Head of Communications and Engagement

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

Apply By: 31 August 2026

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.

• 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.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications.

• To ensure that the responsibilities of the role are carried out in a way which reflects the mission and the values of the national institute.
• To be aware of and observe all policies, procedures, working practices and regulations, and in particular to comply with policies relating to Equal Opportunities, Health and Safety, Confidentiality, Data Protection and Financial Regulations, reporting any concerns to an appropriate person.
• To comply with all reasonable management requests.

• 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…