Head of Policy and Communications

We are seeking an experienced, motivated and enthusiastic Head of Policy and Communications to join our national partnerships team as a senior leader. The Partnership team are responsible for the marketing, communication and recruitment of all our programmes nationally, as well as developing our brand, story and sharing our research.

Location: Within commuting distance of one of our campuses in Birmingham, Blackburn, Bradford, Bristol, Doncaster, Liverpool, London or Redcar.

About Us

The National Institute of Teaching boosts the quality of teaching and school leadership by carrying out research, applying the insights to its professional development programmes, and sharing findings with the sector.

Our programmes are designed by teachers and leaders who understand the joys and pressures of school life. We work in collaboration with schools across the country, ensuring that our findings benefit all schools, teachers and leaders.

About the Role

The Head of Policy and Communications is a key role for the National Institute of Education (NIoT). As part of the NIoT’s leadership team, you will work hand in hand with the Executive Director of Partnerships to shape and lead the organisations work in policy, communications and public relations. You will lead the Institute’s efforts in shaping national education policy and enhancing public understanding of the Institute’s mission and objectives. This position requires a highly strategic thinker with exceptional leadership skills, a robust understanding of the education landscape, and the ability to communicate effectively with a variety of stakeholders. The role will require to work closely with members of the NIoT’s executive leadership team, including the CEO, as well as engage with senior and executive leaders from stakeholder organisations. We are looking for someone who can comfortably span the sectors we operate in; who knows and understand schools, has experience of the HE sector and feels comfortable engaging with the policy and PR world.

Corporate Responsibilities

1. Develop and implement comprehensive policy and communication strategies that align with the Institute’s vision and objectives.
2. Act as the Institute’s spokesperson, representing its views and initiatives to the media, government, and key stakeholders in the education sector.
3. Analyse and monitor education policy developments, ensuring the Institute responds effectively to emerging issues and opportunities and spot opportunities to represent our stakeholders.
4. Collaborate with senior and executive leadership to create positions on important educational matters and advocate for necessary policy changes.
5. Lead our expert team communication professionals, fostering a collaborative and high-performing environment, overseeing internal and external communications, stakeholder management and our alumni strategy.
6. As part of the Partnership’s functions senior team, forge a close working relationship with the Director of Recruitment and Marketing to ensure alignment of messaging and opportunities for cross campaign messaging with the marketing team.
7. Lead the Institute’s plan for the communications and promotion of our Research and Best Practice outputs.
8. Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including government officials, educators, community organizations, and the media.
9. Oversee the production of insightful reports, briefings, and communications materials that highlight the Institute’s research and findings.
10. Ensure all communication efforts are evidence-based, clear, and resonate with diverse audiences, including teachers, policymakers, and the general public.
11. Monitor and evaluate the impact of policy initiatives and communication strategies, adjusting approaches as necessary to enhance effectiveness.
12. Lead crisis communication efforts when necessary, ensuring the Institute’s position is effectively articulated and defended.

Key Benefits

• Highly competitive pay and pay progression opportunities.
• Flexible start and end working times.
• Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working.
• At least 27 days’ holiday a year (plus 8 bank holidays) rising to 33 days after five years’ service.
• Entry to the Local Government Pension Scheme.
• A stimulating, supportive and rewarding working environment with a dedicated team of likeminded professionals.
• Excellent opportunities to develop your skills and experience and to progress your career.

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 email us at

For more information and to apply online, please visit our vacancies page.

Closing date: 11:59pm on 11 February 2025.

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.

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