Marketing and Communications Manager (Maternity Cover) in London

Join to apply for the Marketing and Communications Manager (Maternity Cover) role at COBIS - Council of British International Schools. We are COBIS, a global membership network of quality‐assured British international schools, education professionals and trusted partners. Our mission is to support and empower schools in their provision of high‐quality education. We connect school communities internationally. With more than 330 members in 86 countries worldwide, representing over 260,000 students and 18,000 teachers, we understand that every school operates in a unique context but shares the common goal of developing students who will have a positive impact on society.

We invite candidates who want to work with inspiring, diverse, dynamic school communities from around the world and be part of a supportive, hard‐working team. COBIS is looking to appoint a Marketing and Communications Manager (maternity cover) to join the team from March 2026. The role will lead the delivery and management of COBIS's marketing and communications strategy, oversee campaigns and content to engage members, and promote growth. This is a rewarding and varied role, working as part of the friendly, dedicated COBIS team. 100% of COBIS employees feel valued and respected in their role (staff wellbeing survey 24/25).

Job Purpose

The Marketing and Communications Manager is responsible for developing and implementing strategies that promote COBIS's mission, services and events to its global network of British international schools. This role focuses on ensuring consistent, high‐quality communications across all channels, and on delivering clear engagement and acquisition campaigns that contribute to COBIS's growth ambitions and to its global brand strength.

Marketing and Communications Manager Responsibilities

• Lead all COBIS marketing and communications activity, driving member acquisition, engagement and retention.
• Manage campaigns, digital strategy, social media, branding and collateral.
• Support business development and international outreach.
• Deliver conference and webinar communications.
• Ensure data and website accuracy.
• Oversee reporting, budgets and PR.
• Nurture partnerships.
• Line‐manage the marketing team while maintaining timely, strategic communications aligned to organisational priorities.

Relationship Management and Customer Service Responsibilities

• Provide outstanding customer service at all times, including responding to enquiries in a timely and professional manner.
• Actively promote and support the COBIS commitment to safeguarding, child protection and the welfare of children, young people and adults.
• Maintain a working environment in which equity, inclusivity and diversity is respected and equality of opportunity is promoted.
• Ensure a positive image to customers and other individuals and organisations, and promote the COBIS brand, activities and services by whatever means are appropriate and available.
• Attend the COBIS Annual Conference in London, in May, and provide support as required.

These are the key tasks as currently defined. They are not listed in priority order and the successful candidate will be expected to take on such variations as are reasonable for this level of responsibility.

A successful candidate will bring strong experience across multi‐channel marketing, digital communications, content creation, lead generation, data‐driven decision‐making and team management, backed by excellent communication, organisational and analytical skills, a proactive and customer‐focused mindset, cultural awareness, and a commitment to safeguarding—ideally complemented by sector experience, relevant qualifications and additional skills in PR, events or video production.

Renumeration and Conditions of Service

Role available from early March 2026. Salary package from £55,000 per annum. The position is full‐time; significant part‐time (e.g. four days/week) will also be considered. Working hours: 9:00‐17:00 with a half‐hour lunch; flexibility around hours will also be considered. Hybrid/remote working with a flexible working policy. Candidate must attend the COBIS Annual Conference and Committee meetings (four days in London in May). Holiday entitlement of 25 days (pro rata) plus statutory bank holidays. Access to pension scheme in line with pension regulations. COBIS employee pension contribution is 5% of salary. Commitment to sustainability and corporate carbon measurement and reduction. Access to medical insurance and Employee Assistance Programme. Candidates must be eligible to work in the UK.

Place of Work

COBIS is a remotely‐based organisation with some work in London. The contractual place of work for the Marketing and Communications Manager (maternity cover) will be the COBIS Head Office located at Temple Chambers, Temple/Blackfriars, Central London.

Application Procedure

In addition to a CV, we ask for a covering letter. This is your chance to tell us more about yourself and why you are interested in the role. Applications that do not include a covering letter will not be considered. All candidates wishing to be considered for the post are required to submit the following two documents:

• A covering letter/supporting statement (maximum of 600 words), addressed to the COBIS COO, Margaret Garrard, explaining their interest in, and suitability for the post, referring to the job description and person specification.
• CV, plus the names and contact details of two professional referees.

Closing date for applications: 5 January 2026 (early applications are encouraged; COBIS reserves the right to close applications early). In‐person interviews will be held in central London w/c 12/01/26 and w/c 19/01/26. Completed applications are to be submitted by email to: Mrs Rosie Perry Sleeman, Executive Business Officer to the CEO – rosie.perry-sleeman@cobis.org.uk. If you have any questions about the position or the role and function of COBIS, please contact Margaret Garrard, COO on +44 203 826 7190.

Data Protection

Personal data submitted as part of this application will be processed in line with COBIS's Recruitment Policy.