What skills and experience we're looking for
A rare opportunity to lead communications and brand for one of the UK's leading education trusts.
As Head of Communications and Brand at the Harris Federation, you will shape and protect our public profile, leading strategic communications, marketing and media activity across a network of 55 academies.
Reporting to the CEO, you will act as a trusted adviser to senior leaders, driving brand consistency, overseeing high impact campaigns, and leading digital, PR and internal communications to support pupil recruitment, staff attraction and organisational growth. You will also build and lead a high performing MarComms function and manage external agency partnerships.
This is a pivotal leadership role where you'll bring the Harris story to life - showcasing our impact, strengthening our reputation, and helping us navigate sector challenges with clarity and credibility.
If you are a senior communications leader with a strong track record in brand, digital and stakeholder engagement, and are passionate about making a difference to young people's futures - we'd love to hear from you.
Desired qualifications and experience
* Degree in Marketing, Communications, Digital Media or related field.
* Professional Marketing qualification (CIM or equivalent)
* Evidence of CPD in digital marketing, SEO, or communications.
* Significant experience in marketing, communications, or digital strategy.
* Experience managing brand identity and external communications
* Experience in education, charity or public sector.
* Strong understanding of digital marketing, SEO, Analytics, and social media best practice.
* Excellent written and communication skills.
* Strong design awareness and understanding of visual identity.
* Proficiency with CMS platforms, social media tools, and analytics software.
Further details about the role
Your responsibilities will include:
Strategic Leadership & Executive Advisory
* Develop and lead the Federation's external communications and brand strategy at the highest level, ensuring coherence across all academies and central services.
* Act as an adviser to the CEO and executive team on internal and external communications.
Brand Leadership
* Own and embed the Federation's brand identity, values, and visual standards across all academies and external channels.
* Own and embed brand guidelines, tone of voice, and messaging across all channels to ensure consistency.
External Campaigns & Growth Marketing
* Create comprehensive marketing and communications strategies that align with the Federation's aims and increase brand awareness.
* Own and develop high impact external campaigns to support pupil recruitment, reputation and trust building, staff recruitment (in collaboration with Talent Acquisition), and new academy expansions.
MarComms Directorate Leadership
* Build and lead a high performing Marketing & Communications Directorate.
* Set long-term capability requirements and lead workforce planning as the function scales.
Commitment to safeguarding
The Harris Federation and all our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share in this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed for all applicants. Before applying, please review our Policy Statement on the Recruitment of Ex-Offenders.
For a full job specification, please download the Job Pack.
Competitive rewards and benefits package which includes a Harris Allowance, a Performance and Loyalty Bonus, Pension Scheme, a Wellbeing Cash Plan and many other benefits.
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