Marketing and Development Manager

Marketing & Development Manager
Location: East Sussex
Recruiting on behalf of a beautiful and well-respected independent school

37.5 hour working week
9am till 5pm - 30 minute unpaid lunch break
Monday to Friday
(would consider a 3-4 working day week for the right individual)

Purpose
We're recruiting on behalf of a gorgeous, highly regarded local independent school that is internationally recognised for its specialist educational approach.
This pivotal role will focus on increasing independently funded pupil numbers through the development and implementation of a dynamic marketing strategy, while also strengthening the school's international reputation and alumni engagement.

Scope
Working closely with the Senior Leadership Team, you will ensure a consistent and professional approach to all aspects of marketing and development. This includes digital and print marketing, events, alumni relations, public relations, and brand management.

You'll play a key part in shaping the school's public image from digital campaigns and promotional materials to open events, publications, and international outreach ensuring that every element reflects the school's ethos, values, and achievements.

Key Responsibilities
Strategic Marketing & Planning

• Develop and implement a clear marketing strategy and annual plan in collaboration with the Head and SLT.
• Manage and monitor the marketing budget effectively.
• Promote the school's breadth of activities and achievements across all media.
• Drive a market-aware and customer-focused culture within the school.
• Maintain brand consistency across all communications, ensuring messaging and visual identity align with the school's values.

Marketing Materials & Publications

• Oversee the design, production, and quality of all marketing materials and publications.
• Develop engaging content that articulates the school's values and ethos for both internal and external audiences.
• Maintain contact databases and manage communications to key stakeholders including prep schools, educational consultants, psychologists, and placement officers.
• Produce newsletters, the annual Yearbook, and alumni communications.
• Commission photography and video content for promotional use, ensuring compliance with safeguarding and data protection policies.

Events & Community Engagement

• Organise and manage a range of marketing and promotional events throughout the school year, including open days, conferences, and exhibitions.
• Coordinate alumni engagement, building an active online community and hosting events to strengthen connections.
• Develop partnerships with local businesses and organisations to enhance the school's profile within the community.
• Support additional income-generating initiatives such as lettings, weddings, or advisory services.

Digital Marketing

• Lead the digital marketing strategy, ensuring a strong online presence across the website and social media platforms.
• Collaborate with web designers to maintain an engaging, accessible, and up-to-date website.
• Plan and manage online advertising campaigns, with a particular focus on targeted social media activity.
• Monitor analytics, trends, and competitor activity to inform strategic decisions.

Public Relations

• Prepare and distribute press releases to relevant media outlets.
• Build strong relationships with local and national press and educational publications.
• Identify positive PR opportunities to raise the school's profile both in the UK and internationally.
• Support the promotion of key school events such as open days and education fairs.

Marketing & Admissions Support

• Work closely with the Admissions Officer to identify target markets and opportunities for pupil recruitment.
• Support admissions events and initiatives that attract new families and prospective pupils.
• Plan and manage promotional activities to engage specific age groups and new audiences.

Personal Qualities
Essential

• Positive, proactive, and professional attitude
• Flexible, calm, and able to adapt to changing priorities
• Creative thinker with excellent problem-solving skills
• Strong communication and interpersonal abilities
• Highly organised and self-motivated
• Empathy with the school's aims and values, and a passion for the transformative power of education

Desirable

• Sense of humour and approachable manner
• Previous experience within an independent school or educational environment
• Experience in international marketing or alumni engagement

Safeguarding
All staff are expected to uphold the highest standards of safeguarding and child protection, ensuring the welfare of pupils at all times and adhering to the school's Safeguarding Policy.

Enhanced DBS will be required for this role