Director of Marketing & Admissions in Havant

At HSDC we are ambitious about our future. Serving our communities across Hampshire, we transform lives through education, supporting 16–18 learners, adults, apprentices and higher education students to achieve their potential. As we enter an exciting new phase of strategic growth, we are seeking an exceptional Director of Marketing & Admissions to join our College Leadership Team. This is not a traditional marketing role. This is a strategic, college leadership level opportunity to shape market position, drive recruitment growth, strengthen brand reputation, and lead a high-performing admissions and student recruitment service. If you are a commercially astute, data-driven and purpose-led marketing leader ready to make a visible impact - we want to hear from you.

Responsibilities

• Lead a multi-year marketing, communications and recruitment strategy aligned to ambitious growth plans.
• Position the College as the provider of choice in a competitive and evolving FE landscape.
• Drive measurable recruitment growth across 16–18, adult, apprenticeships and HE provision.
• Deliver an outstanding, seamless learner journey from enquiry through to enrolment.
• Provide expert counsel to the Principal and Executive on brand, media, stakeholder engagement and reputational risk.
• Lead integrated digital strategy (CRM, website optimisation, paid campaigns, analytics) with clear ROI accountability.
• Develop compelling internal communications that strengthen culture, engagement and trust.
• Oversee impactful open events, enrolment and community engagement activity.
• Build, inspire and develop high-performing Marketing and Admissions teams.

Requirements

• A proven track record of delivering recruitment growth and measurable campaign ROI.
• Experience leading marketing within complex or multi-site organisations.
• Strong commercial acumen and the ability to translate market intelligence into curriculum and growth strategy.
• Deep knowledge of digital marketing, CRM systems, SEO, paid media and analytics.
• Confidence using recruitment and conversion data to drive performance improvement.
• Experience managing brand positioning and media relations.
• Expertise in crisis and reputational management.
• The credibility to advise at Executive and Board level.
• Experience leading or significantly shaping admissions, recruitment or end-to-end customer journeys.
• Commitment to service excellence, compliance and student-centred practice.
• A professional qualification in Marketing, Communications, PR or Digital Marketing (e.g. CIM, CIPR, IDM) or equivalent senior-level experience.
• Leadership qualification (Level 5+) or equivalent senior leadership development.
• Commitment to continuous professional development.
• Sector experience in Further Education or public services is welcome but not essential.
• We are open to leaders from commercial, higher education, public sector or complex regulated environments who are motivated by purpose and impact.

Benefits

• Access a wide range of training, in-house coaching, workshops, and funding for qualifications.
• Opportunities for funded research, with potential international travel.
• Benefit from either the Local Government Pension Scheme or Teachers’ Pension Scheme.
• Enjoy a generous annual leave package to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
• Get an NUS TOTUM card, offering discounts with hundreds of retailers.

Closing: Wednesday 25th March