At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate marketing strategies to enhance school recruitment and communication.
- Company: Join the vibrant community at Oxford High School, part of the GDST network.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, professional development, and discounts for children at GDST schools.
- Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities for career growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on girls' education and shape the future of the school.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in marketing and admissions within complex organisations.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Location: Oxford, Oxfordshire
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: Full Time
Salary: GDST Competitive Salary Range
Posted: 17th July 2026
Start Date: As Soon As Possible
Expires: 24th August 2026 06:00 PM
Role: Director of Marketing and Communications
Location: Oxford High School (GDST)
Required from: September 2026 or sooner if possible
Contract term: Permanent
Hours: Full time
Salary: The GDST has its own competitive salary scale
The Role: 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. The successful candidate will be responsible for leading and managing the Marketing and Admissions team, and will work with the Head to ensure that the profile of the school is strong, and will continue to build the reputation and profile of Oxford High School to ensure that it remains a first choice for parents and girls in the area.
The Director of Marketing & Communications will play an integral part in developing and driving an innovative and effective marketing strategy using media and digital platforms, as well as advertising and liaising with feeder schools and parents. The successful candidate 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. This is a full-time senior leadership position and therefore requires flexibility for events and meetings as necessary. The role will be based at our Senior School but will also support the Prep School.
A proven track record of leading successful marketing and/or admissions strategies in a multi-site or complex organisation is essential, along with demonstrable success in driving customer acquisition, retention and brand growth through data-driven marketing.
About the School: Since its foundation over 150 years ago, Oxford High School has been innovative and pioneering in its approach to girls' education. Oxford High School is a happy and vibrant place to work: our students are highly motivated and ambitious, supportive yet self-aware. From our youngest Reception pupils through to our longest-serving members of staff, there is a real sense of pride at being part of the Oxford High community.
Benefits: As part of the GDST, the UK's leading network of independent girls' schools, we can offer a variety of benefits, such as:
- 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 loans and travel season ticket loans
- A Cycle to Work scheme
- Competitive terms and conditions of employment
Application Deadline: 18:00 pm Monday 24th August.
Interviews will take place in the week commencing Tuesday 1st September 2026.
We reserve the right to interview at any point during the recruitment process, so early applications are encouraged.
References for candidates invited to interview will be taken before the interview.
The GDST are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers, online checks and the Disclosure and Barring Service checks. We welcome applications regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, disability, ethnicity or religion. Your current or last employer will be asked for a reference and will be contacted prior to interview. Verification of right to work, and qualifications will be required at interview.
Director or Marketing and Communications employer: GDST
Norwich High School, part of the GDST family, is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and development of its staff while fostering a supportive and collaborative work culture. With a focus on empowering students through innovative careers education, employees benefit from a competitive salary, flexible working arrangements, and opportunities for professional development, making it an ideal place for those passionate about shaping future generations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director or Marketing and Communications
✨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 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 are looking for.
✨Leverage Social Media
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 on these platforms can catch the eye of recruiters and show you're genuinely interested in them.
✨Attend Industry Events
Keep an eye out for marketing conferences and workshops. These are great places to meet potential employers face-to-face and make connections that could land you a full-time role at GDST. Bring your business cards and be prepared to chat about how you can contribute!
We think you need these skills to ace Director or Marketing and Communications
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. 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:Show us that you’ve done your homework! In your application, briefly mention what you admire about GDST’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
✨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 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, 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.
