External Communications Officer

The Independent Schools Council (ISC) is the umbrella body made up of seven member associations and representing over 1,400 independent schools educating more than 500,000 children. ISC schools are diverse, ranging from well-known boarding schools to non-selective day schools serving local communities. The great majority of children in UK independent schools are in ISC Association schools: ISC therefore speaks for the sector as a whole. ISC is strictly independent of all political parties and acts in the interests of all children.

This is an exciting opportunity for an early career professional to join a small team delivering big results, leading on delivering ISC's social media strategy and assisting in dealing with enquiries from press and other external organisations.

Excellent verbal and written skills with the ability to work with speed and accuracy and to prioritise workload to adapt to changing deadlines. Enthusiastic about communicating with, and writing for, different audiences. Confident and proactive, must be fully familiar working with social media and able to effectively communicate complex information and issues. The role-holder will have the presence, sensitivity and diplomacy necessary to deal directly with senior figures in the sector and journalists. Comfortable working as part of a small team, able to use their initiative and be keen to contribute flexibly to all aspects of ISC's work. Some communications experience will be an advantage; all candidates must demonstrate a keen interest in the education sector and have excellent media, news and political awareness.

This role covers all aspects of communications within the ISC office, writing for different channels and audiences – both external and internal.

• Lead the development of the ISC's main social media channels.
• Take a lead in content creation for these channels.
• Monitor, report and potentially engage in conversations taking place on social media relevant to independent schools.
• Track and report back on social media reach and engagement through analytic tools.
• Support the head of media and communications with projects as required, including responding to media enquiries, drafting press releases, producing video content and finding case studies and expert commentary – often under tight deadlines.
• Seek opportunities to proactively promote the ISC and its member schools to all sections of the media.
• Build relationships with journalists in tandem with the head of media and communications to help facilitate proactive media engagement.
• Support the ISC's policy and public affairs team with accompanying communications activity as required.
• Provide cover for other members of the team during their annual leave.
• Undertake any other duties which may reasonably be regarded as within the nature of the duties and responsibilities/grade of the post.

Work with other members of the ISC staff team as required.

Contract type: permanent/full time
Salary: £28k-£31k (dependent on skills and experience)
Other benefits: 25 days holiday per annum (plus bank holidays) rising to 30 days after one year's service (and at the commencement of the next holiday year); in addition to the annual allowance the office is closed between Christmas Day and New Year's Day; 10% employer pension contribution; hybrid working with a minimum of two days per week in the office.

ISC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified people. Applicant must have the right to work in the UK.

The closing date is 14 November 2025, but we will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis and may close the application process sooner.