Create and shape a communications function in a fast-growing, mission-led national institution committed to improving outcomes for children through education.
The National Institute of Teaching is a specialist higher education institution dedicated to improving teacher and leader development across England. Rooted in schools and informed by evidence, it combines research, programme design and national delivery to support educators throughout their careers, strengthening teaching, leadership and educational outcomes for children nationwide.
The Head of Communications and Engagement will lead and develop the NIoT’s communications function, shaping organisational narrative, reputation, stakeholder engagement, media relations and internal communications at a pivotal stage in the organisation’s growth.
The role requires a strategic and hands-on communications leader who can operate at pace, build systems and strategies from the ground up and confidently advise senior stakeholders, including the CEO and Executive Team.
Ideally, candidates will bring significant communications leadership experience – preferably within education, higher education, the public sector or mission-led organisations – alongside excellent stakeholder management, PR and team leadership skills, strong judgement, adaptability and a genuine commitment to improving outcomes for children through education.
Who we are
The National Institute of Teaching is a specialist higher education institution for the teaching profession, created to improve the quality of teacher and leader development across England. Rooted in schools and focused on outcomes, we bring together research, programme design and national delivery to support educators at every stage of their careers – from initial teacher training through to experienced leadership. Our work is shaped by evidence and by the realities of school life, with programmes designed by teachers, leaders and teacher educators who understand the joys, pressures and responsibilities of working in education.
Through our professional development programmes, research activity and partnerships with schools and Associate Colleges across the country, we aim to strengthen teaching and leadership where it matters most. We generate and interpret research on what works in teacher development, apply those insights directly to the design and delivery of high-quality programmes and share what we learn with the wider sector so more schools, teachers, leaders and pupils can benefit.
At the heart of the NIoT is a belief that teaching is a fundamental societal good, a privilege and a responsibility. We are an inclusive learning community, constantly curious about teaching and learning and committed to ensuring that all children (particularly those facing disadvantage) receive the excellent education they deserve. Joining the NIoT means contributing to work with national significance: helping to shape the future of teacher and leader development and, through that, improving education for children across the country.
About the role
The Head of Communications and Engagement is a recently created senior leadership role that will build and lead the NIoT’s communications and engagement function during a significant period of organisational growth.
Reporting to the Executive Director of Partnerships, the postholder will develop a clear and compelling organisational narrative, enhance the Institute’s profile and reputation and ensure effective engagement across a diverse range of audiences, including schools, trusts, policymakers, researchers, funders and partners.
The role offers the opportunity to shape strategy while delivering operational impact in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading the development and delivery of the NIoT’s communications and engagement strategy.
- Building and strengthening brand, reputation, media relations and stakeholder engagement activity.
- Advising the CEO and Executive Team on communications, reputational and engagement matters.
- Developing internal communications that support culture, alignment and organisational effectiveness.
- Leading and developing a small team while establishing systems, processes and priorities for long-term success.
The successful candidate will play a critical role in helping the NIoT articulate its impact, strengthen its influence across the education sector and support its mission to improve outcomes for teachers, leaders and children nationally.
Who we are looking for
We are seeking an experienced and strategic communications leader with the credibility, judgement and resilience to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving organisation.
Candidates must demonstrate a strong track record of leading successful communications, engagement and stakeholder strategies, ideally within education, higher education, the public sector or another mission-led environment and be comfortable operating at both strategic and operational levels.
The NIoT is seeking an individual who can shape and articulate a compelling organisational narrative, translating complex research, policy and educational priorities into clear, engaging communications for a diverse range of audiences.
Candidates must have experience of building organisational profile and influence, strengthening stakeholder relationships and enhancing reputation through effective communications and engagement activity.
You will also possess excellent judgement and the confidence to advise senior leaders on communications opportunities, challenges and sensitive issues, balancing strategic thinking with practical delivery.
Key attributes and experience include:
- Significant senior-level communications, engagement and stakeholder management experience.
- Strong media relations, PR and reputation management expertise.
- Experience developing compelling organisational narratives and audience-focused communication strategies.
Peridot Partners and National Institute of Teaching are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. As a condition of employment, this post requires a satisfactory enhanced disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) with a Children’s Barred List Check and Occupational Health Check.
To view the role description and person specification, please go to the ‘How to Apply’ tab above, fill in your details and download the candidate pack.
For further information or to arrange a confidential discussion, please contact our advising consultants at Peridot Partners:
Dr Sophie Carney | sophie@peridotpartners.co.uk | 07399 528307
Shaun Eden | shaun@peridotpartners.co.uk | 07951 509128
Welcome from the Executive Director of Partnerships
Dear Candidate,
Thank you for your interest in the Head of Communications and Engagement position at the National Institute of Teaching.
This is an exciting opportunity to join the Institute and lead on 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.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Emma Rennison
Executive Director of Partnerships
About the National Institute of Teaching
The National Institute of Teaching (NIoT) is a specialist higher education institution dedicated to improving teacher and leader development across England. Established by the School-Led Development Trust and founded by four leading multi-academy trusts, the organisation combines educational research, programme design and national delivery to strengthen teaching and leadership at every stage of an educator’s career. Its work spans initial teacher training, early career development and leadership programmes, all underpinned by a commitment to evidence-informed practice.
Our central team is headquartered in Blackburn, Lancashire. The central team carries out our research and programme design in close consultation with our Associate Colleges and founding school trusts. Four Regional Principals lead our six campuses in London, Birmingham, Bristol, Blackburn, Doncaster and Redcar.
Today, the NIoT is entering an exciting new phase of growth and development. Having secured degree-awarding powers and expanded its national reach, the organisation is strengthening its position as a leading voice in teacher and leader development. While continuing to deliver high-quality programmes across England, the NIoT is also investing in its research capability, partnerships and organisational infrastructure to increase its impact across the education sector.
Collaboration sits at the heart of the Institute’s approach. Alongside its founding trusts, the NIoT works with a network of Associate Colleges and partner schools, ensuring that its programmes are informed by both research and the realities of school life. This enables the organisation to respond to local needs while maintaining a national perspective, helping to improve outcomes for educators and pupils across a wide range of communities.
Looking ahead, the NIoT has ambitious plans to extend its influence and impact. By generating and sharing research, developing exceptional professional learning opportunities and supporting educators in areas of greatest need, the organisation aims to help shape the future of teaching and school leadership in England. Its long-term ambition is for every teacher and leader to be positively influenced by the NIoT’s work, either directly or indirectly, helping to ensure that all children, regardless of background, have access to an excellent education.
Joining the NIoT offers the opportunity to contribute to work of genuine national significance within an organisation that combines intellectual rigour, educational expertise and a clear social purpose.
Accessibility information
The National Institute of Teaching is committed to creating a diverse environment and ensuring that all qualified applicants receive equal consideration for employment. We are committed to fair and inclusive recruitment practices.
We think a wide range of different work and educational experiences could support you to be successful in this role. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, communities and industries and are committed to employing a team that has diverse skills, experiences and abilities.
We offer the following amenities:
- Accessibility dogs are welcome
- Interviews can be held in meeting rooms that support hearing loops
- Papers and materials can be presented in different formats
- A sign language interpreter can be accessed for the interview
- Working patterns and locations can be adjusted
To arrange a confidential discussion, please contact our advising consultants at Peridot Partners:
Dr Sophie Carney | sophie@peridotpartners.co.uk | 07399 528307
Shaun Eden | shaun@peridotpartners.co.uk | 07951 509128
Thank you for your interest in this role. Please download the Role Description and Person Specification.
To formally apply, please submit a CV and supporting statement (ideally maximum 2 sides of A4 each) that clearly outlines your suitability for the role against the criteria provided in the person specification, including your interest and motivation in applying for this position.
Please include your home address, contact email and mobile.
Please ensure that your application is emailed to response@peridotpartners.co.uk, inserting “Application: National Institute of Teaching — Head of Communications and Engagement” into the subject field. You will receive an acknowledgement of receipt within 2-3 days. If you do not receive an acknowledgement, please contact our admin team.
For further information about the role or to arrange a confidential discussion, please contact our advising consultants at Peridot Partners:
Dr Sophie Carney | sophie@peridotpartners.co.uk | 07399 528307
Shaun Eden | shaun@peridotpartners.co.uk | 07951 509128
As a sector-leading executive search consultancy, we know the importance of creating recruitment processes that are fair, inclusive and free from bias. We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and developing a process that values differences.
If you require any job information in an alternative format (e.g. large print), please contact the lead consultants. Please also let us know if you would like to submit your application in an alternative format.
Applicants with disabilities are welcome to contact us in confidence at any stage of the recruitment process to discuss any reasonable adjustments or support that may be required to ensure fair and equal participation.
Recruitment selection processes are based on evidence of competence stated in the person specification and in relation to our values.
Timetable
Closing date: 9 a.m. Monday 5th October
Candidates informed of outcome: Wednesday 14th October
First stage interviews: Wednesday 21st October
Second stage interviews: Wednesday 4th November
Equal Opportunities Monitoring
Peridot and National Institute of Teaching are committed to promoting equality and diversity. To help us raise awareness and support a culture that is diverse and recognises and develops the potential of all, we need to appreciate the profile of candidates who apply for positions. We will send you an equality monitoring survey at the point of receiving your application and at the time of placement. This ensures that our processes remain inclusive and equitable throughout and provides us with important data to help us showcase our impact.
The information will be treated confidentially and anonymously and will help us to support our commitment to fair recruitment practice. All information provided will be held in the strictest confidence and will not be shared with anyone, in line with the Data Protection Act 2018 launched on 25 May 2018.
The information provided does not form part of the decision-making process and will not affect your application. Learn more about why we collect this data here.
Data Processing, Protection and Privacy Policy
By completing the form to view, or if you have access to this page from an email invitation, Peridot Partners will have processed your personal information. For more information about Peridot Partners’ data processing activities and your rights, please read our Privacy Policy.
