Head of Marketing, PR & Communications in Paignton

South Devon College is seeking an ambitious and strategic marketing leader to play a central role in shaping how we engage, inspire and connect with learners, employers and our wider community. This senior post will lead the strategic planning, delivery and continual improvement of all marketing, PR, communications and schools outreach activity, embedding a digital-first, data-driven and customer-centric approach across the College.

With a strong focus on reputation, growth and impact, you will ensure South Devon College is recognised as the first choice provider of education and training locally and regionally, and as an employer of choice. Working collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation, you will drive measurable improvements across the full learner journey, using CRM insight, automation and innovative practice to strengthen conversion and engagement.

You will also lead and develop a high-performing Marketing Team, oversee impactful schools outreach and communications, and manage key external agency relationships to ensure consistent, high-quality delivery aligned with the College’s mission and values.

The successful candidate will hold a relevant degree or higher-level qualification, alongside clear evidence of continued professional and personal development. You will bring proven experience of delivering digital-first, multichannel marketing activity, with the ability to think both strategically and creatively to achieve measurable impact. Experience of working collaboratively with IT, digital and student-facing teams is essential, as is the ability to remain calm under pressure while maintaining a strong attention to detail and high standards of delivery.

At South Devon College we are passionate that excellent teaching and learning can transform lives. We seek to achieve at the highest levels and welcome staff who share our drive for success. In return, you can expect access to an exciting range of training, apprenticeship and opportunities for degree-level study alongside your work to keep you at the top of your game, as well as generous holiday allowance of 35 days (pro rata) and a strong emphasis on work-life balance.

The staff at South Devon College are truly inspirational and this is a reflection on the whole College culture of continuous improvement and support for all of our students and communities. We hold the prestigious Investors in People (IIP) Platinum accreditation, the highest level awarded by the people management standard. This prominent distinction confirms the College’s status as not just a leading Further Education College, but also as a top employer in the country, as it joins the top 7% of accredited organisations across the UK.

We aim to provide our learners with excellent teaching and learning. Our staff are highly adept at working with and developing skills and knowledge in learners from different backgrounds. Our staff have consistently high expectations of all students and generate high levels of enthusiasm for participation in, and commitment to learning.

Benefits:

• 35 days annual leave
• 1 additional day holiday for your birthday (does not have to be used on your birthday)
• 1 additional day holiday for every 5 years served
• Christmas Closure of up to 2 weeks in addition to annual leave entitlement
• Access to a wealth of training, apprenticeships and funded higher education opportunities as well as dedicated training days
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Employer pension contributions
• Hybrid and flexible working patterns
• Subsidised fitness suite facility, onsite hair and beauty salon, access to a wide range of catering facilities, outdoor gym and free eyesight tests
• Major supermarket and high street employee discount schemes
• Life Assurance (if member of pension scheme)
• On Site Nursery (Mama Bears)
• Employee Assistance Programmes
• Access to Blue Light Card membership
• Discounted travel schemes

This College is committed to Safeguarding/Prevent and promoting the welfare of students, including children and young people, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The College is committed to applying its Single Equality Scheme at all stages of recruitment and selection. Shortlisting, interviewing and selection will always be carried out without regard to gender, transgender status, sexual orientation, marital or civil partnership status, colour, race, nationality, ethnicity, religion/belief, age, pregnancy or maternity leave, or union membership. Reasonable attempts will be made to accommodate the particular needs of any candidate who has notified us of a disability.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore applicants are required to declare any cautions, convictions, reprimands and final warnings that are not protected (i.e. that are not filtered out) as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013 and 2020).