At AQA were committed to advancing education and were committed to our people. As the largest provider of academic qualifications in the UK we mark over 10 million exam papers each year and its our people who make this happen.

Head of Colleague Comms and Engagement

Permanent

Manchester:

Guildford: 74406- 81346

Hybrid 2x days a week in the office

Introduction

This is an exciting opportunity to lead AQAs internal communications and engagement strategy at a pivotal moment. As Head of Colleague Comms and Engagement you will set the direction for how we connect with and inspire our 1400 colleagues. You will play a key role in shaping the colleague experience building a culture of open communication and ensuring every colleague feels informed valued and engaged.

Purpose of the role

In this role you will provide strategic leadership for AQAs internal communication and engagement. You will support our Executive Team and senior leaders to deliver clear impactful and inspiring content. Youll work closely with the CEO and senior stakeholders acting as a trusted adviser on colleague communication and engagement challenges and ensuring AQAs purpose and strategy are embedded across the organisation.

Key responsibilities

In this role youll be responsible for:

• Developing and leading the internal communication strategy to strengthen colleague engagement and alignment with AQAs purpose and goals.

• Supporting senior leaders with clear high-impact communication and advice on key organisational messages.

• Leading developing and inspiring a dedicated communications team to deliver engaging initiatives and events across AQA.

What we are looking for

Youll thrive in this role if you have:

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to effectively engage lead and develop a team

• Significant experience in internal communication and leading a team

• Excellent stakeholder management and relationship-building capabilities

• Ability to navigate complex organisational structures and collaborate with cross-functional teams

Whats in it for you

This is a fantastic opportunity to make a lasting impact on how AQA communicates and connects with colleagues. Youll shape the future of colleague engagement while working closely with leaders across the organisation.

• The opportunity to lead a highly visible strategic function at the heart of AQA.

• Exposure to senior leaders and the chance to influence organisation-wide priorities.

• A 35-hour week and a flexible working culture.

• 25 days holiday rising to 30 with service plus bank holidays and additional Christmas closure.

• An enhanced contributory pension scheme you could pay in 7% and AQA contributes 11.5% (other options available).

• Comprehensive health coverage from day one including Bupa PMI Health Cash Plan and Life Assurance.

• Access to eco-friendly transport schemes including cycle to work and electric vehicle leasing.

• Strong commitment to personal and professional development.

Diversity and inclusion

At AQA we are committed to fostering a workplace that celebrates diversity and promotes equity and inclusion. We believe that a diverse team brings richer perspectives and drives better outcomes. Our ED&I strategy ensures that everyoneregardless of religion ethnicity gender identity or expression age disability sexual orientation or backgroundis valued respected and empowered to thrive. We actively promote inclusive language avoid stereotypes and strive for representation across all dimensions of diversity. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and lived experiences.

Application process

To apply please submit your CV and cover letter. The deadline for applications is Sunday 28th September. The selection process will include two interviews. 1st stage will be F2F at our London office on 1st Oct and 2nd stage will be on 2/3 Oct via MS Teams. Successful candidates will be supported with a thorough onboarding process to help you get started.

Recruitment Agencies

We have a preferred supplier list (PSL) in place.

Unsolicited CVs will be treated as a gift. We will not be subject to or liable under your terms and conditions for agency fees.

Full Job Description

Summary

The Head of Colleague Comms and Engagement is responsible for driving our internal communication strategy fostering a culture of active engagement and ensuring AQAs values are embedded.
This highly strategic role plays a pivotal part in ensuring that internal communication is targeted outcome focused impactful and reflective of our commitment to excellence creativity and innovation.
While the main focus is on AQAEd there is a growing need to support the wider Group including Assessment Services and our increasing vocational the Head of Colleague Comms and Engagement you willleadand manage the Internal Communications and Engagement team which is an integral part of the Corporate Affairs and Strategy business area.
You will report directly to the Executive Director for Corporate Affairs and Strategy and be a member of the Business Areas senior leader team. You will act as Business Partner to the Exec Team including the CEO providing strategic advice and working collaboratively with the External Affairs and Strategy teams.
Additionally you willleadand manage a small team of professionals delivering impactful corporate communication and overseeing the corporate comms calendar.
Activities:

Lead and develop the internal communication strategy to drive employee engagement and alignment with organisational objectives
Scan the current and longer-term external horizon to ensure internal communication matches what AQA needs now and in the future
Keep abreast of progress with the AQA strategy and organisational issues to ensure all are represented in the comms strategy and plan
Provide insightful and strategic advice on internal communication challenges to the Exec Team
Deliver highly impactful communication at the highest level including content for the CEO for set piece internal events
Lead and mentor a team providing clear direction support and development opportunities
Collaborate with senior leadership to align communication strategies with business priorities and values
Develop and implement innovative communication initiatives to embed AQAs purpose strategy and culture in all internal communication channels
Act as an active member of the CAS SLT ensuring that colleague needs and concerns are factored into organisational strategy
Handle internal communication responses to crisis situations or confidential projects
Work collaboratively with external communications colleagues to co-ordinate messages and campaigns
Line manage all members of the IC team
Be comfortable working in a changeable environment and embracing uncertainty
Strong leadership skills with the ability to effectively engage lead and develop a team
Be up to date with latest communication trends themes and tools
Track record of working under pressure fostering resilience within a team
Able to build strong relationships with colleagues at all levels and in all parts of the organisation
Significant experience in internal communication and leading a team
Excellent stakeholder management and relationship-building capabilities
Ability to navigate complex organisational structures and collaborate with cross-functional teams
Demonstrate experience in leveraging communication channels to foster employee engagement and embed company values
Track record of writing succinctly for impact