Description
Summary
The Head of Colleague Comms and Engagement is responsible for driving our internal communication strategy, fostering a culture of active engagement, and ensuring AQA's values are embedded.
This highly strategic role plays a pivotal part in ensuring that internal communication is targeted, outcome focused, impactful, and reflective of our commitment to excellence, creativity and innovation.
While the main focus is on AQAEd, there is a growing need to support the wider Group, including Assessment Services and our increasing vocational presence.As the Head of Colleague Comms and Engagement, you will lead and manage the Internal Communications and Engagement team, which is an integral part of the Corporate Affairs and Strategy business area.
You will report directly to the Executive Director for Corporate Affairs and Strategy and be a member of the Business Area’s senior leader team. You will act as Business Partner to the Exec Team, including the CEO, providing strategic advice, and working collaboratively with the External Affairs and Strategy teams.
Additionally, you will lead and manage a small team of professionals delivering impactful corporate communication and overseeing the corporate comms calendar.
Activities:
Lead and develop the internal communication strategy to drive employee engagement and alignment with organisational objectives
Scan the current and longer-term external horizon to ensure internal communication matches what AQA needs now and in the future
Keep abreast of progress with the AQA strategy and organisational issues to ensure all are represented in the comms strategy and plan
Provide insightful and strategic advice on internal communication challenges to the Exec Team
Deliver highly impactful communication at the highest level, including content for the CEO for set piece internal events
Lead and mentor a team, providing clear direction, support, and development opportunities
Collaborate with senior leadership to align communication strategies with business priorities and values
Develop and implement innovative communication initiatives to embed AQA’s purpose, strategy, and culture in all internal communication channels
Act as an active member of the CAS SLT, ensuring that colleague needs and concerns are factored into organisational strategy
Handle internal communication responses to crisis situations or confidential projects
Work collaboratively with external communications colleagues to co-ordinate messages and campaigns
Line manage all members of the IC team
Be comfortable working in a changeable environment and embracing uncertainty
Strong leadership skills with the ability to effectively engage, lead and develop a team
Be up to date with latest communication trends, themes and tools
Track record of working under pressure, fostering resilience within a team
Able to build strong relationships with colleagues at all levels and in all parts of the organisation
Significant experience in internal communication and leading a team
Excellent stakeholder management and relationship-building capabilities
Ability to navigate complex organisational structures and collaborate with cross-functional teams
Demonstrate experience in leveraging communication channels to foster employee engagement and embed company values
Track record of writing succinctly for impact