At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead PR and communications to elevate our national impact and voice.
- Company: Join the National Institute of Teaching, committed to high-quality teacher education.
- Benefits: Generous annual leave, flexible working, and lifestyle discounts.
- Why this job: Shape the future of education communication and make a real difference.
- Qualifications: Senior communications experience with strong leadership and media skills.
- Other info: Diverse and supportive environment with excellent professional development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Hybrid / Birmingham, Blackburn, Bradford, Doncaster, or Redcar
Fixed-term contract for 6 months to start 16 March
Are you an experienced communications leader ready to make a national impact? We’re looking for an exceptional Interim Head of PR and Communications to guide and elevate our work over the next six months as we enter an exciting new chapter.
About us
The National Institute of Teaching (NIoT) has an unswerving commitment to high-quality, evidence-informed teacher education, and is on a mission to improve the quality of teacher and leader development across the system.
About the role
This is a unique opportunity to shape the voice of the national institute, ensuring our research, insights, and mission are communicated with clarity, creativity, and authority. You will bring outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex ideas to a diverse range of audiences — from teachers and policymakers to media, government stakeholders, and the wider public.
What we’re looking for
- A senior communications professional with significant experience in strategic leadership.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with a talent for conveying complex ideas clearly and compellingly.
- Proven ability to operate at pace, manage multiple priorities, and influence senior stakeholders.
- Experience working with media, government, or national organisations (education sector experience is an advantage).
- A collaborative, confident leader who can quickly embed, build strong relationships, and guide a high-performing team.
Key benefits
- Generous Annual Leave – 27 days’ holiday a year (plus 8 bank holidays) rising to 33 days after five years’ service.
- Flexible Working – we offer flexible start and end working times, with hybrid working in place for all roles.
- Pension - Entry to the Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Salary Sacrifice Schemes – we offer salary sacrifice schemes for bikes, cars and tech!
- Lifestyle Benefits – We offer discounts on gyms, cinema, retail and much more!
- Parenthood Leave – We offer above the statutory minimum for maternity, adoption and paternity leave.
- Working Environment – We have a stimulating, supportive and rewarding working environment with a dedicated team of likeminded professionals.
- Support - Our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) provides confidential support for employees on personal or work-related matters.
- Development - We fully support the development of our staff and ensure that you have high level of continuous professional development.
We think a wide range of different work and educational experiences could support you to be successful in this role. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, communities and industries, and are committed to employing a team that has diverse skills, experiences and abilities.
If you have any queries about this role, please contact our recruitment team. To apply, please send a CV and cover letter.
Closing date: 5.00pm on 11 February 2026. We reserve the right to close the advertisement early should we receive a high volume of suitable applications. We therefore encourage you to apply at your earliest convenience to avoid disappointment.
This post requires a satisfactory enhanced disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) with a Children’s Barred List Check and Occupational Health Check is required as a condition of employment.
Interim Head of PR and Communications in Birmingham employer: National Institute of Teaching
Contact Detail:
National Institute of Teaching Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Head of PR and Communications in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education and communications sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your best work in PR and communications. Include case studies that highlight your ability to convey complex ideas clearly. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation thoroughly. Understand their mission and values, and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you articulate your fit for the role and impress the interviewers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our mission. So, get your CV and cover letter ready and hit that apply button!
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Head of PR and Communications in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to highlight your experience in strategic communications and how it aligns with our mission at the National Institute of Teaching. Keep it engaging and show us why you're the perfect fit for this role.
Tailor Your CV: Don’t just send a generic CV! Tailor it to showcase your exceptional written and verbal communication skills, especially in conveying complex ideas. We want to see how your past experiences make you a strong candidate for leading our PR and communications efforts.
Showcase Your Impact: When detailing your previous roles, focus on the impact you've made. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to influence senior stakeholders and manage multiple priorities. We love seeing quantifiable achievements!
Apply Early!: We encourage you to apply through our website as soon as possible. The closing date is 5.00pm on 11 February 2026, but we might close early if we get a lot of great applications. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at National Institute of Teaching
✨Know Your Audience
Before the interview, research the National Institute of Teaching and its mission. Understand their key stakeholders and tailor your communication style to resonate with them. This will show that you can articulate complex ideas clearly to diverse audiences.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your strategic leadership in communications. Highlight instances where you've influenced senior stakeholders or managed multiple priorities effectively, as this aligns with what they’re looking for.
✨Practice Your Pitch
Since exceptional verbal communication is crucial for this role, practice articulating your thoughts on current trends in education and PR. Consider how you would convey these ideas to teachers, policymakers, and the media, ensuring clarity and creativity.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the role and the organisation’s future direction. This not only shows your interest but also demonstrates your strategic thinking. Ask about their current challenges in communications and how you can help address them.