Working with us
Cognita is a global family of over 90 schools across 21 countries, with more than 100,000 students, 22,000 colleagues, 14 curricula and 9 languages of instruction. Our strength lies in our diversity. There is no single model of a Cognita school because education is inherently local. When families choose a school, they are making a deeply personal and community-based decision, and our schools reflect this.
What unites us is a shared ambition to deliver consistently high-quality education, alongside an exceptional experience for students and parents. We define this clearly through group-wide standards that articulate what “great” looks like, while allowing schools the freedom to express their local identity.
We have recently launched a new vision and strategic plan. It is ambitious and sets a clear direction for the years ahead.
Job Overview
We are
seeking an exceptional Group Head of Internal Communications to lead and
shape the way our organisation connects, informs, and inspires its people
across the globe.
This is a
senior strategic role partnering closely with the Group CEO, Chief People
Officer, and Executive Leadership Team to define and deliver a powerful
internal communications strategy that strengthens culture, reinforces our
values, and ensures every colleague feels informed, engaged, and connected to
our mission.
You will be
the custodian of Cognita’s internal voice, shaping leadership messaging,
driving engagement, and ensuring clarity and consistency across a complex,
international organisation spanning multiple regions and schools.
What
You’ll Do
In this
pivotal role, you will:
- Lead the Group internal communications strategy, ensuring alignment
with Cognita’s vision, values, and strategic priorities - Act as principal communications adviser and writer to the Group
CEO, shaping all employee-facing leadership communications - Build compelling leadership narratives and messaging frameworks
that bring strategy and culture to life - Drive employee engagement through innovative, inclusive, and
data-informed communication approaches - Oversee and evolve internal communication channels, including
intranet platforms and digital tools, ensuring they are engaging,
accessible, and effective - Champion employer brand and employee advocacy, turning colleagues
into storytellers of Cognita’s culture - Support major organisational change and transformation initiatives
with clear, empathetic, and impactful communication strategies - Lead crisis and sensitive communications with calm authority and
strategic clarity - Embed governance, standards, and toolkits that ensure consistency
across Group, Regional, and School communications - Use insight, analytics, and feedback to continuously improve
communication effectiveness - Lead and develop a high-performing internal communications
function, fostering innovation and collaboration
About
You
We are
looking for a senior communications leader who brings both strategic vision and
creative excellence.
You will
have:
- Extensive experience in senior internal or corporate communications
roles at a Group or enterprise level - A strong track record of advising senior executives and shaping
leadership communications - Deep expertise in employee engagement, culture, and change
communications - Exceptional writing, storytelling, and editorial skills with the
ability to influence at the highest level - Experience managing digital communications channels, including
intranets and internal platforms - Confidence working across complex, multi-region organisations with
diverse audiences - Strong stakeholder management skills and the ability to build
trusted relationships at all levels - A strategic mindset with the ability to translate complex
priorities into clear, compelling narratives - Experience in crisis and sensitive communications
- A forward-thinking approach, with interest in innovation, AI, and
emerging communication technologies - Proven leadership experience, including coaching and developing
teams - A degree in Communications, PR, Journalism, Marketing or a related
field (or equivalent experience) is expected.
This is a
rare opportunity to shape the internal voice of a global education organisation
and make a meaningful impact on how thousands of colleagues connect with
purpose, culture, and strategy.
You will
play a key role in strengthening engagement, driving alignment, and helping to
build an inclusive and high-performing global community.
Cognita is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and young people and expects the same from its employees. All new staff will be subject to detailed and enhanced pre-employment clearance, including identity checks, criminal background checks for all countries lived in, qualification checks, employment checks to include an exploration of any gaps in employment, and satisfactory reference checks for all employment in the last 10 years.