New Schools Network (NSN) is an independent charity improving the life chances of young people by supporting the creation and long-term success of new schools. NSN finds talented people and organisations, supports them to establish new free schools across the country and, through the Academy Ambassadors Programme, places high calibre business people as non-executive directors on boards of multi-academy trusts. The organisation is particularly focused on supporting new schools in areas of high economic and social disadvantage and low educational performance.

NSN’s External Relations team works across multiple disciplines covering press, policy, digital, branding and research. This is a new role to strengthen the team’s external communications, ensuring regular coverage in sector, regional and national outlets, as well as meaningful engagement with policy makers from all parties and the wider education sector.

As part of the External Relations team, the Communications and Policy Manager will bring a successful track record and experience to support the Head of Communications in realising an ambitious ER Strategy.

Key responsibilities include:

• Support the Head of Content and Communications in delivering the External Relations Strategy.
• Ensure regular, high-quality written content is produced on behalf of the organisation and other interested stakeholders.
• Lead story generation and content planning, the external relations calendar and organisation-wide grid, ensuring NSN is a leading voice in the education policy and wider sector.
• Oversee NSN’s digital communications, including website copy, newsletters, social media and blogs.
• Manage NSN’s media and parliamentary monitoring functions, ensuring swift responses are issued.
• Ensure the successful delivery and launch of policy reports and consultation responses.
• Liaise with the Research and Data Manager to ensure the External Relations and Senior Management teams are kept up-to-date with the latest education announcements and data releases.
• Support teams across the organisation in maintaining and developing their programme literature, online and in print.
• Line management of team members.