At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead marketing and communications strategies to enhance pupil recruitment and stakeholder engagement.
- Company: Join Newcastle High School for Girls, a top independent school in the North East.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, pension plan, professional development, and discounted school fees.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive community committed to empowering girls through education.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on education while leading a dynamic, high-performing team.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in marketing strategy and team leadership required.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
This is an exciting opportunity for an exceptional and strategic leader to join Newcastle High School for Girls as Director of Marketing and Communications. This role provides leadership across marketing, communications, admissions, alumnae relations, philanthropy, data and business support functions. This is a pivotal role within the school, responsible for shaping and delivering a fully integrated approach to pupil recruitment, communications and stakeholder engagement.
As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the Director of Marketing and Communications plays a key role in ensuring the long-term sustainability and success of the school through a strong and clearly articulated market position and an outstanding customer experience. Leading a high performing, cross functional team, the successful candidate will ensure that all functions operate in alignment and deliver consistently high standards. They will bring clarity, strategic direction and operational excellence across the entire pupil recruitment journey - from initial engagement to admission, while ensuring effective engagement with the alumnae community to support the wider aims of the school.
About the School
Newcastle High School for Girls is the North East’s leading independent girls’ day school. Our pupils are ambitious, curious and motivated, and we are proud to provide an exceptional education within a warm, supportive and aspirational community. As part of the Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST) - the UK’s leading family of independent girls’ schools - we benefit from a national network of expertise, collaboration and opportunity. The GDST is committed to empowering girls and young women through education and to creating environments in which both pupils and staff can thrive.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strategic leadership for all aspects of marketing, communications, admissions alumnae relations and philanthropy
- Lead and develop a fully integrated approach to pupil recruitment and retention
- Oversee the effective use of data, systems and insight to inform decision-making
- Ensure a high-quality, consistent and engaging customer experience for prospective families
- Lead and develop a multidisciplinary team including marketing, admissions, philanthropy, data and business support functions
- Contribute as a senior leader to the strategic direction and development of the school
This is an outstanding opportunity for a high-calibre individual who combines strategic thinking with operational delivery, and who is able to build strong relationships, lead teams effectively and deliver results.
About You
We are looking for an outstanding marketing professional with a proven track record of delivering impactful strategy and measurable results. You will bring both strategic perspective and the ability to deliver to a consistently high standard. You may already be operating at a senior level, or you may be looking to take the next step into a role with wider responsibility and influence across an organisation.
You will have experience of:
- Developing and delivering effective marketing or communications strategies
- Using data and insight to inform decisions
- Working collaboratively and influencing a range of stakeholders
- Leading or developing others, whether through line management or project leadership
You will also have the confidence and judgement to contribute at senior level, with the ability to understand broader organisational priorities and translate these into clear, effective plans.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package
- Membership of the GDST Flexible Pension Plan
- Access to extensive professional development opportunities across the GDST network
- Training grants to support further qualifications
- Discounted school fees at GDST schools
- Free lunches and refreshments during term time
- Free on-site parking and access to the fitness suite
- Retail discounts via the Pluxee App
- Access to financial advice through the HR My Money App
- Interest-free loans for travel or personal equipment
- Cycle to Work scheme
- A supportive, collaborative, professional working environment
Further Information
Closing date: Monday 22 June 2026 (12 noon)
Interview dates: Stage 1: Tuesday 30 June 2026 (full day), Stage 2: Wednesday 1 July 2026 (afternoon)
Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities
The school is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified individuals. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. Newcastle High School for Girls and the GDST are committed to diversity, inclusion, and meaningful change, ensuring every individual is valued, respected, and included.
Director of Marketing and Communications in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: GDST
Newcastle High School for Girls is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and aspirational environment where strategic leaders can thrive. As part of the Girls’ Day School Trust, employees benefit from extensive professional development opportunities, a competitive salary, and a comprehensive benefits package, including discounted school fees and access to fitness facilities. The school's commitment to empowering girls and fostering a collaborative culture makes it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Marketing and Communications in Newcastle upon Tyne
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who have insights into Newcastle High School for Girls. A friendly chat can open doors and give you an edge.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the school's values and recent initiatives. Show us that you’re not just a fit for the role but also for the school culture. Tailor your examples to highlight how you can contribute to their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You’ll want to clearly articulate your vision for marketing and communications at the school. Make it engaging and memorable, so we can see your passion and strategic thinking shine through.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email reiterating your enthusiasm for the role can leave a lasting impression. Plus, it shows us that you’re proactive and genuinely interested.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Marketing and Communications in Newcastle upon Tyne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Strategic Side:When writing your application, make sure to highlight your strategic thinking skills. We want to see how you can shape and deliver impactful marketing strategies that align with our goals at Newcastle High School for Girls.
Be Data-Driven:Don’t forget to mention your experience with data and insights! We love candidates who can use data to inform decisions and improve processes, so share specific examples of how you've done this in the past.
Collaborate and Influence:We’re looking for someone who can work well with a variety of stakeholders. In your application, give us examples of how you've successfully collaborated and influenced others to achieve common goals.
Apply Through Our Website:Finally, make sure to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates about the process.
How to prepare for a job interview at GDST
✨Know Your Audience
Before the interview, take some time to research Newcastle High School for Girls and its values. Understand their approach to education and how they engage with their community. This will help you tailor your responses to align with their mission and demonstrate that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
As a Director of Marketing and Communications, you'll need to exhibit strong strategic thinking skills. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've developed and implemented successful marketing strategies. Be ready to discuss how you used data and insights to inform your decisions and drive results.
✨Highlight Team Leadership Skills
This role involves leading a multidisciplinary team, so be prepared to talk about your leadership style. Share specific instances where you've successfully led teams, fostered collaboration, and achieved high performance. Emphasise your ability to develop others and create a positive team environment.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street, so come armed with thoughtful questions. Ask about their current marketing initiatives, how they measure success, or what challenges they foresee in the upcoming academic year. This shows your engagement and helps you assess if the school is the right fit for you.
