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. Further information can be found at
- 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.
Director of Marketing in 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 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
Prepare for interviews by researching the college's values and recent initiatives. Show us that you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate how your vision aligns with our mission to transform lives through education.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your marketing strategies and how they can elevate our brand. We want to hear your ideas on how to engage learners and the community effectively.
✨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 us you’re genuinely interested in being part of our community.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Marketing in 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 structure your thoughts logically. We appreciate a well-organised application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and potential.
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. Be ready to discuss how your marketing strategies can embody these values and contribute to the college's mission.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Prepare examples of how you've successfully turned marketing strategies into impactful campaigns in the past. Highlight your ability to analyse data and adjust tactics accordingly, as this role requires a strong focus on data-driven performance.
✨Engage with the Community
Since the college is deeply rooted in its community, think about ways you can enhance engagement with learners, families, and local businesses. Bring ideas to the table that demonstrate your understanding of the local landscape and how to position the college as a first-choice destination.
✨Prepare for Budget Management Questions
Be ready to discuss your experience with managing marketing budgets and procurement processes. Think of specific instances where you maximised value for money while delivering successful campaigns, as this will be crucial for the role.