At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative marketing strategies and elevate the university's brand presence.
- Company: Join the Royal Agricultural University, a leader in land and agricultural education.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible hours, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Work in a supportive team environment with opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in shaping the future of education and drive growth.
- Qualifications: Proven marketing experience with a flair for creativity and leadership.
The predicted salary is between 44746 - 56535 £ per year.
Location: Cirencester, GL7 6JS
Salary: Grade 9 - £44,746 to £56,535 per annum depending on experience
Hours: Permanent, full-time (35 hours per week). Flexible working options considered.
For 180 years, the Royal Agricultural University (RAU) has been shaping the future of land, food, and agricultural education. Today, as the sector evolves at pace, we continue to lead the way - combining world-class teaching, strong industry partnerships and a commitment to innovation. We are now looking for an exceptional Head of Marketing to help drive the next chapter of our growth.
About the role
As Head of Marketing, you will provide strategic leadership and creative direction for the RAU’s marketing activity. Working closely with the Student Recruitment Team, you will bring cohesion and impact to how the University presents itself across all channels, helping to strengthen our brand, elevate our profile, and support ambitious recruitment targets.
You will be responsible for:
- Developing and delivering integrated marketing strategies aligned to the University’s vision and values
- Ensuring brand consistency and championing best practice across the institution
- Leading the creation and delivery of key publications, campaigns, and flagship events
- Managing non-student recruitment marketing to enhance reputation and engagement
- Monitoring performance, optimising activity, and using data to drive continuous improvement
This is a senior role within the External Relations Directorate, reporting to the Director of External Relations and contributing to a collaborative, supportive, and high-performing team.
About you
You will bring a strong track record of shaping and implementing effective marketing strategies, with hands-on experience across digital and print channels. You will be confident working with creative and media agencies, delivering campaigns that perform and resonate. You’ll also have experience using CMS platforms and an understanding of accessibility, usability, and user-focused design. Experience in higher education is an advantage, but not essential. What matters most is your ability to lead, inspire, innovate, and deliver.
Why join us?
Set in stunning surroundings on the edge of the Cotswolds, the RAU offers an exceptional working environment and a generous range of staff benefits, including:
- 35-hour working week
- 30 days’ annual leave plus
Head of Marketing - Cirencester, Gloucestershire employer: Royal Agricultural University
The Royal Agricultural University (RAU) is an outstanding employer, offering a vibrant and supportive work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. Located in the picturesque Cotswolds, RAU provides flexible working options, a generous annual leave package, and numerous opportunities for professional growth, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in higher education marketing.
Contact Details:
Royal Agricultural University Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Marketing - Cirencester, Gloucestershire
✨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 Royal Agricultural 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 Royal Agricultural 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 Royal Agricultural 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 Royal Agricultural 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 Marketing - Cirencester, Gloucestershire
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 Royal Agricultural 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 Royal Agricultural University:Show us that you’ve done your homework! In your application, briefly mention what you admire about Royal Agricultural 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 Royal Agricultural 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 Royal Agricultural 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 Royal Agricultural 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.
