Head of Communications and Engagement
| Company: | Teaching Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Salary: | Not specified |
| Hours: | Full-time |
| Location: | Blackburn, BB1 2HT |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Posting date: | 3 Nov 2026 |
| Closing date: | 19 Nov 2026 |
Summary
What skills and experience we're looking for
Who we’re looking for
Star Academies is seeking an experienced and accomplished communications professional to lead communications, engagement, brand and marketing across the Trust.
Working closely with senior leaders, you will provide strategic communications advice and play a key role in shaping how Star tells its story, communicates its priorities and strengthens its reputation with staff, pupils, parents, communities, partners and other key stakeholders.
You will bring experience in communications within a large, complex or multi-site organisation, with the judgement to manage sensitive and high-profile issues and ensure communications activity is coordinated, timely and effective.
You will lead and develop a multidisciplinary team, setting high standards across corporate and internal communications, media and PR, brand, marketing, digital communications and stakeholder engagement.
We welcome applications from a wide range of sectors and backgrounds. We are looking for a strategic, collaborative and proactive leader who can combine sound judgement with a practical, hands-on approach and a genuine commitment to improving the life chances of young people.
You will have:
• A degree level qualification or be able to demonstrate equivalent senior-level professional experience in communications, marketing, public relations, journalism or a related field.
• A strong track record of developing and delivering integrated communications and marketing strategies.
• Experience of media relations, reputation management and sensitive or high-profile communications.
• Experience of developing effective brand, marketing, digital and stakeholder engagement activity.
• Excellent written, verbal and editorial skills.
• A creative, collaborative and results-focused approach, with the ability to work both strategically and operationally.
• Full commitment to our mission, vision and values.
What the school offers its staff
About Star Central
Star Central, which is based at our head office in Blackburn, Lancashire, provides leadership, strategic direction and support to Star Academies, Star Talent Academy and our schools.
The Star Central team includes experts from a range of professional backgrounds, who work together to provide an outstanding support service to the Star community. We support our schools to provide educational and operational excellence and to cultivate a strong Star community, with the aim of nurturing today’s young people and inspiring tomorrow’s leaders.
Commitment to safeguarding
Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment. Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance. Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant): childcare disqualification Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) medical online and social media prohibition from teaching right to work satisfactory references suitability to work with children You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.