Communications and PR Manager

Purpose of the Post

Responsible for protecting, enhancing, and promoting the reputation and profile of the College through effective management of all internal and external communications and media relations

Main Duties

1. Deputise for the Director of Marketing and Student Recruitment as appropriate
2. Represent the team and wider college internally and externally
3. Create engaging and relevant content for various internal and external channels, including emails, intranet news, newsletters, digital screens, staff briefings, press releases, articles, web content, social posts, speeches and presentations.

Internal Communications

4. Develop, implement, and evaluate an internal communications strategy aligned with the college’s mission, values, and strategic plan.
5. Manage and optimize existing internal communication channels and explore new platforms to improve reach and engagement across all campuses and departments.
6. Build strong relationships with key stakeholders across the college, including Executive Leadership Team, HR, IT, and curriculum leads, to understand their communication needs and provide expert advice.
7. Support change management initiatives by developing clear, timely, and sensitive communication plans to inform and reassure staff and students.
8. Establish and manage mechanisms for gathering feedback from staff and students to measure the effectiveness of internal communications and identify areas for improvement.
9. Ensure college policies, procedures, and important updates are communicated clearly and accessible to all relevant internal audiences.

PR

10. Develop, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive communications and public relations strategy aligned with the College’s strategic plan, values, and marketing objectives.
11. Proactively build and maintain strong relationships with key local, trade, and national media contacts. Act as the primary point of contact for media inquiries, prepare press releases, statements, and media briefings, and manage media visits and events.
12. Monitor media coverage and public sentiment to identify potential issues and opportunities. Develop and implement strategies to manage the College’s reputation effectively, including crisis communication planning and response.
13. Oversee the creation and dissemination of external communications materials, including news stories, publications, annual reports, website content, and official statements, ensuring accuracy, brand consistency, and engaging content.
14. Stay abreast of policy developments in the education sector and identify opportunities for influence.
15. Develop and disseminate crisis communications protocols and training to ensure the College is prepared.
16. Support the Director of Marketing and Student Recruitment to lead the communications response during potential or actual crisis situations, working closely with the Executive Leadership Team to protect the College’s reputation.

General duties and responsibilities

17. Undertake any other duties as may be reasonably required by the Director of Marketing and Student Recruitment or the College leadership.
18. To provide a helpful, professional and flexible service to internal or external customers of the department or the College.
19. To act in accordance with College values and positively represent Barnet and Southgate College in all aspects of your work.
20. To operate in accordance with the College’s policies and procedures.
21. To act in a safe manner which safeguards the health and safety of yourself and others.
22. To be aware of equality and diversity, the needs of customers and learners and demonstrate these principles in all aspects of your work.
23. To be familiar with and comply with the College’s safeguarding requirements which protect the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.
24. To participate in and take responsibility for your own learning and development
25. To provide cover or support for other members of your team and undertake any other duties required by your line manager appropriate to your position within the organisation. This includes attending other Barnet and Southgate College campuses if required.

NOTE: Please be aware that the duties and responsibilities outlined above are not exhaustive, nor are they shown in the order of priority or frequency. They may be varied from time to time after consultation with the post holder. You may, from time to time, be required to work evenings, Saturdays or on a Sunday.

Further information about this post, an application pack including job description and person specification and the application form can be found at: www.barnetsouthgate.ac.uk/The-College/job-vacancies

This post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure application to the Disclosure and Barring service.

If you have any queries regarding this post, please email Jobs@barnetsouthgate.ac.uk and quote the relevant post/reference number.

Please note, due to the volume of applications we receive, we are unable to inform all applicants as to whether or not they have been shortlisted. Therefore, if you have not heard from us within one month of the closing date, please assume your application has been unsuccessful.

Please note, due to the volume of applications we receive, we are unable to inform all applicants as to whether or not they have been shortlisted. Therefore, if you have not heard from us within one month of the closing date, please assume your application has been unsuccessful.

PLEASE NOTE CVs WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED