At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and deliver impactful marketing and communications strategies across the Trust.
- Company: Join Cumbria Education Trust, a dynamic organisation committed to education and community.
- Benefits: Gain senior-level influence, clear priorities, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity to shape the future of education in Cumbria.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a leadership role without long-term commitment.
- Qualifications: Experience in marketing or communications with a strategic mindset.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
Cumbria Education Trust is seeking an experienced and dynamic Head of Marketing & Communications to join us on a maternity cover basis at a pivotal point in our Trust’s development. We know this is a demanding role — and that’s exactly why it’s such a powerful opportunity. This is a chance to step into a senior, influential leadership position, work at Trust scale, and shape how our organisation communicates with its communities, staff and partners. Whether you are an experienced Head of Comms looking for a high‑impact interim role, or a senior communications professional ready to step up, this is a rare opportunity to lead with autonomy, clarity and purpose.
The Opportunity
- Leading Trust‑wide communications strategy and delivery
- Supporting schools with reputation, messaging and engagement
- Overseeing internal communications that connect and engage staff
- Managing external communications, campaigns and reactive issues
- Line‑managing and developing the Communications and Engagement team
You will work closely with senior leaders across the Trust, supporting major initiatives, organisational change and ongoing school improvement work. This is a role with real voice and visibility — not a holding position.
Why This Role Works (Even as Maternity Cover)
We recognise that fixed‑term senior roles must offer something compelling. In return for your expertise, we offer:
- Trust‑wide scope and senior‑level influence
- Clear priorities and strong executive support
- The opportunity to lead, shape and simplify, not just maintain
- A role that delivers tangible outcomes you can take forward in your career
- A professional, values‑driven organisation with pace and ambition
For the right candidate, this role offers meaningful leadership experience without a long‑term commitment — ideal for those seeking challenge, stretch and impact.
About You
We are looking for someone who:
- Has strong experience in marketing, communications or public affairs
- Is confident operating at a senior, strategic level, while remaining delivery‑focused
- Brings calm, clarity and professionalism to complex or sensitive communications
- Enjoys working across multiple stakeholders and settings
- Is motivated by purpose‑led work and public service values
Experience in education, the public sector or a large organisation is helpful, but not essential.
About Cumbria Education Trust
Cumbria Education Trust is a growing Trust serving communities across Cumbria. We are committed to building strong schools, inclusive communities and high‑quality services that support education. Our Trust Services functions are evolving rapidly to better support our schools, making this an exciting time to join and help shape our future.
Additional Information
This is not a placeholder role. It is an opportunity to lead, influence and leave your mark. Cumbria Education Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare and safety of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Enhanced DBS disclosure and Barred List checks are required for this post. In line with Keeping Children Safe in Education, online searches are carried out on successful candidates.
Marketing & Communications Manager (Maternity Cover) at Cumbria Education Trust in Brampton employer: Cumbria Education Trust
Cumbria Education Trust is an exceptional employer that offers a unique opportunity for impactful leadership in the education sector. With a commitment to professional growth, a values-driven culture, and the chance to shape communications across a diverse community, this role provides a meaningful platform for those looking to make a difference. The Trust's supportive environment and clear priorities ensure that you can lead with autonomy while contributing to the development of strong schools and inclusive communities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Marketing & Communications Manager (Maternity Cover) at Cumbria Education Trust in Brampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector or marketing field. Attend events, webinars, or even local meet-ups. 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 Cumbria Education Trust thoroughly. Understand their values, recent initiatives, and challenges they face. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in making an impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate how your experience aligns with the role of Marketing & Communications Manager. Highlight your leadership skills and how you can contribute to shaping the Trust's communications strategy.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Cumbria Education Trust and ready to take on this exciting challenge.
We think you need these skills to ace Marketing & Communications Manager (Maternity Cover) at Cumbria Education Trust in Brampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Marketing & Communications Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in marketing and communications, and show how you can bring calm and clarity to complex situations — just like we do at StudySmarter!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:This role is all about strategic leadership, so don’t shy away from sharing examples of how you've led teams or projects in the past. We want to see how you can influence and shape communications, just as we strive to do in our own work.
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We value authenticity and purpose-driven work, so share what motivates you and why you’re passionate about making a difference in education and communications.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows us that you’re proactive and keen to join our mission at Cumbria Education Trust!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cumbria Education Trust
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Cumbria Education Trust's mission and values. Understand their current projects and challenges in marketing and communications. This will help you demonstrate your genuine interest and how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past. Highlight your ability to manage multiple stakeholders and deliver results under pressure. This role is about influence and clarity, so be ready to discuss how you've achieved that in previous positions.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you'd handle specific situations, especially around sensitive communications or crisis management. Think through potential scenarios related to education and public service, and prepare your responses to show your strategic thinking and calmness under pressure.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready. Inquire about the Trust's future initiatives or how they measure success in their communications strategy. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
