At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead PR, policy, and communications strategies to amplify Elevare’s civic voice.
- Company: Join a dynamic organisation committed to education and community impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, generous leave, pension schemes, and wellness perks.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with strong commitment to safeguarding.
- Why this job: Shape public influence and make a real difference in education reform.
- Qualifications: Experience in PR, communications, and stakeholder engagement is essential.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 € per year.
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
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.
- 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.
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 equality 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.
Keeping Children Safe
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 London employer: London South East Colleges
Elevare is an exceptional employer that prioritises a culture of inclusion, social value, and ethical practice, making it a rewarding place to work for those passionate about education and civic engagement. With a competitive benefits package, including generous annual leave, pension schemes, and access to wellness resources, employees are supported in both their professional and personal lives. The opportunity for growth in a pivotal leadership role, combined with the chance to influence public policy and engage with diverse stakeholders, makes Elevare an attractive choice for candidates seeking meaningful employment in a dynamic environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Head of PR, Policy & External Affairs in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education and PR sectors. Attend events, webinars, or even local meet-ups to get your name out there. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio that highlights your best work in communications and stakeholder engagement. Share it on LinkedIn or your personal website to catch the eye of potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s recent projects and initiatives. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in crisis communications and public affairs.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Group Head of PR, Policy & External Affairs in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Audience:Before you start writing, take a moment to understand who will be reading your application. Tailor your language and examples to resonate with Elevare's mission and values. Show us that you get what they’re about!
Showcase Your Experience:Highlight your relevant experience in PR, communications, and external affairs. Use specific examples that demonstrate your strategic stakeholder engagement and media relations skills. We want to see how you've made an impact in previous roles!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your writing clear and to the point. Avoid jargon and overly complex sentences. We appreciate straightforward communication, especially when it comes to high-stakes environments like this one!
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at London South East Colleges
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Elevare’s mission and recent initiatives. Familiarise yourself with their public influence and reputation in education and civic reform. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Mindset
Prepare examples that highlight your strategic stakeholder engagement and crisis communications experience. Be ready to discuss how you've navigated complex environments and influenced decision-making in previous roles.
✨Master the Art of Communication
Since this role involves high-impact communications, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Bring along samples of your writing or content creation that demonstrate your media relations capability and thought leadership.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to handle pressure and manage multiple projects. Think of specific scenarios where you successfully juggled competing priorities and how you ensured positive outcomes in challenging situations.
