Head of Communications and Engagement

Teaching Vacancies; Blackburn (OK); On-site; USD 81,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Star Academies is seeking an experienced communications leader to drive communications, engagement, brand and marketing across the Trust. Working with senior leaders, you will shape strategy, advise on priorities and strengthen the organisation's reputation with staff, pupils, parents, communities and partners.

You will lead a multidisciplinary team across corporate and internal comms, media, digital, and stakeholder engagement, combining strategic vision with hands-on delivery to improve life

Qualifications

• Degree level qualification or equivalent senior-level experience in communications, marketing, public relations, journalism or related field.
• Strong track record delivering integrated communications and marketing strategies.
• Experience of media relations, reputation management and sensitive/high-profile communications.
• Experience developing brand, marketing, digital and stakeholder engagement activity.
• Excellent written, verbal and editorial skills.
• Creative, collaborative and results-focused with strategic and operational capabilities.
• Full commitment to mission, vision and values.

Responsibilities

• Lead communications, engagement, brand and marketing across the Trust.
• Provide strategic communications advice to senior leaders and shape how Star tells its story.
• Manage timely, coordinated communications to staff, pupils, parents, communities and partners.
• Lead and develop a multidisciplinary team across corporate/internal communications, media/PR, brand, marketing, digital communications and stakeholder engagement.

Skills

Integrated communications

Media relations

Brand & marketing

Digital communications

Stakeholder engagement

Written & editorial skills

Strategic leadership

Education

Degree level qualification

Job description

What skills and experience we're looking for

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.

What the school offers its staff

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.

Commitment to safeguarding

Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment. Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance. Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant): childcare disqualification Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) medical online and social media prohibition from teaching right to work satisfactory references suitability to work with children You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.