At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate marketing strategies to attract students and enhance school reputation.
- Company: Join a prestigious school with a dynamic leadership team in Oxford.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, generous pension, and discounts for GDST schools.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on student recruitment and school branding in a vibrant environment.
- Qualifications: Proven marketing leadership experience and strong communication skills.
Location: Oxford High School (GDST) – Oxford, Oxfordshire
Contract: Permanent; Hours: Full time; Salary: GDST Competitive Salary Scale
Start date: As soon as possible; Required from: September 2026 or sooner if possible.
Role Overview
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Marketing & Communications specialist to join a highly qualified and dynamic Senior Leadership Team and play a pivotal role leading, developing and implementing Oxford High School’s pupil recruitment and communication strategies. The successful candidate will be responsible for leading and managing the Marketing and Admissions team, working with the Head to ensure the profile of the school is strong, and continuing to build the reputation and profile of Oxford High School to ensure it remains a first choice for parents and girls in the area. The Director will play an integral part in developing and driving an innovative and effective marketing strategy using media and digital platforms, advertising and liaising with feeder schools and parents. They will be the guardian of the school brand and a champion of marketing and both internal and external communications, ensuring consistency through an astute awareness of brand development and positioning.
Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the Marketing and Admissions team.
- Develop and implement pupil recruitment and communication strategies.
- Design and execute integrated marketing campaigns across media and digital platforms.
- Collaborate with feeder schools and parents to promote the school.
- Oversee the brand positioning and ensure consistency across all communications.
- Support the Senior School while also supporting the Prep School.
Qualifications
- Proven track record of leading successful marketing and/or admissions strategies in a multi‑site or complex organisation.
- Demonstrable success in driving customer acquisition, retention and brand growth through data‑driven marketing.
- Experience managing a marketing and communications team.
- Strong leadership and communication skills.
Benefits
- Competitive salaries and pay progression.
- Access to extensive professional development opportunities.
- Training Grants for qualifications.
- Generous pension schemes.
- Free life assurance benefit.
- A discount of up to 50% on fees for children at GDST schools.
- Interest‑free loans for training, computer purchase, and travel season ticket.
- A Cycle to Work scheme.
- Competitive terms and conditions of employment.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
We welcome applications regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, disability, ethnicity or religion.
Safeguarding
The Girls’ Day School Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection checks appropriate to the post, including online searches and checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Director or Marketing and Communications in Oxford employer: GDST (The Girls' Day School Trust)
At GDST in Brighton, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment. Our commitment to professional development ensures that our SEND & Inclusion Lead will have ample opportunities to grow and make a meaningful impact within our vibrant community, all while enjoying competitive salaries and a range of benefits tailored to enhance work-life balance.
Contact Details:
GDST (The Girls' Day School Trust) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director or Marketing and Communications in Oxford
✨Show Your Creative Side
In marketing communications, standing out is key. Get creative with your application! Consider designing a mini-campaign or pitch that highlights your skills and understanding of the brand. Tailor it for GDST (The Girls' Day School Trust) and show them what you can bring to the table.
✨Engage in Marketing Communities
Get involved in local or online marketing communications groups. Check out platforms like Meetup for events and workshops. Networking here can lead to hidden job openings and valuable insights into the industry trends—this is where we often discover what companies like GDST (The Girls' Day School Trust) are looking for.
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Use platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter to showcase your passion for marketing communications. Share insights, articles, and your own content that resonates with the industry. Tagging or interacting with GDST (The Girls' Day School Trust) on these platforms can catch the eye of recruiters and show you're genuinely interested in them.
✨Attend Industry Events
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We think you need these skills to ace Director or Marketing and Communications in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft an Impactful Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Focus on your passion for marketing communications and how your previous experiences can benefit GDST (The Girls' Day School Trust). Make sure to mention specific campaigns or projects you’ve worked on that showcase your creativity and strategic thinking.
Showcase Your Writing Skills:As you're diving into a marketing communications role, your writing ability is crucial. Include samples of your work, like blog posts, press releases, or social media campaigns in your application. This lets us see your style and how you engage with different audiences.
Tailor Your CV to Marketing:Your CV should highlight relevant marketing skills and experiences! Include specific tools or platforms you’ve used, like Google Analytics or social media management software. Mention any certifications or workshops related to marketing that you've completed – they can give you an edge!
Demonstrate Your Understanding of GDST (The Girls' Day School Trust):Show us that you’ve done your homework! In your application, briefly mention what you admire about GDST (The Girls' Day School Trust)’s marketing approach or any recent campaigns that caught your attention. This can reveal your enthusiasm for the role and your genuine interest in joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at GDST (The Girls' Day School Trust)
✨Showcase Your Creative Campaigns
Get ready to flaunt your portfolio! Include examples of previous marketing campaigns you've worked on, especially those that showcase your creativity and strategy. Recruiters at GDST (The Girls' Day School Trust) will be keen to see how you conceptualise and execute campaigns, so highlight any measurable outcomes to back up your claims.
✨Know Your Digital Tools Inside Out
If you’re heading into a marketing-communications role, make sure you're comfortable discussing key digital marketing tools like Google Analytics, HubSpot, or Hootsuite. Expect some technical questions about how you've used these tools in the past, as they'll want to gauge your hands-on experience and how you analyse data to drive marketing decisions.
✨Be Ready for Scenario-Based Questions
At GDST (The Girls' Day School Trust), they may throw some scenario-based questions your way, aimed at testing your problem-solving skills in real-life marketing situations. Think through potential challenges you’ve faced, how you navigated them, and be prepared to discuss your thought process and outcome.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Marketing
As you’re applying for a full-time position, show that you're not just looking for a job, but a career in marketing. Talk about the latest trends in marketing communications, your favourite campaigns, and why they inspire you. Your enthusiasm can really make you stand out and demonstrate that you’re committed to growing within the field.
