Head of Communications

Head of Communications

Salary: £60,000–£65,000 (depending on experience)
Location: Hybrid (role can be based out of Leeds/London with regular travel, please state your home location on your CV)
Contract: Full time

BookTrust is the UK’s largest children’s reading charity, supporting 1.4 million children and families each year. Working with partners across education, health, libraries and social care, the organisation focuses on reaching those who need support most, helping to tackle inequality and improve life chances through reading.

The role

BookTrust is seeking a Head of Communications to lead its strategic communications function at a pivotal moment, following the launch of its five-year strategy, Reading for a Brighter Future.

Reporting to the Director of Communications, the role leads an integrated approach across media, content, campaigns, internal communications and stakeholder engagement. The postholder will ensure a clear, consistent and audience-led voice, strengthening reputation, extending reach and increasing influence.

As a senior leader, the Head of Communications will advise the Executive Leadership Team on reputation, risk and organisational positioning, while leading a high-performing team and delivering impactful communications.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the development and delivery of the communications strategy
• Advise senior leadership on reputation and positioning
• Ensure a consistent, audience-led approach across all communications
• Oversee brand, messaging and storytelling
• Lead media relations, including high-profile coverage and crisis communications
• Set content priorities and ensure effective, insight-led delivery across channels
• Position BookTrust as a leading voice in children’s reading and social impact
• Support campaigns, advocacy and fundraising through compelling communications
• Lead and develop the communications team and manage resources effectively

Person specification

Essential:

• Significant senior communications leadership experience
• Proven track record of delivering integrated strategies
• Strong media relations and reputation management expertise
• Excellent writing and storytelling skills
• Experience advising senior stakeholders
• Team leadership and budget management experience
• Commitment to inclusive, audience-focused communication
• Passion for improving outcomes for children

Desirable:

• Experience in policy, advocacy or fundraising communications
• Professional membership (e.g. CIPR)

Salary and benefits

• £60,000–£65,000 per annum
• 28 days annual leave (plus public holidays)
• 7% employer pension contribution
• Life assurance (3x salary)
• Employee assistance programme
• Season ticket loan scheme
• Flexible working

Location and working arrangements

Hybrid working with an expectation of around 8 days per month in the office or in face-to-face settings. Based across Leeds and London, with regular travel required.

Further information

This is an opportunity to lead communications at one of the UK’s most impactful charities, helping to shape national conversations and transform children’s life chances through reading.

How to Apply 
To apply, please submit your CV demonstrating your suitability for this role by clicking the 'apply now' button.  

Please Note: All speculative/ direct CVs sent will be forwarded to The Talent Set for review. 

Commitment to Diversity 
The Talent Set are committed to diverse and inclusive recruitment practices, ensuring equal opportunities for all applicants regardless of race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, disability, or age. We actively encourage applications from a wide range of backgrounds and are always happy to make reasonable adjustments to ensure a fair recruitment process.