Description
ISP Head Of Corporate Communications & PR Role Profile
We are International Schools Partnership (ISP), a leading global educational private group (aged K-12) counting with more than 80,000 students in 81 schools across 24 countries.
We put learning at the heart of everything we do to create rounded open-minded individuals that can forge successful pathways and lives, in a rapidly changing world.
About the role
We are seeking a highly motivated, strategic, and action oriented senior Head of Corporate Communications and PR to lead and manage our global communications efforts.
The Head of Corporate Communications and PR is a new created senior position within the organization, responsible for managing and overseeing all aspects of communication, public relations, and media strategy. This role requires a seasoned professional with a deep understanding of corporate communication principles, media relations, and public relations strategies.
Someone who has experience on brand and communications, who is ready to influence a growing organization with its passion, experience, and attitude. Kind, open-minded, bold, creative, determined. An individual that can inspire groups, someone that feels comfortable presenting to senior stakeholders on Mondays, writing a piece of content on Wednesdays and coaching colleagues on Fridays.
If you see yourself in this description, we would love to hear from you!
A few crucial considerations before we get into the detail:
- The role will be preferably based in the UK, but we will consider all locations at this stage.
- Native English is required as this role will need heavy copywriting skills. Fluent in Spanish is a plus.
Focus Areas
As Head of Corporate Communications and PR you will:
- Develop and implement internal & external communication strategies.
- Manage PR agency and own the relationships with media, journalists, and industry leaders to secure positive coverage.
- Lead crisis communication plans, serving as the key contact during emergencies, and responding promptly to minimize negative impacts.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Communication Leadership & Planning:
- Develop and implement comprehensive communication strategies aligned with ISP goals and objectives.
- Drive the development of messaging frameworks and ensure consistent communication across all channels.
- Provide strategic counsel and support to senior leaders on all communications matters.
Public Relations:
- Develop and execute PR campaigns to enhance the organization's reputation and brand image.
- Build and foster global partnerships, collaborations, and brand ambassador programmes.
- Manage crisis communication and provide guidance during reputational challenges.
- Foster positive relationships with stakeholders, including customers, investors, and the community.
Media Relations:
- Build and maintain strong relationships with media outlets, journalists, and influencers.
- Act as the organization's spokesperson, handling media inquiries, interviews, and press conferences.
- Proactively seek opportunities to secure positive media coverage.
Content Development:
- Creation of engaging and impactful content for various communication channels, including press releases, website news, articles, blog posts, and social media.
- Ensure content aligns with the organization's messaging and values.
Internal Communication:
- Develop and implement internal communication strategies to foster a positive and informed organizational culture.
- Craft compelling internal communications messages and materials to keep employees informed and engaged (newsletters, Townhalls, etc)
- Liaise with various departments to ensure internal messaging is consistent and aligned with external communication.
Monitoring and Measurement:
- Implement tools and metrics to measure the effectiveness of communication strategies.
- Provide regular reports and analysis to leadership on the impact of communication efforts.
Team Leadership:
- Lead, mentor, and develop a Communication and Content manager.
- Foster a collaborative and innovative work environment.
A decalogue of skills, qualifications, and experiences we are looking for:
- Extensive experience in corporate communications, public relations, or media relations. We dont believe years necessarily reflect someone past experiences and skills, but as guidance we will be considering 7-10 minimum years of experience, not necessarily in Education segment.
- Proven track record of developing and executing successful communication campaigns.
- A doer as much as of a thinker
- Advanced copywriting, editing skills, proofreading skills.
- Excellent communication skills: a confident communicator with ability to present ideas with clarity and vision and inspire colleagues to action.
- Excellent leadership and COLLABORATION (in capital letters) skills with internal staff and external stakeholders: kind, open-minded yet bold and creative.
- Excellent negotiation skills with the media and agencies
- Self-motivated with a positive and professional approach to management
- A problem solver vs problem creator: can-do attitude: results-oriented / objective-driven. Ability to coordinate, collate and interpret data.
- Ability to work simultaneously on several tasks and projects.
ISP Leadership Competencies
You consistently demonstrate and role-model the ISP Leadership Competencies in all that you do.
- Collaboration. Takes an active part in leading their school or region; is cooperative and a genuine team player, developing positive, supportive relationships with colleagues to solve problems and maximise opportunities.
- Learning & Getting Better. Continually demonstrates personal commitment and passion for learning and getting better using evidence and feedback; supporting others in their continual learning, development and growth.
- Innovation Leadership. Is good at creating an environment where ideas for learning initiatives and services are generated and is able to motivate and inspire others through the process of creation through to completion.
- Outcome driven. Can be counted on to find solutions. Is consistently looking to exceed goals and is focused on KPIs.
- Resilience. Can deal with setbacks and challenges calmly and effectively.
- Community Focus. Is committed to meeting and exceeding the needs and expectations of our students and their families.
- Integrity & Ethical Management. Has the ability to work ethically and with integrity; helps others feel valued; upholds and models the ISP Vision, Purpose and Principles.
ISP Principles
Begin with our children and students. Our children and students are at the heart of what we do. Simply, their success is our success. Wellbeing and safety are both essential for learners and learning. Therefore, we are consistent in identifying potential safeguarding and Health & Safety issues and acting and following up on all concerns appropriately.
Treat everyone with care and respect. We look after one another, embrace similarities and differences and promote the well-being of self and others.
Operate effectively. We focus relentlessly on the things that are most important and will make the most difference. We apply school policies and procedures and embody the shared ideas of our community.
Be financially responsible. We make financial choices carefully based on the needs of the children, students, and our schools.
Learn continuously. Getting better is what drives us. We positively engage with personal and professional development and school improvement.
ISP Commitment to Safeguarding Principles
ISP is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All post holders are subject to appropriate vetting procedures and satisfactory Criminal Background Checks or equivalent covering the previous 10 years employment history.
ISP Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging
ISP is committed to strengthening our inclusive culture by identifying, hiring, developing, and retaining high-performing teammates regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation and gender expression, age, disability status, neurodivergence, socio-economic background or other demographic characteristics. Candidates who share our vision and principles and are interested in contributing to the success of ISP through this role are strongly encouraged to apply.