An outstanding independent school is seeking a Director of External Communications & Engagementto join their senior team. Described by the Good Schools Guide as a ‘powerhouse with a heart’ and enjoying a reputation for strong expert teaching and learning, it is a highly rated and progressive learning environment for pupils aged from 4 -18 years.

The successful applicant will report to the Warden and Bursar and work closely with other members of the school’s Senior Leadership Team. Their focus is to develop a communications strategy that ensures the school remains competitive and delivers a world-class experience for all stakeholders. They will be instrumental in crafting and executing a forward-thinking comms agenda, leading a dynamic team to position the School at the forefront of education in an increasingly competitive market. The ideal candidate will bring a robust expertise in external relations, public relations, change management, and crisis communication, overseeing a comprehensive suite of external and internal communications initiatives.

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Specific responsibilities:

• Provide the Leadership Team with expert counsel on all areas relating to communications and change across the school and with all stakeholders

• Develop the overall strategy and messaging so that the school can stay ahead of external change factors and maintain its position as a forward[1]thinking, pupil-centred School

• Help the School become a ‘great place to work’ which will help attract and retain the best staff through engaging and open communication and initiatives

• Develop and implement the strategy to significantly simplify and enhance parent communications activities

• Build great relationships and networks with feeder schools and other community projects to help attract a diverse range of pupils

• Support departments with communications and engagement plans that help better manage and embed change

• Oversee all external and internal communications to ensure messaging is consistent and aligns to the School’s mission and values

• Stay abreast of external factors that may impact the School including activities of other schools in the area, political and policy changes and economic trends

• Enhance the School's reputation through proactive PR

• In conjunction with the Director of Communications, showcasing our School's excellence through all media, with a particular focus on ensuring we have a strong and active social media presence

• Work with the Registrar to drive the recruitment of pupils, from first contact to enrolment

• With the Outreach & Partnerships, Alumni & Engagement and Archive teams, work to foster positive relationships with the school community to support the long-term interests of the School

• Work with the Director of Services & Events to coordinate the School's commercial lettings

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Skills required:

• Significant experience in external communications, either agency or in house

• Experience managing crisis communications

• Experience and skills influencing many different stakeholder groups

• Experience working in complex organisations with multiple stakeholders at senior level

• Experience developing the overall communications and engagement strategy

• Experience managing change communications

• Excellent verbal and written communication

• Ability to demonstrate strong leadership, driving agendas to deliver outcomes within clear time frames

• Ability to manage a busy workload with sometimes rapidly shifting priorities

• Effective communicator with strong interpersonal skills

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Due to a high volume of applicants, we are unable to respond to everyone. We will get in touch if you are successful in your application.