Interim head of PR and communications

About us

The National Institute of Teaching has an unswerving commitment to high-quality, evidence-informed teacher education and is on a mission to improve the quality of teacher and leader development across the system.

About the role

This is a unique opportunity to shape the voice of the national institute, ensuring our research, insights, and mission are communicated with clarity, creativity, and authority.

You will bring outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex ideas to a diverse range of audiences — from teachers and policymakers to media, government stakeholders, and the wider public.

To apply, please send a CV and cover letter to [email protected].

Closing date: 5:00 pm on 11 February 2026.

We reserve the right to close the advertisement early should we receive a high volume of suitable applications. We therefore encourage you to apply at your earliest convenience to avoid disappointment.

Corporate responsibilities

• 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.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive communication and PR strategies that align with the national institute’s vision and objectives.
• Act as the national institute's spokesperson, representing its views and initiatives to the media, government, and key stakeholders in the education sector.
• Lead our expert team of communication professionals, fostering a collaborative and high-performing environment, overseeing internal and external communications, stakeholder management and our alumni strategy.
• As part of the Partnership’s functions senior team, forge a close working relationship with the director of recruitment marketing to ensure alignment of messaging and opportunities for cross campaign messaging with the marketing team.
• Liaise with the executive team, including the CEO, regarding communications outputs.
• Lead the national institute’s plan for the communications and promotion of our research outputs.
• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including government officials, educators, community organisations, and the media.
• Oversee the production of insightful reports, briefings, and communications materials that highlight the national institute's research and findings.
• Ensure all communication efforts are evidence-based, clear, and resonate with diverse audiences, including teachers, policymakers, and the general public.
• Monitor and evaluate the impact of communication strategies, adjusting approaches as necessary to enhance effectiveness.
• Lead crisis communication efforts when necessary, ensuring the national institute’s position is effectively articulated and defended.
• Working closely with the executive director of partnerships to get key projects scoped, designed and executed.

What we’re looking for:

• A senior communications professional with significant experience in strategic leadership.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with a talent for conveying complex ideas clearly and compellingly.
• Proven ability to operate at pace, manage multiple priorities, and influence senior stakeholders.
• Experience working with media, government, or national organisations (education sector experience is an advantage).
• A collaborative, confident leader who can quickly embed, build strong relationships, and guide a high-performing team.

Working at the National Institute of Teaching

Contract: Fixed-term contract for six months, Full-time. Start date mid-March.

Salary: Circa £70,000 per annum, plus benefits.

Key benefits:

• Generous annual leave – 27 days’ holiday a year (plus 8 bank holidays), rising to 33 days after five years’ service.   
• Flexible working – we offer flexible start and end working times, with hybrid working in place for all roles.   
• Pension - Entry to the Local Government Pension Scheme.   
• Salary sacrifice schemes – we offer salary sacrifice schemes for bikes, cars and tech!
• Lifestyle benefits – We offer discounts on gyms, cinema, retail and much more!  
• Parenthood leave – We offer above the statutory minimum for maternity, adoption and paternity leave.
• Working environment – We have a stimulating, supportive and rewarding working environment with a dedicated team of like-minded professionals.  
• Support: Our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) provides confidential support for employees on personal or work-related matters.  
• Development: We fully support the development of our staff and ensure that you have a high level of continuous professional development.   

Further information  

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.   

Notes:    

• This post requires a satisfactory enhanced disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), with a Children’s Barred List Check, and an Occupational Health Check is required as a condition of employment.   
• The responsibilities will include, but will not be limited to, those listed above, and it is anticipated that the role will evolve over time, and as such, the duties may change. 

How to apply

To apply, please send a CV and cover letter to [email protected].

Closing date: 5:00pm 11 February 2026.

Contact us: If you have any queries about this role, please email us at [email protected].