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 competitive pay, flexible work options, and a focus on your well-being.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and innovation in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in education while collaborating with top minds in the industry.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in communications, strong writing skills, and experience in tech or education sectors.
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.
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.
Duolingo is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, colour, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.
Director of Communications, DET UK in London employer: Duolingo
At Duolingo, we are committed to fostering a vibrant work culture that prioritises innovation, collaboration, and personal growth. As a Director of Communications in London, you will have the opportunity to shape impactful narratives for our groundbreaking education products while working alongside world-class professionals. With a focus on employee well-being and continuous learning, Duolingo offers a unique environment where your contributions directly support our mission to make education accessible to all.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Communications, DET UK in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, attend events, and connect with people on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their mission and values, especially how they relate to education and innovation. This will help you tailor your responses and show you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or use online platforms. Focus on articulating your experience and how it aligns with the role of Director of Communications at Duolingo.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A simple thank-you email can go a long way in leaving a positive impression. Plus, it shows your enthusiasm for the role and the company.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Communications, DET UK in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Audience:Before you start writing, think about who will be reading your application. Tailor your language and examples to resonate with the values and mission of Duolingo. Show us that you understand the importance of education and how your experience aligns with our goals.
Be Clear and Concise:We love a good story, but we also appreciate brevity! Make sure your application is straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to convey your ideas, and avoid jargon unless it’s absolutely necessary. Remember, clarity is key!
Showcase Your Impact:When detailing your experience, focus on the impact you’ve made in previous roles. Use specific examples that highlight your achievements in communications, especially in tech or education. We want to see how you’ve driven trust and engagement in your past work.
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 shows us you’re serious about joining our mission!
How to prepare for a job interview at Duolingo
✨Know the Mission
Before your interview, dive deep into Duolingo's mission to make education universally available. Understand how the Director of Communications role aligns with this mission and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to it.
✨Craft Your Narrative
Prepare to articulate your experience in communications, especially in tech or education. Think about specific examples where you've transformed communication strategies or built trust through storytelling, as these will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarise with the Product
Get to know the Duolingo English Test inside out. Be prepared to discuss how you would localise global strategies for UK audiences and translate complex product updates into clear narratives that appeal to various stakeholders.
✨Showcase Collaboration Skills
Highlight your experience working with cross-functional teams. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with product, legal, and marketing teams to execute integrated announcements and ensure consistent messaging.
