This is a fantastic interim opportunity for an experienced communications professional to step in as Deputy Head of Communications for a major educational organisation navigating a busy and high-profile period of transformation and change.
What You’ll Do as Deputy Head of Communications
You’ll provide senior strategic and hands-on support across all areas of communications, helping to steer internal and external engagement in a complex, fast-moving environment. Acting as a trusted deputy to the Head of Communications and the wider leadership team, you’ll bring stability, structure and credibility to the team during this critical phase.
Key Responsibilities and Impact
- Support the development and delivery of the communications strategy, ensuring clear, consistent messaging across all audiences.
- Lead on corporate communications, including press, stakeholder and internal engagement.
- Provide strategic counsel to senior leaders and act as a calm, trusted voice during periods of change.
- Oversee press office operations and manage issues and reputational risks effectively.
- Ensure timely, effective communication with staff, partners and external stakeholders.
- Mentor and guide team members, maintaining high standards and focus under pressure.
What We’re Looking For
You’re a seasoned communications practitioner with a calm, measured approach and the ability to adapt quickly to complex organisational dynamics. You’ll be equally comfortable advising senior leadership and rolling up your sleeves to deliver.
Essential Experience and Skills
- Extensive experience in corporate and internal communications, ideally in large or complex organisations.
- Proven success in supporting change and transformation programmes.
- Experience in navigating crises
- Skilled in media relations, issues management and stakeholder engagement.
- Strong writing, messaging and storytelling ability.
- Confident, resilient and comfortable with ambiguity.
- Available immediately and able to commit to up to 3x days per week onsite in the southeast.
Contract Details and Benefits
- 8-month minimum term, with potential to extend
- Circa £500 per day (inside IR35)
- Hybrid working, with 2-3x days per week on-site in the southeast
How to Apply
If you have the relevant experience and this opportunity sounds interesting to you, please get in touch with our team, including a copy of your CV as soon as possible via the form below. We’ll be in touch to arrange a confidential conversation.
Hanson Search is a leading talent advisory and executive search consultancy with consultants based across the UAE, UK, USA, and Europe. We specialise in business-critical roles that drive revenue, reputation, and risk, with dedicated teams in Communications, Government Relations, Financial Communications, Public Affairs, Healthcare Communications, Marketing, Digital Marketing, Sustainability, Investor Relations and C-Suite recruitment. Please click here to find out more about Hanson Search.
We are committed to equality of opportunity for all. You can access our Diversity and Inclusion Policy here.
Application is now closed for this role, please view other opportunities, or submit your CV in the form below to be updated on other similar roles.
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Head of Interim Communications
Ben Mitchell: Head of Interim Communications Ben is Head of Interim Communications and works across both Hanson Search and our sister company, The Work Crowd. A former Head of Communications, Ben now helps organisations source the very best talent for...
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