Communications Manager

Part time, all year round pro rata salary £5190 - £6030

One day per week (flexible which day)

Applications from contractors considered, the sum offered would not be in excess of £8000.

Start date flexible

Rutland and District Schools’ Federation (RDSF) is an education trust responsible for three schools, Catmose College, Harington School and Catmose Primary. The Federation is responsible for the education of around 1500 students and employs nearly 250 staff. 

We are funded by the government directly, primarily by how many students we have on roll. We face, as many public institutions do, significant cost pressures and are therefore looking to continue to grow the number of students on our rolls to improve funding whilst maintaining positive relationships with other schools and our community. We are also actively exploring other opportunities to sponsor or build new schools, such as one for students with additional needs, in the local area to complement the existing offer. 

Similarly, the recruitment of staff, in an increasingly competitive environment is key to our continued success. We need the Federation to be seen as the best employer in the local area for the opportunities, training and benefits we offer.

We have a relatively low profile in traditional media outlets such as the local newspapers; we have instead focused our communication through Facebook and our own websites. These have proven effective in channelling news stories on a regular basis.

We are particularly interested in growing the Federation’s profile so that its purpose and successes are understood and shared by the wider Rutland and local community.

JOB PURPOSE

Responsible for creating and implementing a strategy to improve the local community’s understanding of the work of the Federation so that our academies are the first choice for people to work or to send their children.

DUTIES

• Build and drive our communication strategy.
• To regularly review our existing communications channels, assess their fitness for purpose and use initiative to develop and implement new communications channels as and when required, to support the goals of the Federation.
• Support the Federation by building overall brand image through positive, focused and measured press coverage and events.
• Work closely with the Executive Principal on internal and external messages for the press and our wider community through the effective use of social media and other traditional media outlets.
• Capitalise on excellent press contact to seek out opportunities at all levels to raise the profile of the Federation. 
• Create engaging content that positively promotes the Federation for all press releases and press events or queries.
• Act as the first point of contact for press activity, providing advice and expertise to the Executive Principal on handling external communication effectively.
• Proactively help to promote positive news about the Federation.
• Ensure that key recruitment opportunities for staff and students are maximised through the effective promotion of each academy.
• Show creative thinking and develop ways to build brand credibility. 
• Provide PR support on the growth of the Federation, its key successes and other marketing opportunities as they arise.
• Provide PR services for all Federation users, internal clients understand how this process works.
• Keep abreast of new developments and techniques within marketing and PR.

Please read the attached job description for further information on the role.

The Federation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all students in our care and expects all staff to share this commitment.  All staff are responsible for ensuring safeguarding, health and safety policies are implemented in line with Federation policy and current legislation. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service. We are an equal opportunities employer.

HOW TO APPLY

Application forms and information are available online at www.catmosecollege.com or by emailing the College on office@catmosecollege.com

• You should write a letter of application on no more than 2 sides of A4.
• You should complete all sections of the application form.
• On the form clearly state the names, addresses, telephone numbers and e-mail address of two professional referees; it is our usual practice to ask for references before shortlisting and always to ask for references before interviews.
• It is a condition of employment that you have a successful DBS check made and can provide proof of identity and qualifications gained.

The closing date is 1 December 2017. You should send your application to Stuart Williams, Executive Principal, Catmose College, Huntsmans Drive, Oakham, Rutland, LE15 6RP. Applications can also be emailed to office@catmosecollege.com