At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead communications for the Duolingo English Test in the UK, crafting impactful narratives.
- Company: Join Duolingo, a mission-driven company transforming global education.
- Benefits: Enjoy limitless learning opportunities and collaborate with world-class minds.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with a focus on trust and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in education while having fun and being creative.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in communications, exceptional writing skills, and experience in tech or education.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 € per year.
Our mission at Duolingo is to develop the best education in the world and make it universally available. At Duolingo, you’ll join a team that cares about educating our users, experimenting with big ideas, making fact‑based decisions, and finding innovative solutions to complex problems. You’ll have limitless learning opportunities and daily collaborations with world‑class minds while doing work that’s both meaningful and fun.
About The Role
We’re looking for a Director, UK DET Comms Lead to own the narrative, positioning, and integrated communications for the Duolingo English Test (DET) in the UK. You will localize the global DET strategy for UK audiences, translate product and policy updates into clear, credible stories for universities, employers, regulators, and learners, and build repeatable programs that drive awareness, trust, and adoption across the UK market. This role sits within Global Communications and partners closely with the DET business, Product, Policy/Legal, Marketing, Data, and regional PR leads to ensure messages are consistent, evidence‑based, and measurable, while advancing UK‑specific goals.
You will:
- Define and own the UK market communications strategy and annual priorities for DET across audiences (admissions decision‑makers, employers, regulators, educators, and learners), aligning with DET business goals and regional needs.
- Build an always‑on UK story pipeline that translates product improvements, efficacy data, access/affordability proof points, and policy updates into credible narratives and media moments that reinforce trust and category leadership.
- Lead integrated announcement planning for UK‑relevant DET updates (product, research, partnerships, policy), including message architecture, FAQs, spokesperson prep, and toolkits for local adaptation and amplification.
- Establish standards, templates, and operating rhythms with cross‑functional partners (Product, Policy/Legal, Marketing, Data, regional PR) so DET communications are timely, accurate, and consistent across UK channels.
- Prepare executives and DET spokespeople for high‑visibility UK opportunities with talking points, data‑backed proof, and clear briefings; coach for clarity and credibility.
- Create simple measurement for UK comms effectiveness, tracking narrative penetration, share of voice, sentiment among priority audiences, and signals tied to consideration and adoption—then use insights to optimize programs.
- Anticipate UK‑specific issues and coordinate with Comms, Legal/Policy, and DET leadership on proactive guidance and disciplined responses that protect brand trust and regulatory confidence.
- Partner with regional PR teams to adapt core DET narratives for the UK and collaborate on opportunities that support institutional adoption and credibility.
You have:
- 10+ years in communications with significant experience in product, corporate, or policy communications for a tech or education company; UK or multi‑market responsibility preferred.
- A track record building or transforming communications systems and standards at scale, with clear measurement of impact on trust, consideration, or adoption.
- Exceptional writing and editing skills; you distill complex concepts (assessment, AI, validity, policy) into clear, concise messages and toolkits for multiple audiences and channels.
- Experience planning and executing integrated announcement moments with cross‑functional partners (Product, Legal/Policy, Marketing, Data), including executive/spokesperson preparation.
- High judgment and issue management skills in sensitive or regulated contexts; comfortable coordinating rapid, accurate updates across stakeholders.
- Operational excellence: adept at standing up workflows, calendars, templates, and feedback loops that increase clarity and speed across teams.
- Ability to work from or relocate to London, UK.
Exceptional candidates will have:
- Demonstrated success shaping category understanding and trust through evidence‑based storytelling (e.g., efficacy, access, affordability) in education or assessment.
- Experience partnering with policy, legal, and research teams to communicate changes to standards, security, or compliance with clarity and credibility.
- Background preparing founders or senior executives for high‑visibility moments tied to product or policy narratives.
- Experience building comms metrics frameworks tied to trust and consideration signals across priority audiences and markets.
- Familiarity working with regional PR models, enabling locally resonant storytelling while maintaining global message consistency.
We will do everything we can within reason to make sure that your interview takes place in an environment that fairly and accurately assesses your skills. If you need assistance or accommodation, please contact accommodations@duolingo.com. Duolingo is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.
Director of Communications (DET UK) employer: Drive Capital
At Duolingo, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture. As the Director of Communications for the UK DET, you will have the opportunity to shape impactful narratives while working alongside world-class professionals in a mission-driven environment. With a strong focus on employee growth, we offer limitless learning opportunities and a commitment to making education accessible for all, ensuring that your contributions are both meaningful and rewarding.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Communications (DET UK)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, especially those connected to Duolingo. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into Duolingo's mission and values. Show us how your experience aligns with our goals, especially in education and communications. We love candidates who are genuinely passionate about what we do!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a friend to do mock interviews with you. Focus on articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, especially when discussing complex topics like policy or product communications.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our mission to make education accessible for everyone.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Communications (DET UK)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft Your Story:When writing your application, think about how your experiences align with our mission at Duolingo. Share specific examples that showcase your skills in communications and how they can contribute to our goal of making education universally available.
Be Clear and Concise:We love a good story, but clarity is key! Make sure your application is easy to read and gets straight to the point. Avoid jargon and focus on delivering your message in a way that’s accessible to everyone.
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for education and communication shine through in your application. We want to see why you’re excited about this role and how you can help us drive awareness and trust in the Duolingo English Test.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Drive Capital
✨Know the Mission Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into Duolingo's mission and values. Understand how the Director of Communications role aligns with their goal of making education universally available. This will help you articulate how your experience can contribute to their mission.
✨Craft Your Storytelling Skills
Since this role involves translating complex concepts into clear narratives, practice telling your own professional story in a concise and engaging way. Prepare examples of how you've successfully communicated intricate ideas in previous roles, especially in tech or education.
✨Prepare for Cross-Functional Collaboration
This position requires working closely with various teams. Think of specific instances where you've collaborated with product, legal, or marketing teams. Be ready to discuss how you navigated challenges and ensured consistent messaging across different stakeholders.
✨Showcase Your Measurement Frameworks
Demonstrate your ability to measure the effectiveness of communications strategies. Prepare to discuss frameworks you've used in the past to track narrative penetration and audience sentiment, and how these insights informed your future strategies.
