At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative marketing strategies to elevate our college's reputation and engage the community.
- Company: City of Portsmouth College, transforming lives through education and inclusivity.
- Benefits: 32 days annual leave, pension scheme, staff discounts, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your community while shaping the future of education.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in marketing leadership and strategic thinking.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to equality and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Location: Highbury Campus with cross-campus working
Salary: £73,543.75 Full Time Equivalent per annum
Hours of work: 37 Hours per week, 52 Weeks per year, Full-Time, Permanent
Lead the Brand That Transforms a Community
City of Portsmouth College is a place where education changes lives — and we are looking for a visionary marketing leader who can tell that story boldly, creatively, and with real impact. As our Director of Marketing & Communications, you will elevate the reputation of a college that sits at the heart of its community and delivers one of the widest, most inclusive curriculums in the region. You will shape how we engage learners, families, employers, and partners, positioning our college as the first choice destination for skills, innovation, and opportunity.
If you are an ambitious marketing professional who loves turning strategy into powerful campaigns — no matter what sector you come from — this is your chance to make a difference that goes far beyond brand metrics.
Why This Role Matters
At City of Portsmouth College, our culture is shaped by purpose and driven by values that guide everything we do. We are proud to live and lead through both our core College values — Equity, Excellence, Respect, Integrity, and Accountability — and our CARES (Collaboration, Aspiration, Respect, Excellent and Safeguarding/Success) ethos, which underpins the way we support our students, colleagues, and community. As Director of Marketing & Communications, you will be a champion of these values, ensuring they shine through every campaign, every story, and every connection we make.
Our community depends on us. With a diverse curriculum spanning A-levels, Apprenticeships, vocational pathways from level 1, higher education, adult skills, and online learning, we help people at every stage of life to grow, reskill, and thrive.
What we offer:
- Annual Leave: 32 days total and closure for winter shutdown period in line with Hampshire County Council school holidays & statutory bank holidays
- Pension: Local Government Pension Scheme
- Learning & Development: Programmes by The Community Adult Education Department
- Staff Development: Access to the College staff development programmes and CPD
- Onsite Discounts: City of Portsmouth College Hair Salon & 50% off at the City of Portsmouth College Sports Centre
- Online Discounts: Unidays, Student Beans, and Totum with a City of Portsmouth College email address
- Parking: Free car parking across all campus sites (apart from Arundel)
- Blue Light Card: providing several discounts for clothing, electrical goods, food and days out, even concert tickets
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and develop strategic and day-to-day marketing activity to drive student applications, commercial income, and data-driven campaign performance while collaborating across the College.
- Oversee the marketing budget and procurement processes, ensuring supplier-led campaigns are delivered on time, within budget, and with maximum value for money.
- Identify priority schools and regions, coordinating targeted outreach and producing tailored materials to support CEIAG and increase market share.
- Protect and develop College branding while overseeing creation of high-quality marketing collateral in partnership with in-house designers.
- Manage the College's online presence, including website updates, social content, and social media marketing aligned to the overall strategy.
- Plan and deliver successful marketing events through coordination with the Events and Social Media Coordinator, driving continual improvement.
- Lead a cross-College strategy for internal and external skills competitions, producing a formal strategy and ensuring competitions strengthen reputation and publicity.
To be successful in this role, below is what we would need from you:
- Proven experience in managing a high-performing Marketing team.
- Strong strategic thinking and the ability to translate strategy into practical results.
- Excellent management and leadership skills.
- Knowledge of relevant legal and regulatory frameworks.
- Commitment to inclusion, equality of opportunity, and safeguarding.
Diversity and Inclusion:
Equality, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion are central to the work of City of Portsmouth College. This underpins the vision of the College to transform lives through providing exceptional education and training. The College's commitment to Equality, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion is reflected in the continued successful promotion of these strands through the curriculum, enrichment activities, and the range of direct and indirect student support services.
Pre-Employment Checks:
The City of Portsmouth College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people in our college. All successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check and two references.
We reserve the right to close the job advert when we have had successful applications, and it may not run for the full duration of the advert. We do not accept CVs from agencies for these roles.
Locations
Director of Marketing in Hampshire, Portsmouth employer: City of Portsmouth College
Contact Detail:
City of Portsmouth College Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Marketing in Hampshire, Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show up prepared for interviews! Research the college, understand its values, and think about how your experience aligns with their mission. Bring examples of your past work that demonstrate your strategic thinking and leadership skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. Mention something specific from your conversation to show you were engaged and are genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the City of Portsmouth College team!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Marketing in Hampshire, Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for marketing and education shine through. We want to see how you can connect with our mission and values, so don’t hold back on sharing why this role excites you!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Director of Marketing role. Highlight your relevant experience and how it aligns with our goals at City of Portsmouth College — we love seeing candidates who do their homework!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at City of Portsmouth College
✨Know the College's Values
Before your interview, make sure you understand the core values of City of Portsmouth College — Equity, Excellence, Respect, Integrity, and Accountability. Think about how your own experiences align with these values and be ready to share specific examples that demonstrate your commitment to them.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
As a Director of Marketing, you'll need to translate strategy into practical results. Prepare to discuss your previous marketing strategies and campaigns, focusing on how you measured success and adapted your approach based on data-driven insights. Be ready to present ideas on how you would elevate the college's brand.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and leadership abilities. Think about challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you overcame them. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses clearly and effectively.
✨Engage with the Community Focus
City of Portsmouth College is deeply rooted in its community. Be prepared to discuss how you would engage learners, families, and local employers through innovative marketing campaigns. Highlight any past experiences where you've successfully built community relationships or partnerships.