At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead PR, policy, and communications strategies to amplify Elevare’s civic voice.
- Company: Elevare Civic Education Group, dedicated to transforming lives through learning.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous pension, gym access, and discounts for teachers.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace committed to safeguarding and promoting welfare of young people.
- Why this job: Shape public influence and make a real impact in education and civic reform.
- Qualifications: Experience in PR, communications, and stakeholder engagement; degree in related field.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
About the role
This is a pivotal leadership role in shaping and amplifying Elevare’s civic voice, public influence and reputation across education, skills and place-based reform. You will lead integrated policy, public affairs and communications strategies—positioning Elevare as a trusted thought and system leader locally, regionally and nationally. The role combines strategic policy leadership, external affairs, reputation and risk management, and high-impact communications and stakeholder engagement—ensuring Elevare’s work influences debate, informs decision-making, and contributes positively to civic outcomes across our College, Trust and Foundation.
You will also provide support on corporate and internal communications where needed, including crisis communications, curating and writing thought leadership articles and collections, stakeholder communications, media relations, speech writing, podcasts, award submissions, bids and grant applications—and project management support for key strategic projects.
About You (What we’re looking for)
- You will bring significant experience in PR, communications and/or external affairs, and you will be confident operating in complex, high-stakes environments across education and civic systems.
- You will have proven strategic stakeholder engagement and influencing experience.
- Strong media relations capability and excellent writing/content creation skills.
- Crisis communications experience (essential).
- Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build trusted relationships with senior stakeholders.
- Ability to work under pressure, manage multiple projects, and juggle competing priorities.
- Knowledge of digital marketing and social media strategies.
- Demonstrable ability to horizon scan education policy and translate it into opportunities for our organisations.
- Commitment to inclusion, social value, public benefit and ethical practice.
Qualifications
- A degree (or equivalent professional qualification) in Communications/PR/Journalism/Marketing (or related).
Safeguarding
The College, Trust and Foundation are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
About the Company
About Elevare Civic Education Group
For more than a decade we have cultivated our organisational identity and built deep roots in our communities—developing a strong reputation, first as a social enterprise and now as a civic organisation. Our civic mission is to transform lives through the power of learning—understanding, caring deeply, and making a positive impact on the lived experience of our students, staff, stakeholders, and communities. Our culture is grounded in the STARS framework—Stand Out, Teamwork, Accountable, Respectful—which defines the behaviours we expect and the leadership we champion across our Group.
Benefits
We offer a highly competitive benefits package, including excellent annual leave and a generous pension through the Teachers’ Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme depending on role. Additional benefits include:
- Access to an Employee Assistance Programme
- Cycle to work scheme
- Annual season ticket loan
- Access to the Discounts for Teachers portal
- Free Wi-Fi access in over 10,000 locations worldwide through Eduroam
- Access to our on-site gym at Bromley campus and discount at other local gyms
- Discounts in our in-house restaurants and on hair and beauty treatments
Equal Opportunities
London South East Colleges is fully committed to equity of opportunity and to creating a diverse, inclusive and respectful working environment, free from discrimination and harassment. We welcome applications from all sections of the community, regardless of race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, parental status or marital or partnership status. As a Disability Confident Committed employer, we guarantee an interview to applicants who declare a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role. If you require any reasonable adjustments to support you through the application or interview process, please contact People Services at peopleservices@lsec.ac.uk.
In line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) guidance, we carry out social media checks on shortlisted candidates to assess suitability for working with children and young people.
Group Head of PR, Policy & External Affairs in Orpington employer: Elevare Civic Education Group
Elevare Civic Education Group is an exceptional employer, dedicated to transforming lives through education while fostering a culture grounded in teamwork, accountability, and respect. With a competitive benefits package, including generous leave, pension schemes, and access to wellness facilities, we prioritise employee well-being and professional growth. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion ensures a supportive environment where every voice is valued, making Elevare a meaningful place to advance your career in public relations and external affairs.
Contact Detail:
Elevare Civic Education Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Head of PR, Policy & External Affairs in Orpington
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on social media, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts. You never know who might help you land that dream role!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Create content that highlights your knowledge in PR and communications. Whether it’s writing articles, sharing insights on social media, or even starting a podcast, let your voice be heard. This can position you as a thought leader and attract attention from employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews like it’s game day! Research the company thoroughly, understand their mission, and think about how your skills align with their needs. Practice common interview questions and have examples ready that demonstrate your experience in crisis communications and stakeholder engagement.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you. Make sure to tailor your application to highlight your strategic thinking and ability to manage multiple projects. Let’s get you in front of the right people!
We think you need these skills to ace Group Head of PR, Policy & External Affairs in Orpington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Writing Skills:Since this role is all about communications, make sure your application showcases your writing prowess. Use clear, concise language and demonstrate your ability to engage the reader right from the start.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in PR, policy, and external affairs. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission and values.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to emphasise your experience in crisis communications and stakeholder engagement. We’re looking for someone who can navigate complex environments, so share specific examples that demonstrate your capabilities.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and we can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Elevare Civic Education Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Elevare’s mission and values. Understand their civic voice and how they influence education and community reform. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Mindset
Prepare examples of your past experiences in strategic stakeholder engagement and crisis communications. Be ready to discuss how you've navigated complex environments and influenced decision-making in high-stakes situations.
✨Master the Art of Communication
Since this role involves a lot of writing and media relations, bring samples of your work—like thought leadership articles or successful communication campaigns. This will demonstrate your excellent writing skills and ability to create impactful content.
✨Engage with Confidence
During the interview, focus on building rapport with your interviewers. Use your interpersonal skills to connect with them, showing that you can build trusted relationships with senior stakeholders, just like you would in the role.
