At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire the campaigns team to maximise The Union's impact.
- Company: Join a dynamic organisation representing over 120,000 education professionals.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, health support, and tailored training opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in post-16 education through impactful campaigns.
- Qualifications: Experience in campaign management and knowledge of education trends required.
- Other info: We value diversity and encourage applications from all backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 72414 - 72414 £ per year.
The Union have a new opportunity for Head of Campaigns to join the team.
About Us
The Union represents over 120,000 academics, lecturers, trainers, instructors, researchers, managers, administrators, computer staff, librarians and postgraduates in universities, colleges, prisons, adult education and training organisations across the UK. We also have members in the private sector, for example in private training agencies and language schools, as well as members working on a freelance basis. Students training to teach in post‑school education also belong to The Union.
Head of Campaigns - The Role
The Union is looking for an exceptional and inspiring individual to lead its campaigns team. This is a key post for an experienced and ambitious individual to lead the team and maximise exposure for the union’s work. You will have an important role in managing a small team to ensure strategic and operational aims and objectives are met.
Key Responsibilities
- To be responsible for the management and implementation of The Union’s campaigns strategy
- To be responsible for the line management of the union’s campaigns team, in accordance with The Union’s employment policies and procedures
- To develop and promote national The Union campaigns
- To maintain awareness and knowledge of current issues and political trends in post compulsory education
- To supervise and support the production and distribution of national, regional, and local campaign material, working with other teams and departments as appropriate
You
- Experience of a similar working environment and/or understanding of working for a trade union or other not‑for‑profit organisations
- Experience of managing staff team
- Knowledge of current issues and political trends in post‑16 education
- Experience of developing and implementing effective campaigning strategies
- Understanding of the use of publicity materials in supporting campaigning, organising, and recruitment campaigns
Benefits
- Supportive Family Policies: Embrace family life with enhanced Maternity, Adoption, Paternity, and Shared Parental Leave schemes
- Health and Well‑being Support: Access to confidential counselling 24/7 through our Employee Assistance Programme; advice and face‑to‑face intervention via our Physiotherapy Advice Line; healthcare assessment
- Flexible Working: Take advantage of our Flexitime scheme, allowing you to tailor your work hours within our Work Life Balance policy
- Financial Assistance: Benefit from being enrolled in the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS), childcare support, interest‑free season ticket loans, and assistance with the cost of eyesight testing and glasses for DSE use
- Training and Development: Elevate your skills with tailored training, developmental support, and over 300 eLearning modules available through our online Training Room
Further Information
We welcome applications from any candidate but are particularly keen to receive applications from women and global majority candidates; if this is you, we invite you to join an online briefing, on 27 January from 1‑2pm.
Application Process
The Union requires its employees to work from their office/in the field for at least 60% of their working week. They may apply to work from home for the remaining 40%. We need your support to make sure our employees come from a variety of backgrounds, so we especially welcome applications from disadvantaged communities. Even if you are not selected, it would be really helpful if you could complete the diversity & inclusion data when you apply for this role, because we can make sure we are encouraging a diverse mixture of candidates to apply.
The Union is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity.
Closing date for applications: Monday 2 February at 10 am.
Interview date: Friday 27 February 2026.
To submit your application for this exciting Head of Campaigns opportunity, please click ‘Apply’ now!
Head of Campaigns employer: Hiring Wizard
Contact Detail:
Hiring Wizard Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Campaigns
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education and not-for-profit sectors. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching The Union's recent campaigns. Show us you’re passionate about their work and have ideas on how to take it further. We love candidates who come with fresh perspectives!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the role of Head of Campaigns. Highlight your leadership skills and knowledge of current political trends in post-16 education.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we want to see your enthusiasm right from the start!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Campaigns
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in campaigns and team management. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at The Union!
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for post-16 education and campaigning shine through in your application. We love candidates who are genuinely excited about making a difference in this field!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key achievements and experiences stand out without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application via our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly and helps us keep track of all the amazing candidates applying for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hiring Wizard
✨Know Your Campaigns
Before the interview, dive deep into The Union's past and current campaigns. Familiarise yourself with their strategies and outcomes, as well as any political trends in post-16 education. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you discuss how you can contribute to their future campaigns.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Campaigns, you'll be managing a team. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team or project. Highlight your approach to motivating others and achieving strategic goals, as this will demonstrate your capability to lead The Union's campaigns team effectively.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle challenges in campaign management. Think of specific scenarios where you had to adapt your strategy or overcome obstacles. Practising these responses will help you articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.
✨Engage with Current Issues
Stay updated on current issues affecting post-compulsory education. Be ready to discuss how these issues could impact The Union's campaigns. Showing that you're informed and passionate about the sector will resonate well with the interviewers and position you as a strong candidate.