At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative marketing campaigns to inspire future students globally.
- Company: Join Newcastle University, a diverse and inclusive workplace.
- Benefits: Generous holiday package, health initiatives, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team committed to continuous improvement and diversity.
- Why this job: Shape the future of student recruitment with creative and data-driven strategies.
- Qualifications: Proven marketing leadership experience, especially in higher education.
The predicted salary is between 47389 - 50253 £ per year.
Location: Newcastle, GB
Contract Type: Open Ended
Working Pattern: Full Time
Salary: £47,389 to £50,253 with progression to £56,535 per annum
Newcastle University is a great place to work, with excellent benefits. We have a generous holiday package; plus the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.
The Role
We’re looking for an exceptional marketing leader to join us as Head of Marketing Planning, Campaigns and Events, driving impactful, insight‑led campaigns that inspire prospective students across the UK and around the world. This is a senior role where you’ll set the direction for ambitious, high‑performing marketing activity, blending creativity, data, and strategy to deliver measurable growth across the student journey.
Newcastle University’s Marketing Team sits within the Marketing, Global Recruitment and Admissions Directorate, is a comprehensive, world‑class marketing team dedicated to serving our partners, academics and students. Our vision for marketing at Newcastle encompasses the following:
- Embracing a ‘digital first’ approach
- Encouraging our team through personal growth
- Engaging with our clients and audiences
- Delivering an exceptional marketing strategy
This is an opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping how we connect with future students, leading innovative campaigns and experiences that make a real difference. You’ll join a supportive, forward‑thinking team with the ambition, capability and investment to deliver sector‑leading marketing. We’re looking for a confident and collaborative leader who combines strategic thinking with hands‑on delivery.
You will bring:
- An ability to combine strategic thinking with hands‑on delivery
- Significant experience leading multi‑channel marketing campaigns, ideally within higher education or a complex organisation
- A strong track record of delivering measurable campaign performance and driving continuous improvement
- Expertise across key channels including digital, social, email, SEO, paid media and emerging technologies
- Proven experience building, leading and motivating high‑performing teams
- Outstanding stakeholder management and influencing skills
- A data‑driven mindset with strong analytical capability and attention to detail
Key Accountabilities
- Continue to embed and evolve our established marketing, event and campaign planning processes
- Lead the development of annual marketing plans and value propositions which align activity with student recruitment, marketing goals and academic subject priorities
- Drive sector‑leading campaigns with experienced Marketing Planning and Campaign Managers, supported by detailed campaign plans and support Marketing delivery teams to deliver these campaigns with clear targeting, messaging and performance guidelines
- Support our teams with the overall end‑to‑end delivery of campaigns including recommendations on optimisation tactics across core channels
- Manage, lead and motivate a team of marketing specialists to deliver an integrated, high quality, innovative, responsive and professional marketing service
- Build compelling presentations demonstrating the success of campaign performance and delivery, including creative examples of top performing content
- Working with marketing leadership and team managers, shape processes for reviewing metrics and campaign progress against targets and supporting the recommendations on key strategic actions for continuously improving
- Use market insight and campaign analytics to develop audience personas and segmentation frameworks across all core campaigns
- Working closely with established Marketing Events Managers to steer development and operational delivery of the University’s virtual and on campus Open Days, targeted towards undergraduate and postgraduate audiences. Work to enhance the overarching visitor experience and programme offering through continuous improvement and competitor benchmarking
- Have deep knowledge of, and passion for, higher education, prospective students and their key influencers
- Refine the research and data insights capability within Marketing, to provide relevant audience insights for market opportunity messaging, positioning, targeting and engaging, and creative development. This includes an annual marketing insights activity plan, internal and external market research briefs and projects to support strategic decision-making
- Other duties, from time to time, as identified by the Interim Director of Marketing
The Person
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
- Demonstrable leadership qualities and relevant experience in marketing either in higher education or from other sectors
- Substantial experience across all marketing channels required to deliver campaigns successfully, including organic social, email, website, SEO, AI, paid social and search
- Track record with establishing new processes and driving new behaviours through a team and function
- Exceptional interpersonal skills with proven success in building relationships across all levels, internally and externally
- Ability to lead, manage and motivate others and collaborate across a disparate organisation and all functions to deliver results
- Strong communication skills and ability to influence and drive decisions
- Pragmatic business skills to get things done with flexibility and perseverance
- Organisational ability to manage through complexity and change
- Outstanding analytical skills and attention to detail
Attributes and Behaviour
- Seeks positive outcomes and takes a solution‑focused approach to continuous improvement
- Provides clarity through communication, intent and actions
- Approaches challenges with curiosity to support others and foster strong working relationships
- Understands the colleagues they lead, and the people they work with, to ensure they work to the best of their ability
- Prioritises building good interpersonal relationships
Qualifications
- Graduate or equivalent qualification/demonstratable experience at the appropriate level
- Chartered Institute of Marketing qualification or another relevant marketing/communication professional qualification is desirable
Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. As a University of Sanctuary, we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all, offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution. We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society. We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams, we believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and experiences reflect the diversity of our university and student population. At Newcastle University we hold a Gold Athena Swan award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality. We also hold a Race Equality Charter Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education. We are a Disability Confident employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role as part of the offer and interview scheme. In addition, we are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe.
Head of Campaigns, Planning and Events Marketing, Global Recruitment and Admissions Directorate employer: Newcastle University
Newcastle University is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. With a generous benefits package, including a competitive salary, extensive holiday options, and a commitment to diversity and equality, employees are empowered to thrive both personally and professionally. Join a forward-thinking team dedicated to delivering innovative marketing strategies that make a real impact on prospective students worldwide.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Campaigns, Planning and Events Marketing, Global Recruitment and Admissions Directorate
✨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 Newcastle University 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 Newcastle University 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 Newcastle University 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 Newcastle University. Bring your business cards and be prepared to chat about how you can contribute!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Campaigns, Planning and Events Marketing, Global Recruitment and Admissions Directorate
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 Newcastle University. 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 Newcastle University:Show us that you’ve done your homework! In your application, briefly mention what you admire about Newcastle University’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 Newcastle University
✨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 Newcastle University 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 Newcastle University, 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.
