Head of Communications and Engagement

Lead communications and engagement for a nationally influential organisation transforming teacher and leader development.

Location: Hybrid - within commuting distance of one of our campuses in Beckenham, Blackburn, Birmingham, Bradford, Bristol, Doncaster or Redcar

Salary: £69,527 per annum + benefits

The National Institute of Teaching is looking for an exceptional Head of Communications and Engagement to lead how we tell our story, build our reputation and deepen our relationships across the education sector. Guided by our belief that teaching is a fundamental societal good, a privilege and a responsibility, this is a senior, strategic role at the heart of an ambitious organisation working to improve the quality of teacher and leader development at system level. You will shape a clear and compelling organisational narrative, lead integrated communications and engagement activity, and act as the NIoT’s main link with the press, ensuring our voice is credible, consistent and influential with schools, trusts, policymakers, partners, funders, journalists, the media and the wider public.

You will bring outstanding judgement, creativity and communication expertise, with the ability to translate complex ideas into messages that move people to understand, trust and act. Working closely with the Executive Director of Partnerships, CEO and senior colleagues across research, programmes, recruitment marketing, impact and policy, you will help position the NIoT as a distinctive, evidence-informed and school-led organisation with growing national reach and influence. This is a hybrid role, with an expectation that the postholder will work from the office at least once a fortnight, and more frequently where required to meet business needs. The role also involves national travel, which may include overnight stays.

What We’re Looking For:

• A senior communications and engagement professional with significant experience of strategic leadership, ideally in education, public policy, charity, higher education or another mission-led environment.
• Exceptional written, verbal and editorial skills, with a talent for conveying complex, evidence-informed ideas clearly, accurately and compellingly for different audiences.
• Proven ability to develop organisational narratives, lead brand and reputation activity, and maintain clear, consistent messaging across channels and teams.
• Strong PR and press experience, including media relations, journalist engagement, press office processes, handling enquiries, drafting press statements and identifying proactive opportunities to build profile and influence.
• The confidence and credibility to advise senior leaders, influence colleagues, manage sensitive issues and represent the organisation externally.
• A collaborative, values-led leader who can build a high-performing team, strengthen ways of working and support colleagues to communicate with clarity and confidence.
• A commitment to inclusive, accessible and audience-centred communications that help the NIoT reach diverse school communities and national audiences.

Main Responsibilities:

• Develop and lead an integrated communications and engagement strategy that supports the national institute’s vision, mission, strategic priorities and theory of change.
• Own and strengthen the NIoT’s organisational narrative, brand reputation, tone of voice and public positioning, ensuring that our story is clear, credible and consistently used across internal and external communications.
• Lead a coherent engagement strategy across schools, trusts, associate colleges, founding trusts, alumni, policymakers, sector bodies, funders, research partners and other priority audiences.
• Lead PR, press office and media relations activity as the NIoT’s main link with journalists and media outlets, identifying opportunities to raise the NIoT’s profile, responding to sector developments, managing press enquiries and positioning the institute as an expert, evidence-informed voice on teacher and leader development.
• Develop and maintain core PR materials, including key messages, press statements, media lines, spokesperson briefings, reactive lines and media monitoring, ensuring senior colleagues are well prepared for media engagement.
• Act as a senior spokesperson where appropriate, and advise the CEO, Executive Director of Partnerships and wider executive team on communications, stakeholder and reputational matters.
• Lead and develop a high-performing communications and engagement team, with responsibility for external communications, internal communications, PR, stakeholder management, events and alumni engagement.
• Develop and oversee digital and content strategy across web, social media, newsletters, publications, campaigns, briefings and other channels, using audience insight and editorial planning to maximise reach and influence.
• Lead internal communications activity that helps colleagues understand the NIoT’s strategy, priorities, values and key messages, supporting organisational alignment and staff engagement.
• Work closely with the Director of Recruitment and Marketing, Head of Impact and Policy, research colleagues and programme leaders to align messaging, identify cross-campaign opportunities and ensure communications support recruitment, influence, impact and evidence mobilisation.
• Lead communications planning for events, partnership activity and major organisational announcements, ensuring complex evidence and insight are communicated accessibly and accurately, and support programme and student communications.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists, government officials, education organisations, school and trust leaders, community organisations and other key stakeholders.
• Lead proactive reputation and issues management, including horizon scanning, message development, risk assessment and crisis communications where required.
• Use data, insight and evaluation to monitor the reach, quality and impact of communications and engagement activity, refining approaches to improve effectiveness over time.
• Ensure all communications are inclusive, accessible, accurate, evidence-based and tailored to the needs of different audiences, including teachers, school leaders, teacher educators, policymakers, partners and the wider public.
• Manage communications and engagement resources effectively, including planning, budgets, suppliers, agencies, processes and governance, ensuring activity is prioritised and delivered to a high standard.
• Be an active member of the Institute’s leadership team, contributing to cross-organisational projects and supporting the wider work of the organisation.
• Work closely with the Executive Director of Partnerships to scope, design and execute priority projects that strengthen the NIoT’s profile, influence, partnerships and system impact.

Significant experience in a senior communications role within the education sector, public sector, or a related field. Strong understanding of the educational landscape, current policies, and legislative processes affecting the education sector. Proven track record in developing and executing successful policy strategies and communication campaigns. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex ideas to a variety of audiences. Demonstrated ability to engage and influence a range of stakeholders, building consensus and partnerships. Strong leadership and management skills, with experience in leading and developing high-performing teams. Ability to navigate complex political environments and manage competing priorities effectively. A passion for education and commitment to advancing the Institute’s mission. Advanced degree in Public Policy, Education, Communications, or a related field. Experience working with government agencies, educational bodies, or NGOs. Familiarity with data analysis and research methodologies relevant to policy development.