Group Head of Internal Communications

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.