Department for Education (DfE) is Hiring: Director of Communications – Apply Before 24 August 2025

Department for Education (DfE) – UK Government
Location: London (with hybrid working)
Salary: £100,000 – £145,000 per annum (dependent on experience)
Contract Type: Permanent, Full-Time (Job sharing welcome)
Closing Date: 23:55, Sunday 24 August 2025

The Department for Education (DfE) is recruiting a strategic, dynamic, and innovative Director of Communications to lead its high-profile communications function at the heart of the UK government. This is a once-in-a-career opportunity for a communications leader to drive real impact across education and skills, shaping national narratives and directly influencing public understanding of policies that affect children, families, and learners throughout their lives.

The successful candidate will also play a leading role in the Government Communication Service (GCS), and lead the communications strategy for the Opportunity Mission, one of the government’s flagship agendas to improve life chances and reduce inequality.

About the Role

The Director of Communications will be responsible for setting and delivering the DfE’s communication strategy across all channels, ensuring communications are aligned with departmental priorities, cross-government missions, and public expectations. Leading a directorate of around 150 staff, the postholder will be accountable for all communications activity, innovation, and impact, while advising Ministers and senior leadership on strategy and messaging.

Key Responsibilities:

• Set and lead the department’s communications strategy, ensuring alignment with wider government priorities and the Opportunity Mission.
• Advise the Secretary of State, Permanent Secretary, and senior officials on high-profile and sensitive communications matters.
• Lead innovative communications using digital, social media, and AI, focusing on audience-first engagement.
• Ensure DfE’s internal communications are clear, consistent, and motivating for 8,000+ staff across the UK.
• Oversee core communications functions including campaigns, media relations, correspondence, FOIs, and Parliamentary Questions.
• Champion transformation across the GCS, driving change, reform, and innovation across government communications.
• Build partnerships across government departments (e.g. Health, DWP, DCMS) to align messaging and strategy.
• Act as a senior leader and role model in the department, driving inclusion, performance, and staff development.

Essential Criteria

Candidates must demonstrate the following through their CV and 1,250-word Statement of Suitability:

• Proven success leading impactful communications strategies for large, complex organisations, especially using social media, digital platforms, and AI.
• Experience delivering change and reform in communications functions, aligned with strategic transformation and innovation.
• Ability to balance strategic and reactive communications, underpinned by strong political judgement and data-driven decision-making.
• Outstanding interpersonal and influencing skills, with credibility at Board and Ministerial levels.

About the Department

The DfE is responsible for children’s services and education, from early years through to higher education, apprenticeships, and lifelong learning. With over 8,000 staff across 12 UK sites and 18 Arm’s Length Bodies, it plays a central role in ensuring every child and learner can succeed.

The DfE is also leading the Opportunity Mission, a key government priority to break the link between background and success. Communications will be essential to its success

Working at the DfE

The department offers:

• Civil Service Pension Scheme (employer contribution of at least 26.6%)
• Performance-related pay (annual and in-year awards)
• Generous annual leave starting at 25 days + 8 public holidays + the King’s Birthday
• Hybrid working – with 60% expected in-office time
• Supportive culture with strong focus on diversity, wellbeing, and inclusion
• Staff networks, employee assistance programmes, and onsite facilities

The DfE is a Disability Confident Leader and supports veterans through the Great Place to Work for Veterans scheme. Applications are especially encouraged from underrepresented groups, those outside London/Southeast, and individuals from non-traditional backgrounds.

Recruitment Process

Shortlisted candidates will:

• Complete verbal and numerical reasoning tests.
• Attend a Staff Engagement Panel.
• Participate in an informal discussion with the Secretary of State.
• Present and interview before a formal panel including:
  • Susan Acland-Hood, Permanent Secretary
  • Tony Foot, Director General of Strategy
  • Gemmaine Walsh, Chief Operating Officer, GCS

This recruitment is overseen by the Civil Service Commission to ensure fair, open, and merit-based competition.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted via Odgers Berndtson.
Required documents:

• CV with career history and references
• Statement of Suitability (max. 1,250 words) addressing the essential criteria

Application Deadline: 23:55 on Sunday, 24 August 2025

Visit Official website to apply

FAQs

1. What is the role of the Director of Communications at the Department for Education?
The Director of Communications will lead the department’s strategic communication efforts, shaping public messaging, managing media relations, and overseeing campaigns that promote government education policies and initiatives.

2. What qualifications are required for this position?
Applicants should have substantial senior-level experience in communications, public relations, or media, preferably within government, public sector, or large organizations. Strong leadership, stakeholder management, and strategic thinking skills are essential.

3. What are the key responsibilities of this role?

• Lead and manage the communications directorate.
• Develop and implement communication strategies.
• Oversee media relations, press releases, and public announcements.
• Ensure consistent and effective messaging across all channels.
• Advise ministers and senior officials on communication matters.

4. Where will the role be based?
The position is UK-based, with the primary office in London, although hybrid or flexible working arrangements may be considered.

5. What type of contract is offered?
This is a senior full-time position, offered on a permanent or fixed-term basis depending on candidate suitability and departmental needs.

6. When is the application deadline?
The deadline to apply is 24 August 2025.

7. How can I apply for the Director of Communications position?
Interested candidates should visit the UK Government Civil Service Jobs portal, locate the official job listing, and submit their CV and supporting statement through the online application system before the deadline.