Head of Communications and Brand

Croydon, UK (Hybrid)

£60K/yr – £70K/yrDirector/ExecutiveFull time

Posted 2 months ago

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Job Summary

Lead and unify external communications and brand across all academies, advising the CEO, embedding a consistent identity and tone, and driving high-impact campaigns to support recruitment, reputation, and expansion.

  • Brand and coherence: Establish a single brand architecture and messaging across federations and central services.
  • External campaigns: Build recruitment, reputation, and expansion campaigns with cross-functional alignment.
  • Leadership and capability: Shape the Marketing & Communications Directorate and plan long-term staffing and skill needs.

Job Description

Responsibilities

  • 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
  • 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
  • Create comprehensive marketing and communications strategies that align with the Federations 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
  • Build and lead a high performing Marketing & Communications Directorate
  • Set long-term capability requirements and lead workforce planning as the function scales
Harris Federation logo

Harris Federation

2.8 Glassdoor

The Harris Federation is the leading large multi-academy trust in the country with over 50 academies across London and Essex, educating more than 40,000 young people. For over 30 years, we have been raising standards in education. OUR VISION AND VALUESOur mission is simple: to close the educational gap between young people from disadvantaged backgrounds and their peers. As champions of social mobility, we challenge inequality and are creating a future where every child has the chance to achieve their ambitions. OUR ACADEMIESWith both primary and secondary academies, as well as all-through schools, we provide high-quality education at every stage. We are based across 16 boroughs including Croydon, Bromley, Southwark, Thurrock, and Haringey, and most of our academies are located in areas of socioeconomic disadvantage. CAREER DEVELOPMENTWith a focus on coaching and continuous learning, you'll have the support you need to reach your professional potential. Through Harris Institute, we offer the whole golden thread of CPD, including NPQs. We are also committed to using our apprenticeship levy for staff development so there will always be a programme to help you advance in your career. BENEFITSWe know that to do your best work, you need to feel supported, valued, and rewarded. That's why we offer a generous benefits package, including competitive salaries and a Harris Allowance for teaching staff. Wellbeing is at the forefront, with a cash plan for healthcare and employee assistance programme. HARRIS FUTURES - OUR ALUMNI NETWORKOur alumni network, Harris Futures connects former students who have gone on to achieve success across a variety of sectors. This community provides valuable opportunities for ongoing mentorship, collaboration, and support. WORK WITH USWe are always looking for talented individuals to help us shape the future of education in London and Essex. Explore our career opportunities and see how you can have a rewarding career at Harris.

Croydon, England, GBR
891 employees
39% recommend to a friend
26% CEO approval

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