Associate Director Strategic Communications and Engagement

Ofqual is the independent qualifications regulator for England. We currently regulate 200+ awarding organisations, and approx. 11,600 certified qualifications. These include GCSEs, AS and A levels, and a broad range of vocational and technical qualifications.

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Qualifications shape lives. Ofqual exists to secure public confidence in the exams and assessments that open doors for students and apprentices across England. We're looking for an experienced strategic communicator to help us deliver on that mission, and to help strengthen the awarding organisation market that sits at the heart of the qualifications system.

This is a rare role that combines two distinct but connected challenges. You'll lead the development and delivery of strategic communications campaigns that support Ofqual's most high-profile priorities, from public-facing work that builds trust in qualifications, to campaigns that address areas of non-compliance.

You'll lead a talented team of 7, including three Civil Service Grade 7s, three SEOs and an HEO, and act as deputy to the Director of Communications, stepping in to liaise with the chair, Chief Regulator and wider leadership team when needed. You'll sit within the Communications Directorate's leadership team, working across the organisation to ensure our plans are grounded in evidence and aligned to organisational priorities.

At the same time, you'll take the lead on our strategic engagement with awarding organisations, helping to strengthen the performance, capacity and resilience of that market, and ensuring awarding organisations understand and meet regulatory expectations.

We're looking for someone who can operate confidently at pace and with authority. You'll need a strong track record across the full range of communications disciplines, with particular depth in strategic communications planning and evaluation, ideally underpinned by GCS best practice

You'll bring established credibility with senior stakeholders, sound judgement under pressure, and the ability to horizon scan, spotting emerging issues before they become problems and shaping the right response.

Just as importantly, you'll be a people leader who builds high-performing, inclusive teams; someone who welcomes challenge, communicates with clarity and confidence, and can influence and persuade a wide range of audiences, from awarding organisation leaders to Ofqual's own Board.

If you want a role where strategic communications expertise translates directly into public trust and market resilience, we'd love to hear from you.