At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape communications for The Bedford College Group, enhancing reputation and media presence.
- Company: Join a dynamic educational institution committed to excellence and community impact.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 27 days leave, pension, discounts, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working with travel required; commitment to safeguarding and inclusivity.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in education while developing your PR skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in Communications or related field with 2-5 years of PR experience.
The predicted salary is between 47971 - 47971 £ per year.
Location: Bedford or Kettering, with regular travel required between sites as a Group-wide role.
Salary/Benefits: Salary is between £41,086 and £47,971 per annum DOE and Qualifications, 27 days annual leave plus Bank holidays, People’s pension, Retail and Leisure Discounts, excellent professional and personal development opportunities, accessing college courses.
Hours/Weeks: 37 hours per week – 52 weeks per year.
Contract Type: Permanent – Full time.
Right to Work: This is a UK based contract, and you are required to have the Right to Work in the UK. Unfortunately, we’re unable to offer sponsorship and any offer of employment will be subject to evidence of your Right to Work.
About The Role: We are currently seeking an experienced, ambitious Corporate Communications & PR Manager to lead and shape our communications and media profile for the Group. This new role will enhance our reputation, amplify our voice, and position the Group as thought leaders across our communities and the FE sector. You will lead a proactive Communications and PR function across Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire, owning external PR strategy, developing compelling stories, building strong media relationships, and securing high-quality national, regional and sector coverage across broadcast, digital and print. With accountability for KPIs, you will drive measurable impact through media, campaigns and stakeholder engagement, while supporting reputation and crisis communications. You will also lead and develop a high‑performing team. Confident and creative, you will bring strong PR experience, excellent writing skills and the ability to deliver impactful campaigns.
About You:
- Qualifications / Training: Degree (or equivalent experience) in Communications, PR, Marketing, Journalism or a related field, with evidence of ongoing professional development.
- Knowledge / Experience: 2–5 years’ experience leading projects and/or managing staff, with a strong track record in securing media coverage and handling press relations.
- Skills / Abilities: Proven ability to translate complex information into engaging content and manage sensitive communications, including reputation and crisis scenarios.
- Professional Skills, Organisation & Communication: Experience integrating traditional PR with digital channels, social media and analytics, alongside managing senior stakeholder relationships. Strong strategic, organisational and communication skills, with attention to detail, flexibility, and willingness to travel and work outside standard hours.
- Values, Inclusion & Professional Practice: Student centred, inclusive and resilient, committed to safeguarding, equality and continuous improvement, with flexibility to travel and adapt to changing demands.
Key Values Alignment:
- Valuing Teamwork – We are one team who by working together can achieve great things, respecting opinions and valuing the contribution each of us makes.
- Improving Continuously – We challenge ourselves to always do better by trying new things, sharing knowledge, reflecting on practice and learning from others.
- Student Centred – At our heart is always doing what is best for our students. We consider students in all of our decision making to create positive outcomes and memorable experiences for everyone.
- Inclusive – We celebrate differences and diversity, recognising that we can learn from each other.
- Open and Caring – We care about the wellbeing of our staff, our students, our community and wider society, creating an environment built on trust where we listen, engage with and support each other.
- Nurturing Education Excellence – We promote educational excellence by delivering programmes that challenge our students to achieve their ambitions.
Interview Date: 30/06/2026
Progression & Employment Details: The Bedford College Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to a thorough vetting process which includes an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. The Bedford College Group's policy on Employment of Ex‑Offenders is attached to this vacancy. Candidates who are barred from working with children are reminded that it is a criminal offence to apply for this post.
Corporate Communications & PR Manager employer: The Bedford College Group
The Bedford College Group is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters professional growth and development. With a strong commitment to inclusivity and teamwork, employees benefit from generous annual leave, a competitive salary, and access to various retail and leisure discounts. The role of Corporate Communications & PR Manager not only allows for creative expression and strategic impact but also provides opportunities for meaningful contributions to the community and the education sector across Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Corporate Communications & PR Manager
✨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 The Bedford College Group. 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 The Bedford College Group, can catch their eye—especially if your insights resonate!
✨Leverage Your Network
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 The Bedford College Group 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 Corporate Communications & PR Manager
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 The Bedford College Group. 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 The Bedford College Group.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Bedford College Group
✨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.
