Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead impactful communications campaigns and manage the GDST's reputation across 25 schools.
- Company: Join the GDST, a pioneering network of independent girls' schools in the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salaries, professional development, and discounts for children at GDST schools.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in girls' education while working with a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in communications, strong writing skills, and crisis management experience required.
- Other info: This role is office-based three days a week in London.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 80000 £ per year.
Salary: £75-80,000 dependent on experience
Location: 10 Bressenden Place, London, SW1E 5DH (typically three days office-based per week)
Closing date: Thursday 16th January 2025
Interviews will take place on: Week commencing 27th Jan & 3rd Feb 2025
We are pioneers in girls’ education and aim to reshape the future of learning itself. We empower our girls to believe in themselves and value the positive contributions they can make to the world. Join our progressive and evolving team as Head of Communications, where you will drive impactful campaigns, protect and enhance the GDST’s reputation, and lead our messaging across our family of 25 schools.
What you’ll be doing
As Head of Communications, you will:
- Develop and deliver the GDST’s communications strategy to amplify our values and mission.
- Oversee the central communications team, leading on media relations, crisis communications, and strategic partnerships.
- Provide expert advice to senior leaders on effective messaging and reputation management.
- Lead external communication campaigns to strengthen awareness of the GDST and its schools.
- Foster collaboration across school-based and central marketing and communications teams.
- Manage brand voice and messaging hierarchy to ensure consistency across all channels.
What skills and experience you’ll bring to the role
- Proven leadership experience within high-profile communications roles.
- Strong expertise in strategic communications campaigns, including digital platforms.
- Ability to manage crises and provide sound advice to senior leaders under pressure.
- Excellent writing and editing skills with a keen eye for detail.
- Strong interpersonal and stakeholder management skills.
- Experience in the education sector (desirable but not essential).
Who we are
The Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST) is the leading network of independent girls’ schools in the UK, educating approximately 8% of all girls at UK independent schools. We are a not-for-profit organisation and the 12th largest charity in the UK; all surpluses achieved from educating the 20,000 pupils in our 24 schools and two academies are reinvested into girls’ education.
Since our foundation in 1872, the GDST has grown into a £220 million organisation, remaining steadfast in our belief in the uniqueness of our pupils and commitment to equipping them to succeed.
Benefits
- Competitive salaries and pay progression
- Access to extensive professional development opportunities
- Training grants for qualifications
- A discount of up to 50% on fees for children at GDST schools
- Free life assurance benefit
- Interest-free loans for training, computer purchases, and travel season tickets
- A Cycle to Work scheme
- Competitive terms and conditions of employment
At the GDST, we are committed to diversity, inclusion, and real change. Each of our schools and our Trust Office fosters a sense of community, and you’ll be part of a family of some of the best and brightest people in independent education. Most importantly, you’ll play a pivotal role in delivering the exceptional education we provide to our girls.
The GDST is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.
We welcome applications exclusively from candidates who are eligible to work in the UK, as we aim to maintain compliance with legal requirements and create a diverse and inclusive workforce.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Head of Communications employer: GDST
Contact Detail:
GDST Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Communications
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the GDST's mission and values. Understanding their commitment to girls' education will help you align your communication strategies with their goals, making you a more attractive candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your experience in managing high-profile communications campaigns. Be ready to discuss specific examples where you've successfully led initiatives that enhanced an organization's reputation or handled crises effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with professionals in the education sector. Engaging with individuals who have insights into the challenges and opportunities within educational communications can provide you with valuable perspectives and connections.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss how you would foster collaboration between school-based and central teams. Highlighting your interpersonal skills and ability to manage stakeholders will demonstrate your fit for this leadership role.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Communications
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take the time to thoroughly read the job description for the Head of Communications position. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills, and think about how your experience aligns with these.
Craft a Tailored CV: Highlight your leadership experience in communications roles, focusing on strategic campaigns and crisis management. Make sure to include specific examples that demonstrate your writing and editing skills, as well as your ability to manage stakeholders.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for girls' education and how you can contribute to the GDST's mission. Discuss your vision for the communications strategy and how you would enhance the GDST's reputation through impactful campaigns.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any errors or inconsistencies. A keen eye for detail is crucial in communications, so ensure your application reflects this quality.
How to prepare for a job interview at GDST
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As a candidate for Head of Communications, it's crucial to highlight your proven leadership experience in high-profile communications roles. Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully led teams and managed strategic campaigns, especially in challenging situations.
✨Demonstrate Crisis Management Skills
Given the importance of crisis communications in this role, be ready to discuss past experiences where you effectively managed crises. Share how you provided sound advice to senior leaders under pressure and the outcomes of those situations.
✨Align with GDST's Values
Familiarize yourself with the GDST's mission and values. During the interview, express how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to amplifying their message and enhancing their reputation across the schools.
✨Prepare for Strategic Communication Discussions
Expect questions about your approach to developing and delivering communication strategies. Be prepared to discuss your expertise in digital platforms and how you would manage brand voice and messaging consistency across various channels.
