Marketing and Communications Manager - 12 Month Contract in Carlisle

Looking for a senior interim leadership role where you can lead with real autonomy, deliver tangible impact and leave your mark in a sector that genuinely matters? Want experience in the Education sector and senior-level influence, without the long-term commitment? Foxgroves Recruitment is working with a well-established and growing education provider in Cumbria to appoint a senior Marketing hire on a maternity cover basis.

Reporting directly to the Director of Strategy and Operations and line managing the Marketing & Communications Team, this is a senior leadership appointment at a pivotal point in the Trust's development, with the scope and visibility to genuinely shape how the organisation communicates with its staff, learners, families and wider communities.

The Role

• Provide both the strategic direction and the hands-on delivery across all aspects of marketing and communications, taking ownership of the Trust's brand, reputation, internal engagement and external profile during your time in post.
• Develop and deliver the organisations' marketing and communications strategy, with an associated delivery plan that protects and enhances brand and reputation.
• Line manage and develop the Marketing & Communications Team, championing high standards and excellent service across every touchpoint.
• Provide expert advice and guidance to senior leaders, working closely with the Senior Leadership Teams across the organisation and individual sites across Cumbria.
• Lead internal communications that genuinely engage and motivate a dispersed staff body, supporting the organisations' ambition to be a Great Employer and employer of choice.
• Manage the social media, digital content and website estate, ensuring consistency in tone, style and brand across the Central Team and all operational sites.
• Write and edit compelling content for a range of channels and audiences, from press releases to internal newsletters, briefings and campaign copy.
• Lead reactive and crisis communications, drafting press statements, managing reputational risk and supporting Senior Leadership through high-profile or sensitive situations including Ofsted inspections.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with local and regional press.
• Support the growth of the organisation, including marketing and communications input on due diligence as new business units join.
• Manage the marketing and communications budget, with regular updates to the Director of Strategy and Operations.
• Lead a company-wide Recognition Strategy that highlights individual, team and organisation-wide achievements.

About You

• You'll be a confident, credible communications leader who knows how to operate at senior level while staying close to the detail.
• You'll bring the strategic clarity to shape the function, the writing skills to set the bar for quality, and the calm professionalism to handle sensitive or reactive communications when they land.
• Equally comfortable advising senior leaders, line managing a team or rolling up your sleeves on a piece of content, you'll bring energy, judgement and a genuine appetite to make things happen during your time in post.
• Degree (or equivalent) in communications, public relations, marketing, business management or a related discipline.
• Proven experience leading and line managing a marketing and communications team.
• A track record of writing high-quality, engaging content for online, offline and internal audiences.
• Strong experience creating and managing communications plans, leading projects from concept through to delivery.
• Experience managing digital and offline marketing campaigns, including website and social media channels.
• Confident managing reactive and crisis communications, and able to advise senior leaders with clarity and sound judgement.
• Strong planning and project management skills, with the ability to juggle multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the credibility to influence and lead at all levels.
• Education sector, multi-academy trust or not-for-profit experience is welcome but not essential.
• A professional qualification in communications, PR or marketing (CIM or CIPR membership) would be an advantage.
• A full UK driving licence and access to a car, as travel around Cumbria is required.

Package

• Up to £41,700
• 12 Month FTC

A Note on Safeguarding

This appointment is subject to an enhanced DBS disclosure and Barred List check, and online searches are carried out on successful candidates in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Foxgroves Recruitment acts as an employment agency for vacancies on behalf of clients, following fair and inclusive recruitment practices in line with the Equality Act 2010. All appointments are subject to pre-employment screening, including right to work checks, reference checks, and qualification verification. Reasonable adjustments are available for individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.