At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead communications to unite two Multi-Academy Trusts and engage communities.
- Company: Join a vibrant family of schools dedicated to delivering great education.
- Benefits: Generous pension, discounts, life assurance, and commitment to staff development.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact in education during a pivotal time of change.
- Qualifications: Strategic communicator with a passion for building trust and culture.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and a supportive, inclusive environment.
The predicted salary is between 38000 - 49000 £ per year.
Location: Alveston, South Gloucestershire
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: Full Time
Salary: CSET 5 (£44,075 FTE)
Posted: 4th February 2026
Start Date: As Soon As Possible
Expires: 22nd February 2026 11:59 PM
Job ID: 1532997
Closing date: Sunday 22nd February 2026
Interviews: 3rd March 2026
Working hours: up to 37 per week. Flexible working hours are welcomed.
You will work across 2 sites as required; Marlwood and Worle, with some hybrid working supported.
Great communication changes culture, and great culture improves student outcomes. We are seeking our first Communications and Engagement Manager to play a pivotal role in bringing together two Multi-Academy Trusts into a single, unified Pathway Trust. This is a rare opportunity to lead communications at a defining moment of change, ensuring our merger is not only operationally successful but genuinely felt, understood, and embraced by our people and communities.
About the role
Working with Trust Leaders, and reporting to the Director of People, you will design and deliver innovative, engaging communication and engagement strategies that bring our Trust’s vision, values, and educational priorities to life. Your work will build clarity, confidence, and enthusiasm across staff, Trustees, community councillors, parents, and wider stakeholders — helping everyone feel part of the Pathway Trust journey from day one.
About You
We are looking for a strategic communicator who thrives in complex, high-impact environments and wants to make a meaningful difference in education. You will be a champion of the belief that communications do not just share information—they shape culture, values, and behaviours.
Ideally, you are someone who:
- Places people at the heart of everything you do.
- Is a strategic thinker, capable of designing engagement strategies that align with broader organizational goals.
- Is adaptable and resilient, ready to navigate a significant period of organizational change.
- Is passionate about building trust and fostering a unified culture.
If you’re a strategic communicator who thrives in complex, high-impact environments and want to make a meaningful difference in education, we’d love to hear from you.
Castle School Education Trust (CSET) is a vibrant family of schools united by one powerful ambition: to deliver a great education for every child. Spanning four secondary and five primary schools across South Gloucestershire, we’re proud of our strong track record in school improvement, rising pupil numbers, and consistently improving outcomes. Each of our schools has a distinct identity shaped by the community it serves—and we celebrate that uniqueness while sharing expertise, resources, and support across the Trust.
You will be joining us at an exciting time, as we work collaboratively with eleven schools from TPLT in North Somerset, with an aim to join to form Pathway Trust in the future.
We can offer you:
- Commitment to CPD and development of all staff including collaborative support and instructional coaching to allow employees to thrive
- Commitment to inclusivity and fostering of diversity
- Values and vision that are lived not laminated
- Open and honest culture
- Generous Local Government pension scheme
- Up to 30% discount with Microsoft & Dell
- Discounted gym membership
- Life Assurance - 3 x Death in Service
- Cycle to work scheme
- Dedicated counselling service
In order to apply for this role please complete an application form by 23.59, 22nd February. Interviews are due to take place on 3rd March. Please let us know if you require any adjustments as part of the process.
Please know that depending on the number of applications received we may decide to close the advert early. If you do not hear from us by a week after the closing date then please assume that you have not been shortlisted for an interview.
CSET is committed to equal opportunities and encourages applicants from all backgrounds and communities, as we recognise the importance and benefit this has for our pupils.
Safeguarding Statement: CSET is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All roles across the trust have a varying level of responsibility for ensuring safeguarding practice, with some roles holding significant responsibility and involving working with children on a daily basis in regulated activity. Regardless of the level of responsibility and involvement in each role, we expect all staff, visiting professionals and volunteers to share this commitment.
Communications and Engagement Manager NEW employer: CSET Sports Partnership
Contact Detail:
CSET Sports Partnership Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Communications and Engagement Manager NEW
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at CSET or similar organisations on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for the interview process. It’s all about making connections!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those tricky questions! Think about how your past experiences align with the role of Communications and Engagement Manager. Be ready to share specific examples that showcase your strategic thinking and adaptability.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for education! During the interview, express why you want to make a difference in this field. Share your vision for how effective communication can shape culture and improve outcomes for students.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a great way to reinforce your interest in the role and keep you top of mind.
We think you need these skills to ace Communications and Engagement Manager NEW
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the Communications and Engagement Manager role. Highlight how your background fits into our vision of unifying the Pathway Trust.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since this role is all about communication, don’t hold back! Use clear, engaging language in your application to demonstrate your ability to convey messages effectively. We want to see your personality shine through!
Be Authentic: We value authenticity, so be yourself in your application. Share your passion for education and how you can contribute to building a unified culture within our Trust. Let us know what makes you tick!
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for the role!
How to prepare for a job interview at CSET Sports Partnership
✨Know Your Audience
Before the interview, research the Castle School Education Trust and its vision. Understand their current initiatives and challenges, especially regarding the merger. This will help you tailor your responses to show how your skills can directly benefit their goals.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Prepare examples of past experiences where you've successfully designed and implemented communication strategies. Highlight how these strategies aligned with broader organisational goals, as this role requires a strategic communicator who can navigate complex environments.
✨Emphasise People-Centric Communication
Since the role focuses on placing people at the heart of communications, be ready to discuss how you've engaged various stakeholders in previous roles. Share specific instances where your communication efforts fostered trust and unity within a team or community.
✨Be Adaptable and Resilient
Given the significant organisational change ahead, demonstrate your adaptability. Prepare to discuss how you've handled change in the past and how you can support others through transitions, ensuring everyone feels part of the Pathway Trust journey.