Head of Communications and Marketing - Details of post

AN INDEPENDENT CO-EDUCATIONAL DAY AND BOARDING SCHOOL FOR PUPILS AGED 7 TO 18 IN THE HEART OF SURREY

Head of Communications and Marketing Information for prospective staff

About Freemen's

was founded. We are proudly co-educational and have been since 1854, which was radical at the time, and we continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible with our forward-thinking, progressive approach.

We believe that if we can motivate pupils and staff to always give their best, the School will continue to grow and thrive. Community engagement and our impact on the world beyond our walls are at the forefront of everything we do at Freemen’s.

The School was founded in Brixton in 1854 to provide an education for the orphaned children of Freemen of the City of London before moving to the present site, Ashtead Park, in 1926. We have a magnificent site with modern buildings alongside the original Main House set in a stunning 57 acres of parkland. This idyllic setting further supports the wellbeing of our students and staff, as being here, in the park, makes coming to work a pleasure. It looks striking in every season and we are lucky to have a vast array of wildlife living in our woods.

Today, Freemen’s is an independent day and boarding school for students aged 7-18, with a strong ethos of community and service in accordance with the values on which the School

You can expect stellar exam results and academic excellence, but that’s not all. The focus within the School is on every individual finding a path which is appropriate for them, be that in the classroom, on a sports pitch or in one of the many co-curricular activities we encourage our young people to throw themselves into. Our mission is built upon four pillars of the Freemen’s education: pastoral support, House activities, academic achievement, and our varied co-curricular programme (including sport) to ensure every student realises their potential to be able to learn, lead and make a difference. Freemen’s is a place where students are keen to learn and eager to engage in the wider aspects of life at our School.

Teachers at Freemen's embody our principles for excellent classroom practice, offering innovative and forward-thinking approaches, enabling us to be a beacon of learning and teaching. We take risks in the pursuit of excellence by being brave and radical, willing to challenge the status quo. Through our 1-1 iPad programme, we aim to create discerning users of technology,

Our mission is to inspire our people to learn, to lead and to make a difference.

About Freemen's

so that staff and students can thrive in the modern dynamic world. We do all of this, in an environment where staff feel supported, by investing in life-long learning through research-led enquiry and building learning communities. The emphasis in the Junior School is on Kindness, Honesty and Fun and the Senior School picks up that message with a pastoral programme that emphasizes the importance of a strong, supportive community in which every member, staff and student, feels respected, supported and valued. As a result, we are able to support our young people to successfully navigate the tests of life they face every day.

The School is one of four independent schools managed by the City of London Corporation (The City). The City provides financial support in the form of bursaries and scholarships. Other links with the City of London and the Livery Companies are strong, which presents opportunities for staff to attend events at Guildhall and elsewhere in the City, as well as the possibility of gaining the honour of the Freedom of the City of London.

Transport links are good; the School is a mile from Ashtead station with regular services to Epsom and London and south to Leatherhead and Guildford. The M25 junction 9 is a seven-minute drive from the School.

Our External Relations Department

The External Relations Department is comprised of Admissions, Community and Partnerships, Development and Alumni, and the Marketing team.

This is an exciting time for the External Relations department. We have worked hard to ensure that we provide the most positive experience to students and their families before, during and after their time at Freemen's. The hard work is paying off as we begin to see record numbers of pupil admissions, as well as significantly increased engagement, donations and community support.

There is still more to be done, however. This role will play a crucial part in helping us to meet our team objectives as well as the School's wider strategic plan. Most days bring new opportunities and some challenges, which we face together, usually with a smile, a joke and whenever possible with cake.

The successful candidate would need to be comfortable in a team atmosphere and willing to take on responsibility within that team from the start. While we all have our distinct areas of responsibility, we are not afraid to lend a hand as and when other members of the team require it, with everyone collaborating to ensure the success and growth of the wider External Relations function. However, any new member of the team can expect support at every level.

The Marketing Team

As one of three teams within the External Relations department, the Marketing team works very closely with Admissions and Development. The Head of Communications and Marketing will lead the Marketing and Communications Officer, Digital Media Officer and Marketing and Events Officer at what is an exciting time of growth and change.

"This friendly, grounded and well-run school takes the pressure off getting academically bright young things into senior schools and seems to a knack of making challenging work seem fun."

The Good Schools Guide

Job description

Reporting to: Director of External Relations

Responsible for: Marketing and Communications Officer, Digital Marketing Officer, Marketing and Events Officer

Purpose of the post

• Under the direction of the Director of External Relations, lead on the development and delivery of plans and strategies for marketing and communications activities at City of London Freemen’s School – both the onsite offering in Ashtead Park and internationally - in accordance with the School’s strategic goals and objectives.

• To lead on all marketing activities, including copywriting, event management, developing the School’s relationship with key stakeholders, managing publications, acting as a brand ambassador, managing advertising campaigns, commissioning and liaison with designers and photographers, and promoting City of London Freemen’s School to overseas agents in partnership with admissions staff.

• To oversee marketing and communication strategies for the School with measured and costed plans for delivering targets.

• Actively promote the School and develop new opportunities for promotion through events, advertising, feeder schools, school fairs and schools shows etc.

• Line manage the marketing team

Main duties and responsibilities

1. Under the direction of the Director of External Relations, create and execute short, medium and long term marketing and communications strategies to significantly raise the profile and awareness of City of London Freemen’s School – both locally and internationallyin accordance with the School’s goals and objectives.

Communications

2. Lead on the development and delivery of internal and external communications, ensuring that all messages positive or negative, are delivered in an appropriate manner and tone and uphold the good reputation of the School;

3. Provide advice and specialist expertise to the Senior Leadership Team on internal and external messaging and communications as and when necessary;

JD: Head of Communications and Marketing

4. Work with the Corporation of London’s Communications Team to secure national and local media coverage of the school and its activities in accordance with the School’s goals and objectives;

5. Work with the Director of Digital Services to ensure that channels of communication are effective, accessible and appropriate;

Marketing

6. Develop and manage advertising campaigns in line with the school’s marketing plans and focus on new markets and track their effectiveness to help inform future campaigns;

7. Plan and manage projects and programmes of work in respect of marketing and communications activities in support of School objectives as required.

8. Lead on the development and production of all marketing publications including the prospectus, new starter packs and related materials;

9. Work with the wider External Relations team to develop and produce content for Development, Fundraising Community and Partnerships as appropriate;

10. Be responsible for the school’s website, parent portal and social media channels, developing content and ensuring that it is informative, up-to-date and engaging and which leads to an increase in usage and conversion to applications or satisfaction from existing parents;

11. Act as the School’s brand ambassador for the school, ensuring that all materials meet the school’s brand guidelines and corporate identity, offering guidance, templates and support where necessary;

Click image above to play video.

JD: Head of Communications and Marketing

12. In collaboration with the Head of Admissions, proactively identify areas for improvement in the school’s customer service and communications, and provide support and guidance as required in ensuring all communications meet the necessary standards;

Events

13. Lead on the organisation and management of high-quality school open events, both online and offline;

14. Represent the school at external school events, school recruitment fairs and similar as required;

General

15. Produce and share regular marketing reports as agreed with the Director of External Relations, Headmaster and SLT, evaluating the success of each marketing channel, key performance indicators including (but not limited to) ROI, Cost per Lead and social media traffic and use this to develop and improve future marketing activities.

16. Line manage the marketing team.

17. To draw up budget proposals for marketing and communications activity, allocating resource appropriately, monitoring and managing the agreed budget effectively.

Other duties

18. Actively seek to implement the City of London’s Occupational Health and Safety Policy in relation to the duties of the post, and at all times give due regard to the health and safety of both themselves and others when carrying out their duties.

19. Actively seek to implement the City of London’s Equal Opportunity Policy and the objective to promote equality of opportunity in relation to the duties of the post.

20. The post-holder is responsible for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young persons for whom they are responsible for or come into contact with. They must adhere to and ensure compliance with the School’s Child Protection Policy at all times. If, in the course of carrying out their duties, the post-holder becomes aware of any actual or potential risks to the safety or welfare of children in the School, they must report these concerns to the Assistant Head.

21. According to the development and requirements of the School, Job Descriptions will need to be revised and updated periodically, after consultation with the Job-Holder.

Person Specification

Please find below the qualifications, experience and techincial skills required to undertake this post. Each criterion will be assessed at application (A), interview (I) or test (T) as indicated below.

Professional qualifications, relevant education and training:

• Educated to degree level or an equivalent level of skills knowledge and professional experience. (A)

• GCSE English (first language equivalent) Grade C/5 or above. (A)

• CIM, AMCIS or similar professional marketing qualification desirable. (A)

Experience required, including budget holding experience (if appropriate):

• Significant experience in a marketing and communications role, to include developing plans and strategies in accordance with organisational objectives; (A,I)

• Proven experience of developing and implementing marketing and communications strategies which meet agreed targets and organisational objectives; (I)

• Experience of managing a team or staff; (I)

• Demonstrable experience in developing and maintaining a strong organisational brand, including tone and voice; (I)

• Experience of managing external agencies, designers, printers or other key stakeholders in marketing and communications activities; (A, I)

• Experience of managing budgets; (A)

• Experience of working in a school or the education sector is an advantage, but not essential.

Technical skills:

• Proven expertise in all aspects of on and offline marketing, PR, communications and engagement, with a detailed understanding of how to maximise the effectiveness of all key marketing channels in a school or similar environment; (I)

• Ability to move seamlessly between strategic thinking on marketing and communications issues and operational delivery and make a significant contribution to both; (I)

• Ability to develop and manage a wide range of marketing and communications activities in a school environment to include print materials and social media/digital; (A, I)

• Ability to provide sound advice to senior staff on internal and external messaging and communications and which may be in respect of sensitive issues; (I)

• Ability to develop, organise and manage high quality online and offline school open events; (I)

• Excellent interpersonal and oral communication skills with the ability to build and sustain effective working relationships within the School and externally with key stakeholders on marketing and communications issues and to discuss issues with sensitivity, tact and diplomacy; (I)

• Strong written communication skills in order to draft high quality reports, plans and strategies, and to compose engaging marketing and communications material for a range of audiences and which demonstrate creative flair; (I)

• Proficient in the use of IT packages such as Office 365 (A)

Desirable

• Experience in using databases and digital marketing software, including digital analytics, SEO and digital platforms.

• Experience of using Adobe Suite is an advantage.

Professional expectations of staff

Safeguarding

Staff will be kind, fair and respectful to students and each other, challenge others when they are unkind, unfair or disrespectful and have the highest regard for the students’ safety and their safeguarding duties, whether on or off the school premises.

Appearance

Smart professional dress, or appropriate co-curricular clothing, at all times.

Availability

Prompt attendance during the School’s operating hours and a commitment to completing School business is expected.

Awareness and use of Freemen’s policies

Staff will be able to access and use policies as necessary, and read and act upon them appropriately.

Behaviour

Staff will establish Freemen’s as a place of learning and will determine clear boundaries of behaviour, based on mutual respect and trust. Staff will have high expectations of students and will manage their behaviour effectively.

Collective responsibility

Staff share collective responsibility for Freemen’s standards, reputation and property, should treat them with respect and care, and insist others do likewise.

Communication

Staff will expect high standards of communication from students and will, in turn, demonstrate accurate, timely and appropriate communication when dealing with students, parents and colleagues.

Ethics and behaviour

Staff will uphold public trust in the profession and the reputation of Freemen’s by maintaining high standards of ethics and behaviour, within and outside School. They will be respectful and tolerant of the rights of others, including colleagues, and not undermine fundamental British values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect, and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs. They will ensure that their personal beliefs are not expressed in ways which exploit pupils’ vulnerability or might lead them to break the law.

Learn, lead and make a difference

Leaders

Staff will be leaders in the School, exercising good judgement and modelling the behaviour and habits that are expected of the students.

Learners

Staff will show and share a passion for their subject or discipline(s). They will seek to develop as professionals and as specialists, will be open to feedback and will seek opportunities to collaborate with colleagues and engage with relevant research.

Planning

Teaching staff will have a sense of where the lesson fits within the scheme of work and plan well-structured lessons using an appropriate range of pedagogies.

Use of feedback

Staff will seek to use feedback for themselves and if appropriate, their students and will complete assessments and reports in a timely fashion in the appropriate manner and style.

How to apply

Applicants should send a letter of application and a completed application form to the Headmaster via CLFS-Recruitment@cityoflondon.gov.uk, by 9.00am on Tuesday 11 July.

Shortlisted candidates will be called for interviews that will take place on Tuesday 18 July, though candidates are asked to note that Freemen’s retains the right to interview and appoint at any time during the application process.

Candidates can expect to be interviewed by the Director of External Relations and other members of SLT, meet members of the department, tour the school and discuss how they will help Freemen’s achieve its mission and aims. A short presentation will also be required, details of which will be provided before interview.

Freemen’s acknowledges receipt of all applications, if you have not received confirmation of the safe receipt of your application within two working days please call the School or email CLFS-Recruitment@cityoflondon.gov.uk to check on its status.

The successful candidate must be able to satisfy the City of London’s health requirements and a confidential medical assessment by the City of London’s Medical Officer is required.

The City of London Freemen’s School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all employees to share this commitment.

The successful applicant must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (Enhanced Disclosure).

The Good Schools Guide

"Friendly was the single most uttered word used to describe the school by students, while parents report that their offspring are happy. ‘Kind’ and ‘non-judgemental,’ we also heard, with support on tap."

Your benefits

City of London benefits:

Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)

Contributory defined benefit

• CityBenefits - discounts and cashback.

• Wellbeing resources.

• Sponsorship to become a Freeman of the City of London.

Family friendly

Significantly enhanced maternity, adoption and shared parental leave entitlement

Sports and Leisure:

Free lunch and refreshments

The option to join Supper Club at a subsidised rate

• Discounted gym membership.

• Free use of the fitness suite.

• Staff social and sporting opportunities including pilates, yoga and five-a-side football.

• Free staff swimming and weekend family swimming for staff.

Annual Leave 25/29 days (subject to grade) plus bank holidays increasing with service.

Cycle to work scheme

Up to £3,000 salary sacrifice

Learning and Development:

• In-house and externally run CPL

• Enquiring Schools project

• Support for professional development appropriate to the role including Apprenticeships/Masters.

Season Ticket Loan

Free parking on site

Access to on-site facilities

Wellbeing:

• Up to 2 days’ paid leave for volunteering.

• Cash back on private health care treatment.

• Access to on-site Medical Centre.

• Staff Wellbeing Committee.

• Confidential Employee Assistance for staff and their families.

• Emergencies-only approach to out of hours email.

Campus Map

Centre 11. Junior School (Kemp House) 12. Boarding (Walbrook House)

13. Music School and Recital Hall

14. Main House

15. Sports Hall

16. Swimming Pool

17. Cricket Pavilion

18. Tennis and Netball Courts

19. Astro Pitch

20. Cricket Nets

21. Cricket Pitch

22. Italian Garden

23. Rugby and Football Pitches

24. Green Room

Click here to view 360 Tour of campus

25. Fire Assembly Point

26. Bus Stop

27. Upper Car Park

28. Lower Car Park

29. Service Gate (KT21 1JB)

"A down-to-earth, friendly school that’s comfortable in its own skin rather than relentlessly trying to show off its most polished side – and is all the better for it. Just the ticket for parents after a high-quality, stress-free route for their academically bright sons and daughters from age 7 right through to 18. Almost unique around here."

The Good Schools Guide