The Head of Marketing and Communications will be responsible for the development and implementation of the Foundation’s marketing strategy and implementation plan across all sections of the Foundation. They will also lead on ensuring internal and, particularly, external communications are authentic, timely and responsive to stakeholder needs.
The Head of Marketing and Communications will work closely with the Head of Admissions to ensure an effective ‘customer journey’ from the initial contact with the Foundation until the child starts within one of our schools, through a cohesive admissions-marketing plan that identifies and reaches out to key markets, working with relevant stakeholders as required, to ensure that recruitment targets are met.
This opportunity comes at a very exciting time for the Foundation as from September 2026 the Foundation’s three schools - Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, Wakefield Girls’ High School and Wakefield Grammar Pre-Preparatory School will join together into one co-educational, diamond model school for pupils aged 3 to 18.
The successful applicant will be a self-starter with a hands-on approach and will have the ability to work effectively and collaboratively with diverse groups of people, including staff, parents, pupils, prospective parents and feeder schools, and to get the best out of them. The successful applicant will line manage all members of the Marketing team.
For further details or to apply please visit the recruitment section of Wakefield Grammar Foundation's website.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic leadership and development Develop and maintain the values of the Foundation, and personally exemplifying those values Contribute professionally to the broader Foundation strategic vision Help to define, communicate and deliver a shared vision of the Foundation, which expresses the core values of the Foundation and Schools, working closely with all key stakeholders to secure their commitment to this vision Agree, communicate and deliver aspirational short- and medium-term aims, within the context of the longer-term vision, through an annual “Marketing Plan” and developing appropriate mechanisms for regular monitoring and review of this Plan Develop and implement a communications strategy to promote the Foundation’s mission and activities. Develop a powerful and sustainable content management strategy across web and social media channels. Develop and deliver remarkable Marketing and Communication service to all schools and meet high standards of customer satisfaction consistently Lead and oversee all marketing activity and its development, including the setting of objectives, coaching and mentoring of direct reports Continuously improve team practices to ensure processes are optimised and the teams deliver a customer-centred service that is compliant with both school policies and all necessary external regulations Collaborate with the Development team to maximise mutual opportunities and work with Professional Services leaders to promote the wider activities of the charity, including those providing additional income streams Working with the Head of Admissions, promote, position and raise the School’s profile amongst target markets and broaden the geographical reach of the School. Develop a positive and proactive external relations culture amongst teaching and support staff Brief and create reports for the Governors and Exec as required, attending these meetings where required Marketing
Interpret the Foundation and School Strategic Visions and set priorities for marketing and pupil recruitment Oversee the production of marketing reports, identifying trends and implications for the Foundation to assist with the development of strategy and to inform business decisions and the identification of new markets and opportunities. Develop, implement, monitor and evaluate the annual Marketing Plan Undertake/commission market and competitor research, and work in liaison with the Head of Admissions to analyse and evaluate key admissions data in order to inform effective marketing planning Plan advertising and promotional campaigns, create and write advertisements for targeted publications, and take the creative lead on the development (copy, design and print) of all strategic communications materials (e.g. brochures, press releases, articles, newsletters etc) Produce and develop marketing materials and collateral, both print and digital Have custodianship of the School and Foundation brands, including the development, implementation and policing of brand guidelines to ensure consistency of application Build effective relationships with feeder schools, including the development of a programme of visits for key staff Foster a sense of ownership of school marketing throughout the School With the Head of Admissions, develop and manage the Marketing Events programme, including Open Day Events, feeder school events, etc Manage the relationship with and input into key third-party publications (e.g. Good Schools Guide) Enhance and manage the School’s national and educational media profile Manage the annual Marketing Budget, ensuring effective planning of activities while monitoring Return on Investment Communication
Develop and oversee annual internal and external communication plans that reflect the whole Foundation’s calendar of events, key messaging points and significant activities and considers the needs of each stakeholder group. Develop, draft and implement targeted communications that reflect the Foundations’ and Schools’ brand and messaging Oversee the communications approach adopted throughout the Foundation and provide communications expertise to support colleagues across different departments Manage and take editorial control of all School and Foundation publications Have custodianship of the School and Foundation brands, including the development, implementation and policing of brand guidelines to ensure consistency of application Oversee the development of the website and internal communication platforms with senior staff as required, to ensure up-to-date content and accurate communication of Schools’ and Foundation’s key messages Develop and implement clear guidelines for staff when updating the website, together with taking administrative control of the website Create and oversee effective multi-channel Digital and Social Media strategies Analyse digital trends, insightful data and website traffic via Google Analytics Provide guidance on communications and marketing issues for all staff Event Management Manage and implement the School’s press and public relations operation Develop and deliver a training programme to new and existing staff on the use of the website and social media Contract and manage freelance graphic designers and website designers, ensuring excellent project management, effective communication to all stakeholders and to agreed budget and deadlines Management of resources
Monitor and control the allocated budget to ensure the efficient and effective use of all resources. Identify future resourcing needs and aspirations for the department for consideration in the school budget planning process Ensure that all resources are fit for purpose and used in accordance with H&S guidelines General
All school staff are expected to: Work towards and support the school vision and the current school objectives outlined in the School Development Plan Support and contribute to the school’s responsibility for safeguarding students Work within the school’s health and safety policy to ensure a safe working environment for staff students and visitors Maintain high professional standards of attendance, punctuality, appearance, conduct and positive, courteous relations with students, parents and colleagues Engage actively in the performance review process Adhere to school/Foundation policies To carry out any other duties as reasonably requested by the Head or any other Senior Manager commensurate with the grade of the post Contribute to the overall ethos of the School and of Wakefield Grammar School Foundation Person Specification
Qualifications
Educated to degree Level or equivalent qualification or experience (E) Knowledge/Experience/Skills/Behaviours (All Essential)
A commitment to promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children Record of good academic achievement, educated to degree level or equivalent A relevant high level professional marketing qualification or significant experience in an educational marketing setting A demonstrable understanding of the principles of marketing, customer care and PR within the independent school’s sector A clear understanding of and affinity for The Foundation and its Schools IT literate with up to date knowledge of google and office systems and a willingness to learn new applications as required The ability to influence, motivate and persuade a variety of stakeholders of all levels The ability to write and verbally communicate messages that are clear, concise and inspiring The ability to work on own initiative The ability to interpret strategic plans and objectives and translate them into tactical programmes and campaigns Warm, approachable and empathetic Ability to work flexibly, either collaborating as part of a team or on own initiative Client focused and target driven A keen eye for detail High work standards evidenced by a consistently through detailed and organised approach Commitment to independent education and sympathy with the schools’ and Foundations’ ethos, values and vision The commitment and desire to play a part in the life of the School
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Key Responsibilities:
Strategic leadership and development Develop and maintain the values of the Foundation, and personally exemplifying those values Contribute professionally to the broader Foundation strategic vision Help to define, communicate and deliver a shared vision of the Foundation, which expresses the core values of the Foundation and Schools, working closely with all key stakeholders to secure their commitment to this vision Agree, communicate and deliver aspirational short- and medium-term aims, within the context of the longer-term vision, through an annual “Marketing Plan” and developing appropriate mechanisms for regular monitoring and review of this Plan Develop and implement a communications strategy to promote the Foundation’s mission and activities. Develop a powerful and sustainable content management strategy across web and social media channels. Develop and deliver remarkable Marketing and Communication service to all schools and meet high standards of customer satisfaction consistently Lead and oversee all marketing activity and its development, including the setting of objectives, coaching and mentoring of direct reports Continuously improve team practices to ensure processes are optimised and the teams deliver a customer-centred service that is compliant with both school policies and all necessary external regulations Collaborate with the Development team to maximise mutual opportunities and work with Professional Services leaders to promote the wider activities of the charity, including those providing additional income streams Working with the Head of Admissions, promote, position and raise the School’s profile amongst target markets and broaden the geographical reach of the School. Develop a positive and proactive external relations culture amongst teaching and support staff Brief and create reports for the Governors and Exec as required, attending these meetings where required Marketing
Interpret the Foundation and School Strategic Visions and set priorities for marketing and pupil recruitment Oversee the production of marketing reports, identifying trends and implications for the Foundation to assist with the development of strategy and to inform business decisions and the identification of new markets and opportunities. Develop, implement, monitor and evaluate the annual Marketing Plan Undertake/commission market and competitor research, and work in liaison with the Head of Admissions to analyse and evaluate key admissions data in order to inform effective marketing planning Plan advertising and promotional campaigns, create and write advertisements for targeted publications, and take the creative lead on the development (copy, design and print) of all strategic communications materials (e.g. brochures, press releases, articles, newsletters etc) Produce and develop marketing materials and collateral, both print and digital Have custodianship of the School and Foundation brands, including the development, implementation and policing of brand guidelines to ensure consistency of application Build effective relationships with feeder schools, including the development of a programme of visits for key staff Foster a sense of ownership of school marketing throughout the School With the Head of Admissions, develop and manage the Marketing Events programme, including Open Day Events, feeder school events, etc Manage the relationship with and input into key third-party publications (e.g. Good Schools Guide) Enhance and manage the School’s national and educational media profile Manage the annual Marketing Budget, ensuring effective planning of activities while monitoring Return on Investment Communication
Develop and oversee annual internal and external communication plans that reflect the whole Foundation’s calendar of events, key messaging points and significant activities and considers the needs of each stakeholder group. Develop, draft and implement targeted communications that reflect the Foundations’ and Schools’ brand and messaging Oversee the communications approach adopted throughout the Foundation and provide communications expertise to support colleagues across different departments Manage and take editorial control of all School and Foundation publications Have custodianship of the School and Foundation brands, including the development, implementation and policing of brand guidelines to ensure consistency of application Oversee the development of the website and internal communication platforms with senior staff as required, to ensure up-to-date content and accurate communication of Schools’ and Foundation’s key messages Develop and implement clear guidelines for staff when updating the website, together with taking administrative control of the website Create and oversee effective multi-channel Digital and Social Media strategies Analyse digital trends, insightful data and website traffic via Google Analytics Provide guidance on communications and marketing issues for all staff Event Management Manage and implement the School’s press and public relations operation Develop and deliver a training programme to new and existing staff on the use of the website and social media Contract and manage freelance graphic designers and website designers, ensuring excellent project management, effective communication to all stakeholders and to agreed budget and deadlines Management of resources
Monitor and control the allocated budget to ensure the efficient and effective use of all resources. Identify future resourcing needs and aspirations for the department for consideration in the school budget planning process Ensure that all resources are fit for purpose and used in accordance with H&S guidelines General
All school staff are expected to: Work towards and support the school vision and the current school objectives outlined in the School Development Plan Support and contribute to the school’s responsibility for safeguarding students Work within the school’s health and safety policy to ensure a safe working environment for staff students and visitors Maintain high professional standards of attendance, punctuality, appearance, conduct and positive, courteous relations with students, parents and colleagues Engage actively in the performance review process Adhere to school/Foundation policies To carry out any other duties as reasonably requested by the Head or any other Senior Manager commensurate with the grade of the post Contribute to the overall ethos of the School and of Wakefield Grammar School Foundation Person Specification
Qualifications
Educated to degree Level or equivalent qualification or experience (E) Knowledge/Experience/Skills/Behaviours (All Essential)
A commitment to promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children Record of good academic achievement, educated to degree level or equivalent A relevant high level professional marketing qualification or significant experience in an educational marketing setting A demonstrable understanding of the principles of marketing, customer care and PR within the independent school’s sector A clear understanding of and affinity for The Foundation and its Schools IT literate with up to date knowledge of google and office systems and a willingness to learn new applications as required The ability to influence, motivate and persuade a variety of stakeholders of all levels The ability to write and verbally communicate messages that are clear, concise and inspiring The ability to work on own initiative The ability to interpret strategic plans and objectives and translate them into tactical programmes and campaigns Warm, approachable and empathetic Ability to work flexibly, either collaborating as part of a team or on own initiative Client focused and target driven A keen eye for detail High work standards evidenced by a consistently through detailed and organised approach Commitment to independent education and sympathy with the schools’ and Foundations’ ethos, values and vision The commitment and desire to play a part in the life of the School
#J-18808-Ljbffr
