationships across an organisation and beyond it.

Above all, you'll bring a genuine commitment to Ormiston's mission and values, and the creativity and critical thinking to solve problems in a fast-paced, changing environment.

About Ormiston Academies Trust

Our vision is to create a school system where every child thrives, regardless of background. Our people are at the heart of our approach - they are our greatest asset.

We exist to provide the best learning opportunities every day, in every school for every child. It is the people and teams in our Trust who make this a reality and ensure we have the greatest impact. If you join us at Ormiston, whatever your role, you can be sure of a role with purpose and meaning.

Ormiston, where every member of staff enjoys…

• The opportunity to build on the legacy of those who came before - being part of one of the longest standing Trusts, created with the sole purpose of enabling children and young people to thrive
• Working for a Trust nationally recognised for its impact on disadvantaged children - a rewarding, stimulating career where staff are challenged to be the best they can be, for the pupils we are proud to serve
• Being part of a team and community where you belong - receiving bespoke and holistic support from a well-resourced and ambitious network of experts and professionals that work at the heart of communities
• A supportive environment to grow your career - an extensive professional development programme, alongside flexible working arrangements and generous benefits

Benefits that care for you

We value your hard work and dedication, and we're committed to ensuring you feel supported, both professionally and personally so that you are in the best position to make the most impact for the children and young people in our schools.

When you join us at Ormiston, you can be certain that your work will have purpose and meaning. You can also expect robust and holistic support from us to enable you to excel in your role.

You will have access to an attractive benefits package including:

• 30 days annual leave (rising to 32 days after 5 years' service)
• Generous pension and life cover
• Access to health and well-being programmes, including a counselling service.
• Discounts on retail, travel, and leisure through our benefits platform.
• Free and confidential legal, tax and health 24/7 helpline.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Automatic pay progression.
• Flexible working arrangements.

And much more as part of a leading multi-academy trust.

If you have any questions about the role please contact our recruitment team at [e-mail].

The closing date for applications is 25 September 2026 with interviews due to take place the week commencing 5 October 2026.

Early applications are encouraged as we reserve the right to close the vacancy early should a suitable candidate be found.