Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead communication strategies and manage a dynamic team to enhance EPNE's reputation.
- Company: Join Education Partnership North East, a transformative educational institution dedicated to unlocking potential.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous holidays, wellbeing support, and access to gym facilities.
- Why this job: Be part of a changemaking community focused on education and making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Degree or relevant experience required; managerial experience in communications is essential.
- Other info: This role requires an Enhanced Disclosure Check for safeguarding purposes.
The predicted salary is between 35700 - 41500 Ā£ per year.
Join to apply for the Head of Communications role at Education Partnership North East
20 hours ago Be among the first 25 applicants
Join to apply for the Head of Communications role at Education Partnership North East
Head of Communications
Marketing
Location: All sites
Salary: Ā£41,726 to Ā£46,957
Post Type: Full Time
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing Date: 23.59 hours BST on Friday 15 August 2025
Reference: 0568-25
About EPNE
About Education Partnership North East (EPNE)
At EPNE our āpurposeā is our north star. It is what we expect of ourselves every single day and why we ask all staff to keep our purpose front and centre in all that they do.
Our Purpose is to āunlock potential, create opportunities, and transform lives through outstanding education, skills and trainingā. Rooted in our transformative power, it communicates our work in tackling inequalities, removing barriers, and improving the life chances of the people and communities we serve.
We nurture our very special culture. Our unifying values framework āThe actions we take the choices we make – The actions I take the choices I makeā represent the character of our college group, and are grounded in the belief that every action, by every individual, contributes to our success. This is why we encourage empowered individuals, personal accountability and growth.
Building on our remarkable past, creativity and pioneering spirit, we are moving forward with courage into the future, improving what we do, remaining action-orientated, and innovating to make an exceptional difference for the world we live in. Shaping futures for a better tomorrow, join our changemaking community now.
Please see the following link to our 2024 Ofsted Report, in which EPNE was graded as being Outstanding across all areas – Ofsted-Report-Outstanding
Our Journey & Values
As an employer, we prioritize cultivating a supportive and inclusive workplace culture, where our staff can thrive and grow. We recognize that our employees are our greatest asset, and we are deeply committed to investing in their professional development and overall wellbeing.
About The Candidate
At EPNE we are changemakers, focussed on making a difference. We\’re looking for a strategic thinker who is able to see the bigger picture and align communications with our long-term goals, balancing operational needs and multiple priorities with strong leadership. You\’ll be an exceptional communicator across all mediums, tailoring messaging for a diverse group of internal and external stakeholders. As a self-starter, you\’ll thrive in a fast-paced changing environment, being calm under pressure and flexible in your approach. You\’ll be results-driven, measuring and demonstrating impact and most importantly, you\’ll be passionate about education and the value it brings to our communities.
About The Role
The Head of Communications is responsible for leading the development and implementation of internal and external communication strategies across Education Partnership North East (EPNE) as well as developing our alumni engagement programme. As part of the Marketing and Engagement Department, the role contributes to strengthening engagement with internal and external audiences and enhancing the organisationās profile and reputation. The postholder will lead a strategic public relations programme, manage internal communications, and oversee reputation management initiatives. The role also includes evaluating communication performance and ensuring the delivery of clear, consistent, and effective messaging across the organisation.
Role Responsibilities
- Work closely with the Vice Principal (VP) to define priorities, plans, objectives to support the delivery of EPNEās Strategic Plan 2025-2030 and the departmental business plan.
- Work with the VP to develop and implement a group-wide communications and public relations strategy aligned with EPNEās vision and values.
- Work with the Marketing and Engagement leadership team to oversee the consistent application and development of the EPNE brand across all campuses and platforms.
- Build and manage relationships with media, government bodies, partners, and community stakeholders as required.
- Manage and develop the Communications team, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence.
- Develop and deliver the group alumni strategy to realise opportunities and build connections across this key segment.
- Lead and co-ordinate VIP and corporate events with internal and external stakeholders.
Qualifications
- Undergraduate degree in a related discipline OR relevant experience.
Essential Skills & Experience
- Managerial experience of leading a communications team.
- Cross-functional leadership experience including leadership of projects/initiatives across complex organisations.
- Development and delivery of integrated communications strategies aligned with organisational goals.
- Expert-level writing, editing, and messaging across publications, digital platforms, speeches, and strategic campaigns.
- Corporate event management experience.
- Understanding of how to build and protect a multi-site, multi-brand identity within a complex organisation like EPNE.
- Awareness of how to communicate effectively with government stakeholders, local authorities and regulatory bodies.
Whatās in it for you?
Join EPNE and youāll be part of a culture that prioritizes your development and wellbeing, which is why all employees receive an extensive benefits package.
- Enjoy a generous holiday allowance (35-48 days per year, plus public holidays).
- Generous family leave and flexible working options (dependent on role)
- LGPS or Teacher Pensions Scheme, (dependent on role 15.7% – 23.68%)
- Access to myLifestyle benefits platform providing retail discounts and more.
- We offer dental, eye care & health cash plans.
- Extensive wellbeing support through a digital Wellbeing Hub that offers a broad range of support for physical, mental, and financial wellbeing.
- Free parking on most campuses.
- Free Gym access available at Bede Campus
Due to the nature of this post, you will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure Check.
We believe in equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community.
We are committed to PREVENT and safeguarding the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.
Please contact emma.cottle@educationpartnershipne.ac.uk should you wish to have an informal chat about the role.
Further details: Job Description Email details to a friend
Seniority level
-
Seniority level
Director
Employment type
-
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
-
Job function
Marketing, Public Relations, and Writing/Editing
-
Industries
Education
Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Education Partnership North East by 2x
Sign in to set job alerts for āHead of Communicationsā roles.
Volunteer Director for Media and Communications | The Askefield Project Ltd
Friskney, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago
King\’s Lynn, England, United Kingdom 3 days ago
Corporate Events and Alumni Co-ordinator
Tilney All Saints, England, United Kingdom 2 weeks ago
Weāre unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Head of Communications employer: Education Partnership North East
Contact Detail:
Education Partnership North East Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice š¤«
We think this is how you could land Head of Communications
āØTip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Education Partnership North East's mission and values. Understanding their purpose of 'unlocking potential, creating opportunities, and transforming lives' will help you align your communication strategies with their goals during discussions.
āØTip Number 2
Prepare to discuss your experience in managing communications teams and leading cross-functional projects. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully implemented integrated communication strategies that align with organisational objectives.
āØTip Number 3
Showcase your understanding of the education sector and how effective communication can impact community engagement. Be ready to share innovative ideas on how to enhance EPNE's profile and reputation through strategic public relations.
āØTip Number 4
Network with current or former employees of EPNE if possible. Gaining insights into their culture and expectations can provide you with valuable context that you can use to tailor your approach during interviews.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Communications
Some tips for your application š«”
Understand the Role: Before you start writing your application, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Head of Communications role at Education Partnership North East. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with their needs.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should not only introduce yourself but also express your passion for education and how you can contribute to EPNE's mission. Use specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your strategic thinking and communication skills.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV, focus on your managerial experience in communications and any cross-functional leadership roles you've held. Be sure to include specific achievements that showcase your ability to develop and implement successful communication strategies.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, take the time to proofread and edit your documents. Ensure there are no spelling or grammatical errors, and that your messaging is clear and professional. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and commitment to excellence.
How to prepare for a job interview at Education Partnership North East
āØUnderstand EPNE's Purpose and Values
Before your interview, make sure you fully grasp Education Partnership North East's purpose of unlocking potential and transforming lives. Familiarise yourself with their values framework, as demonstrating alignment with these principles will show that you're a good cultural fit.
āØShowcase Your Strategic Thinking
As the Head of Communications, you'll need to think strategically. Prepare examples of how you've developed and implemented successful communication strategies in the past. Be ready to discuss how these experiences can align with EPNE's long-term goals.
āØDemonstrate Exceptional Communication Skills
Since this role requires outstanding communication across various mediums, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Consider preparing a brief presentation on a relevant topic to showcase your ability to tailor messaging for different audiences.
āØPrepare for Questions on Crisis Management
Given the importance of reputation management in this role, be prepared to discuss how you've handled communication during crises or challenging situations. Highlight your calmness under pressure and your ability to maintain clear messaging.
