Strategic Marketing Director

New Strategic Marketing Director position * Working for Charterhouse independent school in Godalming, Surrey About Our Client Charterhouse are seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Strategic Marketing Director to join their External Relations team. This is a newly created and pivotal role within a dynamic and high-performing department, which aims to implement the most innovative and progressive engagement programmes within today\’s UK education sector. The department has responsibility for setting the strategy and leading the delivery of all marketing, fundraising, community relations and events activities throughout the School. Founded in 1611, Charterhouse is one of the world\’s leading coeducational independent schools, welcoming boarders and day pupils at 13+ entry and 16+ entry. Charterhouse is a beautiful school in a 250-acre campus in Godalming, Surrey – a wonderful setting for the whole community to live and work together and a splendid backdrop for teaching and learning. Job Description Strategic Marketing & Planning * Develop and deliver integrated, multi-channel marketing strategies and targeted campaigns that strengthen brand positioning, engage priority audiences, drive recruitment, and support commercial and alumni objectives, reinforcing Charterhouse\’s reputation as a selective, academically strong, and forward-looking school * Tailor messaging and storytelling to reflect the different aspirations of prospective families and stakeholders * Provide ongoing audience insight and map out audience journeys * Produce high-impact campaigns that create a sense of momentum, importance and personal connection * Work closely with the admissions, fundraising and commercial teams to design marketing tools that align with enquiry and application cycles, including open days, taster events and key conversion moments * Collaborate closely with the wider Marketing and Communications team to ensure coordination of all marketing and engagement activity Content & Campaigns * Deliver a personalised and strategic flow of content from enquiry through to enrolment, across multiple stakeholder groups. * Lead the creation and commissioning of rich, emotionally resonant content, including testimonials, stories and journeys that make the School\’s values and vibrancy tangible. Delivery will be across written copy, video, photography, infographics, blogs and real-time stories. * Actively source and amplify authentic social proof from pupils, parents and alumni, including testimonials, case studies, and reviews. * Plan, build and manage nurture sequences and drip campaigns for a variety of parent and commercial audiences, by implementing the School\’s CRM and email marketing platforms. * Maintain a dynamic content calendar that supports key milestones in the admissions cycle, commercial events and development initiatives * Ensure that each platform supports audience engagement and reflects the voice, tone and rhythm of school life. Campaign Execution & Management Deliver integrated campaigns across digital, print and in-person channels, ensuring all activity is joined-up, brand-led and goal-oriented. Collaborate with the Admissions, Commercial and Fundraising teams to support their marketing goals with high-quality assets and campaign support. Ensure all campaigns are supported by clear timelines, budgets and KPIs – and measured for effectiveness and return on investment. Ensure the School\’s marketing communications are intuitive, easy to navigate and pleasant to interact with. Every digital journey should be as seamless and compelling as the campus experience. Design and manage automated communication sequences that deliver value at the right time and provide insight, reassurance and encouragement in equal measure. User Experience * Track user engagement and journeys, using data to improve digital experience and drive conversions. * Collaborate on the design and delivery of high-impact admissions events that leave a lasting emotional impression, including open days, taster events and personalised visits. * Pay particular attention to the moments families remember most, creating experiences that are uplifting, personal and affirm the School\’s distinctive culture. * Advice on post-event and final-stage touchpoints (e.g. offer letters, follow-up calls) are executed with care, warmth and exceptional attention to detail. Insight & Evaluation * Monitor performance across all campaigns and platforms, producing regular analysis and insights to inform future planning. Apply a data-driven, commercially-minded approach to campaign planning and performance, using insight to prioritise and refine messaging, target segments, and improve ROI. * Use tools such as Google Analytics, social metrics, admissions data and CRM reports to drive decision-making and continual improvement. * Conduct competitor benchmarking and horizon scanning against peers and leading organisations, to ensure Charterhouse remains a leader in school marketing innovation. Brand & Stakeholder Engagement * Provide marketing expertise to staff across the School, helping colleagues present the Charterhouse story with confidence and clarity. * Design calls to action, audience journeys and digital conversion points in a way that respects the premium nature of the Charterhouse brand while maximising impact. * Build strong working relationships across departments, including academic staff, pupil leadership teams and housemasters/mistresses, to support content collection and internal alignment. The Successful Applicant To be successful, the Strategic Marketing Director will have the following experience: A minimum of 5 years\’ experience in a strategic marketing role, with a strong track record of developing integrated campaigns and delivering results through performance analysis Experience in either premium service sectors, or global-facing brands/ organisations. An intuitive understanding of how brand, identity and emotion influence consumer choice, with the ability to shape communications that resonate across cultures and markets. Commercially astute, able to balance strategic brand building with performance outcomes, and to use insight and analytics to guide decisions. A strong collaborator, able to build trust across internal teams and work seamlessly with other designers, developers and content creators. Excellent interpersonal skills and the confidence to lead conversations across all levels of the organisation. Highly organised with excellent project management skills and attention to detail Strong digital marketing skills – including social media management, email marketing (including automation), website CMS, and analytics. Confident in creating and delivering powerful, emotionally engaging content across platforms, from video storytelling to audience-led social campaigns – especially through authentic storytelling and social proof. Experience in planning and delivering email nurture sequences and drip campaigns to guide prospects through a conversion funnel with clarity and ease. Technically capable across CRM, digital content platforms, email automation and social media management. Excellent writing and editorial judgement, with the ability to adapt tone and language for different platforms and audiences. What\’s on Offer Charterhouse is an exceptional place to work. You will be part of a vibrant and inclusive community in a world-class school at the forefront of educational innovation. Below are some practical benefits that are offered, complementing a generous renumeration package: Competitive contributory occupational pension scheme Cash Health Plan currently provided by +Medicash Access to an Employee Assistance Programme School fee remission (subject to eligibility). Membership of the School Sports Centre Membership of the School\’s 9-hole golf course at a reduced subscription Lunches, during your normal working day Free on-site parking Continuing professional development as part of the talent management programme. Contact Helen Smith Quote job ref JN-(phone number removed)Z Where specific UK qualifications are required we will take into account overseas equivalents. All third party applications will be forwarded to Michael Page