Regional Public Relations Officer & Clerk to Governors

Overview

Role: Part‑time, flexible working pattern (32.5 hours per week). Working Mondays to Fridays from 8.30am to 3.30pm, with flexibility to accommodate late afternoon meetings. The incumbent will step in as the communication expert for our academies, supporting the creation, ownership and execution of the internal communication strategy across our group of Essex primary schools. Working closely with the trust’s People & Culture colleagues, the role will foster a culture of sharing and recognition through fresh, varied communications for a diverse community and workforce. The position reports to the Regional Business Manager and links to the People & Culture team (who own generalist HR, including L&D, recruitment, and payroll), the Director of Opportunity and the academies’ Senior Leadership Team (SLT).

Responsibilities

• Brand Gatekeeper – act as the brand gatekeeper for all public‑facing documents and ensure the academies’ brand standards are adhered to in all communication media.
• Strategy & Delivery – map out and deliver the academies’ marketing strategy across the academic year, including events, admissions and open days.
• Digital Leadership – manage the academies’ social media platforms, promoting news and events in line with safeguarding and branding requirements whilst ensuring the schools adhere to statutory requirements through their websites.
• Community Cohesion – work collaboratively to increase community cohesion with communities local to the academies.
• Fundraising – work with the Director of Opportunity and the academies’ SLT to identify funding sources and prepare and submit timely bids.
• Lettings Management – manage and oversee lettings at each academy, acting as the day‑to‑day point of contact.
• Governance and Clerking
• Advisory Guidance – advise the Local Governing Body (LGB) on its core functions, regulatory framework, governance legislation and procedural matters before, during and after meetings.
• Meeting Administration – work with the Chair and Headteacher to prepare focused agendas, liaise for papers, ensure meetings are quorate and draft/circulate accurate minutes.
• Compliance – ensure statutory policies are in place and revised when necessary, and update GIAS websites to accurately reflect the structure of the LGB.
• Membership – advise on the expiry of a governor’s term of office and maintain up‑to‑date records of governors (e.g. pecuniary interests and training).

Qualifications & Experience

• Strong experience in communications, copywriting or Public Relations.
• Experience in carrying out complex administrative tasks.
• Working knowledge of marketing procedures and practices.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, with strong listening skills.
• High level of ICT experience, including design packages, Google Suite and/or MS Office/word processing, and the ability to update our websites.
• Ability to plan, organise and prioritise workloads under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Excellent attention to detail, aligned with brand standards.
• English and Maths to GCSE/Standard Grade or equivalent (at least Grade 4/C).
• Experience in primary school public relations or as a clerk to governors is highly desirable.

EEO Statement

We welcome applications from all suitable candidates, regardless of any protected characteristic. All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements to ensure the safeguarding of children and young people. All positions will involve appropriate checks and clearances.