Head of Communications and Engagement

Star Academies, Blackburn, BB1 2HT

16 days remaining to apply

• Start date details

  Ideally January 2027, but subject to the successful candidate's notice period

• Closing date

  19 November 2026 at 11:59pm

• Date listed

  3 November 2026

Job details

• Job role:
  • Other support role
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Working pattern: Full time: 37 hours per week
• Contract type: Permanent
• Full time equivalent salary: £76,880 to £89,880 per annum

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.

Further information about the job

The candidate will be required to undergo a full enhanced DBS check and must be eligible to work in the UK.

Visas cannot be sponsored.

If you're interested in teaching or training to teach in England as an international citizen, we can help you understand your next steps.

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.

Applying for the job

Apply for the job by following the link below.

CVs will not be accepted for this application.

Additional documents

If you need these documents in an accessible format, please contact the school.

Appointment Brief - Head of Communications and Engagement - Nov 2026.pdf - 831 KB (opens in new tab)

About Star Academies

• Type: Multi-academy trust
• Website: Star Academies website
• Email address: daniel.burgess@staracademies.org
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/star-academies

Head office location

Get a job alert when similar jobs are listed

Find more school jobs in Blackburn With Darwen