At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic communications campaigns to build trust in qualifications and engage with awarding organisations.
- Company: Ofqual, the independent qualifications regulator for England, shaping lives through education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities to influence key stakeholders and drive market resilience.
- Why this job: Join a mission-driven team that enhances public confidence in exams and assessments.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in strategic communications and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
Ofqual is the independent qualifications regulator for England. We currently regulate 200+ awarding organisations, and approx. 11,600 certified qualifications. These include GCSEs, AS and A levels, and a broad range of vocational and technical qualifications. Qualifications shape lives. Ofqual exists to secure public confidence in the exams and assessments that open doors for students and apprentices across England.
We're looking for an experienced strategic communicator to help us deliver on that mission, and to help strengthen the awarding organisation market that sits at the heart of the qualifications system. This is a rare role that combines two distinct but connected challenges. You'll lead the development and delivery of strategic communications campaigns that support Ofqual's most high-profile priorities, from public-facing work that builds trust in qualifications, to campaigns that address areas of non-compliance.
You'll lead a talented team of 7, including three Civil Service Grade 7s, three SEOs and an HEO, and act as deputy to the Director of Communications, stepping in to liaise with the chair, Chief Regulator and wider leadership team when needed. You'll sit within the Communications Directorate's leadership team, working across the organisation to ensure our plans are grounded in evidence and aligned to organisational priorities.
At the same time, you'll take the lead on our strategic engagement with awarding organisations, helping to strengthen the performance, capacity and resilience of that market, and ensuring awarding organisations understand and meet regulatory expectations.
We're looking for someone who can operate confidently at pace and with authority. You'll need a strong track record across the full range of communications disciplines, with particular depth in strategic communications planning and evaluation, ideally underpinned by GCS best practice. You'll bring established credibility with senior stakeholders, sound judgement under pressure, and the ability to horizon scan, spotting emerging issues before they become problems and shaping the right response.
Just as importantly, you'll be a people leader who builds high-performing, inclusive teams; someone who welcomes challenge, communicates with clarity and confidence, and can influence and persuade a wide range of audiences, from awarding organisation leaders to Ofqual's own Board.
If you want a role where strategic communications expertise translates directly into public trust and market resilience, we'd love to hear from you.
Associate Director Strategic Communications and Engagement in Coventry employer: OFQUAL
At Ofqual, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions innovation and integrity in the education sector. Our collaborative work culture fosters professional growth and encourages employees to influence meaningful change within the qualifications landscape. Located in England, we offer unique opportunities for strategic leaders to make a significant impact while enjoying a supportive environment that values diverse perspectives and continuous development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director Strategic Communications and Engagement in Coventry
✨Get Involved in PR Events
Dive into local PR meetups and workshops. Events like these are perfect for getting your face out there, chatting with industry pros, and spotting potential job openings at companies like OFQUAL. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to learn about trends and make lasting connections.
✨Showcase Your PR Skills
Start building your personal brand as a PR ace. Use platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn to share your thoughts on current events or PR campaigns you admire. Tagging companies you want to work for, like OFQUAL, can catch their eye—especially if your insights resonate!
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Reach out to friends, family, or connections in the PR field. Even a casual chat can lead to opportunities. If you've got mutual contacts, ask for introductions when applying. Personal recommendations can give your application a nice little boost!
✨Tailor Your Approach
When applying for a full-time PR role, make sure to research OFQUAL inside and out. Understanding their campaigns, values, and style allows us to directly align our application and impress during interviews. Don't hesitate to apply through our website—going direct can make a real difference!
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director Strategic Communications and Engagement in Coventry
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get Your Story Straight:In public relations, storytelling is everything! Make sure your CV highlights your experience in crafting compelling narratives and managing media relations. Share specific examples of campaigns you've worked on, and don’t forget to include any press coverage you've generated—it's impressive proof of your skills!
Show Off Your Communication Skills:Since PR is all about communication, we want to see your best writing samples. Include pieces like press releases, blog posts, or social media content that you've created. This gives us a taste of your voice and your ability to convey messages clearly and effectively, which is crucial for a role in this field.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should be more than just a recap of your CV; it’s your chance to shine! Emphasise why PR excites you and how your background fits with the mission of OFQUAL. Show us that you’ve done your homework and speak to why you’re passionate about the work we do.
Connect the Dots:When you’re writing your application, think about how your past experiences link to the responsibilities of the role. Mention any internships, volunteer work, or projects that involved public speaking, event planning, or strategic communication. This will help us see how you can seamlessly bring your skills into a full-time position at OFQUAL.
How to prepare for a job interview at OFQUAL
✨Master the Art of Storytelling
In public relations, storytelling is key. We should prepare compelling narratives about past campaigns or projects we’ve worked on. Think about how we can illustrate our impact and creativity in those stories—be ready to discuss specific examples that showcase our skills in managing media relationships and crafting messages.
✨Know Your PR Tools Inside Out
Familiarity with PR tools like Cision or Meltwater is crucial. We need to be able to discuss how we’ve used these tools in past roles or projects. If we've worked on media lists, press releases, or analytics reports, let’s have those experiences ready to share along with metrics we’ve achieved to back up our claims.
✨Stay Current with Industry Trends
We’ve got to stay sharp on the latest trends and events impacting the public relations field. Having a few insights ready about recent campaigns or shifts in media landscapes can show that we’re engaged and knowledgeable. This will also help us make connections between our experiences and the current state of the industry.
✨Showcase Our Versatility
As full-time PR professionals, we need to demonstrate our adaptability. Be ready to talk about how we've handled challenging situations, managed crises, or adapted strategies on the fly. Employers will appreciate our ability to pivot and find solutions under pressure, so let’s have those scenarios at our fingertips to discuss.
