Head of Admissions and Marketing

The Opportunity

Overview:

The Head of Admissions and Marketing will be responsible for developing and executing a strategic plan to attract, enrol, and retain students. This role combines leadership in admissions processes with the marketing of the school's brand and reputation, ensuring effective communications to internal and external audiences. The role requires a dynamic, sales-orientated, data-driven, creative individual who thrives in a front of house role. The successful candidate will lead initiatives that engage prospective families and highlight Westholme’s ethos, values and brand identity, through effective management of their team.

Key Responsibilities:

Admissions:

• Lead and manage the end-to-end admissions process from initial inquiry to enrolment.
• Develop and implement an admissions strategy to meet enrolment targets.
• Manage open days, school tours, taster days, and other events to showcase the school to prospective families.
• Build strong relationships with feeder schools and nurseries to ensure a steady flow of prospective students.
• Monitor and report on key admissions data, identifying trends and opportunities for growth.
• Oversee the admissions team, ensuring a high-quality, responsive service to prospective families.
• Manage all admissions communications, ensuring a personal, professional, and timely approach.
• Work with the Finance team to ensure timely payment of deposits and fees by new students, alongside the allocation of bursaries and scholarships.

Marketing:

• Develop and implement a marketing strategy that reflects the school’s values, mission, and vision to attract new students.
• Lead all marketing and communications initiatives, including online campaigns, social media, newsletters, and relevant printed materials.
• Ensure the school’s website is regularly updated and reflects the latest news, events, and achievements of students.
• Oversee the creation of promotional content including videos, online messages and photography.
• Manage the school's branding to ensure consistency across all communications and marketing materials.
• Develop strategies to increase the school’s online visibility and engagement with parents and prospective families.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with external agencies and partners to enhance the school’s visibility.
• Oversee and lead the marketing team, to ensure alignment with the School’s vision.

Leadership and Strategy:

• Collaborate with senior leadership to develop and implement the school’s admissions and marketing strategy.
• Attend team meetings and contribute to discussions on strategic growth and development.
• Keep up to date with market trends, competitor activity, and industry developments to refine and improve recruitment strategies.
• Report regularly to the Principal and Commercial Director on admissions and marketing performance.

Person Specification:

Experience & Qualifications:

• Proven experience in a leadership role within sales, admissions, marketing, or communications.
• Strong understanding of admissions processes, student recruitment, and customer service.
• Experience managing successful marketing campaigns, both traditional and digital.
• Knowledge of data analysis and marketing analytics.
• Experience of leading a team and managing multiple projects simultaneously.

Skills & Competencies:

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to set clear objectives and drive results.
• High attention to detail and the ability to manage complex projects.
• Creative flair and the ability to think innovatively.
• A good understanding of current trends in the independent school sector.

Personal Attributes:

• Highly organised, with the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• A positive, enthusiastic, and results-driven approach.
• Commitment to the values and ethos of independent education.
• Flexibility to work outside normal hours for events and admissions activities.

The School provides all lunches, tea, coffee etc. and other amenities free of charge.