Maternity cover for 12 months Starting March 2024

Salary - GBP74,866 per annum plus agile working allowance

Our range of excellent benefits include 39 days holiday allowance including bank holidays in addition to 4 days Christmas closure, 21 hours wellbeing leave, wellbeing contribution, generous pension scheme and commitment to personal growth through funded learning.

Applied pro-rata if working part-time

Job summary

NAHT is looking for an experienced Head of Press, for a 12 month maternity cover, who is able to develop and implement a clear and effective Press & Media Campaign strategy that represents the union's members views, policy objectives and campaign priorities. The role holder will also develop NAHT's approach to parliamentary affairs maintaining our position as a leading, respected and prominent voice in education.

Reporting to the Assistant General Secretary (Policy, Research, Press & Comms) this role will provide training and support to ensure media and lobbying activity is of the highest standard and delivers the greatest impact.

You will work closely with the Head of Communications and the AGS to develop media campaigns that protect and enhance NAHT's reputation as a change maker in education and will also deliver positive and effective coverage of all major NAHT events including Annual Conference and others.

Person specification

We are looking for a dynamic individual with significant experience of working in a press office of a national organisation at a senior level.

You must be able to develop and lead effective media campaigns, show initiative and be able to translate complex information into simple terms as well as being able to react quickly and deal with unexpected events.

You must have the ability to lead and manage a successful press team and build strong relationships with internal colleagues and key stakeholders, including journalists. Highly developed level of articulacy and communication skills and be able to write quickly in clear prose is crucial.

Having an awareness of the political nature of education and the union environment and grasp of current affairs and educational issues, together with a confident and professional and proactive approach are essential for this role.

You must be flexible and able to work unsocial hours and weekends as required.

About us

NAHT represents more than 37,000 school leaders in early years, primary, secondary/post primary and special schools, making us the largest association for school leaders in the UK. Our members consist of all categories of school leaders. We provide representation, advice and training for school leaders in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We use our voice at the highest levels of government to influence policy for the benefit of leaders and learners everywhere.

NAHT is an equal opportunities employer. We're committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive workplace where we can embrace and value individuality. We are committed to employment practices that promote diversity and inclusion and encourage all applications regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, sex, marriage and civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity status, race, religion or belief. Should you need any adjustments to the recruitment process, at either application or interview, please contact the HR team.

The closing date for receipt of applications is 2 nd January 2024.

First interview - 12 th January (via Microsoft Teams). Second interview - 19 th January (in person, at our offices in London Millbank). Applications from agencies will not be accepted.