Head of Marketing and Communications

OVERALL PURPOSE

Reporting to the Director of Engagement, the Head of Marketing and Communications is responsible for managing and delivering all marketing and communications activity at the school, ensuring a consistent, professional and engaging presentation of Canford’s brand and values.

This role plays a key part in pupil recruitment, reputation management and stakeholder engagement, working closely with the Admissions, Development and wider school teams. The post holder will lead and develop a small team to produce high-quality marketing materials, events, digital content and communications that support the school’s strategic goals and day-to-day operations.

•      To plan and deliver high-quality marketing and communications activity in support of the school’s pupil recruitment and community engagement objectives.

•      To manage the school’s brand and ensure consistency across all communications channels.

•      To lead and motivate the Marketing and Communications team to deliver creative, effective and timely campaigns, materials and events.

•      To work collaboratively with the Admissions team to ensure alignment between marketing activity and pupil recruitment priorities.

•      To support the Director of Engagement in implementing the school’s overall marketing and communications strategy.

Duties

Marketing and Communications Management

·         Manage the day-to-day operation of the Marketing and Communications team.

·         Develop and deliver tactical marketing and communications plans in line with agreed strategy and school priorities.

·         Oversee all marketing materials, publications, advertising and digital campaigns to ensure quality, brand consistency and accuracy.

·         Manage the production and maintenance of the school’s digital platforms, including the website, social media channels and e-newsletters.

·         Undertake market and competitor research to inform future marketing activity.

·         Ensure that all marketing and communications activity reflects the values, ethos and high standards of Canford School.

Admissions-Focused Marketing

·         Work closely with the Admissions team to plan and deliver marketing activity that supports pupil recruitment at all entry points.

·         Oversee the development and delivery of feeder school relationships and outreach events.

·         Oversee the development and delivery of pupil recruitment events including  Open Days, taster days and scholarship events.

·         Analyse admissions and marketing data to monitor campaign effectiveness and inform decision-making.

·         Work with Head of Admissions to develop marketing campaigns to support pupil recruitment in key international markets.

Communications

·         Act as the primary contact for press and media enquiries, ensuring proactive and positive coverage of school activities.

·         Prepare and distribute news stories, press releases and internal announcements.

·         Support crisis communications and reputation management activity under the direction of the Director of Engagement.

·         Manage the school’s photography, film and digital asset library.

·         Ensure regular and effective internal communication with staff and pupils about key events, achievements and initiatives.

Events and Community Engagement

·         Lead the planning and delivery of marketing and admissions-related events, ensuring they are professionally organised and aligned with the school’s brand.

·         Support events linked to the Development Office and wider Canford Community.

·         Work collaboratively with internal departments to promote the school’s facilities and commercial activities.

Team Leadership and Administration

·         Line manage and develop the Marketing and Communications team, setting objectives and monitoring performance.

·         Manage the team budget effectively and ensure best value for expenditure.

·         Liaise with external agencies, designers, photographers and printers as required.

·         Maintain effective working relationships with key stakeholders across the school community.

Knowledge / Experience

·         Educated to degree level in marketing, communications, or a related field (CIM qualification desirable).

·         Strong understanding of marketing principles, digital communications and brand management.

·         Knowledge of the independent education sector, ideally within a boarding context, is desirable.

·         Proven experience managing marketing and communications activity in a busy, multi-channel environment.

·         Experience leading or supervising a small team.

·         Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to create engaging and accurate content.

·         Skilled in digital marketing, social media management and website administration.Good knowledge of market research, and skilled use of digital insights and user experience (UX) data to improve performance.

·         Strong organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise, plan and deliver under pressure.

·         High level of computer literacy and confidence using digital tools and CRM systems.

·         Creative, proactive and detail-oriented, with a commitment to excellence.

·         Collaborative team player with strong interpersonal skills and a customer-focused approach.

·         Calm, adaptable and solutions-focused with a positive, professional attitude.

Applicants are asked to submit a covering letter (no more than two pages) addressing the following:

• Why you are interested in the Head of Marketing and Communications role at Canford School
• How your experience and skills meet the requirements of the role.
• Examples of leadership, operational expertise, and team management in a busy, customer-focused environment.
• Evidence of strong relationship management with parents, pupils, feeder schools, and colleagues.
• How your personal qualities, approach, and values align with the ethos of the School.
• Demonstration of your ability to contribute to the growth and success of Canford.

If you have any questions, please contact Abi Phillips, Director of HR:  ecruitment@canford.com / 01202 847590. 

The process is as follows:
• Longlisting will take place on Wednesday 8th April 2026
• Candidates taken forward to interview will be offered a 20 minutes team call with our newly appointed Director of Engagement

 In person interview will take place on Friday 17th  April 2026

Early applications are very much encouraged. We will review and shortlist candidates on an ongoing basis and may close the vacancy once the right candidate has been identified. Candidates are therefore advised to submit their applications promptly to avoid disappointment.

Canford School is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion in all areas of our community and encourages applications from all suitably qualified candidates.

Canford School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

All successful job applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening.