Digital Communications Executive

About Danes Hill School

Danes Hill is recognised as among the leading co-educational prep schools in the country. It is a highly successful school offering an exceptional educational experience to over 800 pupils aged 3 to 13. Set in 55 acres bordering open countryside, yet commutable to London, it is a thriving school that has received an outstanding report by the Independent School’s Inspectorate. Inspectors described the school as ‘excellent in all areas’ and commented that ‘teamwork is strong’. An ongoing building program is further developing the classroom accommodation, adding to the excellent existing facilities that include specialist science laboratories, art, design and technology rooms, performance spaces and high-quality sports facilities. 

Working at Danes Hill you become part of a large, dynamic community encompassing all the teaching and non-teaching staff. Dedicated support staff work in tandem with teaching staff, taking care of many of the administrative tasks in a friendly, cooperative environment. The Common Room President, elected each year, organises social events and charity fundraisers. Several members of staff offer their expertise free of charge to run different activities, including circuit training and the staff choir. You are also able to make use of the swimming pool and other sports facilities, before and after school, helping to burn off our renowned lunches!

The Role

This role is to support the whole Danes Hill School marketing and admissions strategy, including the Pre-Prep Bevendean. You will be responsible for the digital communications, ensuring a strong social media presence and online brand awareness.

Key Responsibilities

The key responsibilities listed below are neither exclusive nor exhaustive and the post holder may be required to carry out other appropriate duties within the wider context of the role:

• Responsible for implementing the social media strategy across all platforms including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and other appropriate media.
• Engage actively with online communities, at all times appropriately and positively, representing Danes Hill School.
• Create and publish relevant, original, high-quality content for all social channels.
• Proactively search out information, events, successes, and news stories for marketing purposes.
• Create, edit, and proofread accurate and engaging copy from a range of sources including social media, website, and SEO.
• Responsible for implementing the use of film, video, and photography across digital channels.
• Create a creative and innovative termly content schedule.
• Ensure consistency of brand message in written content and images.
• Be the brand custodian for all communication channels and ensure the brand guidelines are always upheld.
• Liaise with teaching and support staff to ensure an even representation of academic and extra-curricular.
• Produce a weekly press release and distribute to key media contacts.
• Curate and edit information for the weekly parent newsletter.
• Proactively manage written content, images, and documents for the school website.
• Track competitor schools’ online presence

Person Specification

• Experience in a similar role of social media management (experience does not need to be in an educational setting).
• Evidence of an in-depth knowledge and understanding of social media platforms and how each platform can be deployed in different scenarios.
• Ability to be both creative and analytical.
• An excellent ability to effectively communicate information and ideas in written, image and video format.
• Demonstration of good technical understanding and the ability to pick up new tools quickly.
• Meticulous copywriter, editor, and proof-reader with a keen eye for detail.
• Impeccable time management and flexibility since some evening and weekend working will be required for this role.
• The ability to remain positive and ability to prioritise the workload.
• Well-presented and well-spoken with a willingness to help at marketing and admissions events with prospective parents.

Desirable skills

• A knowledge of the principles of SEO including keyword research and Google Analytics.
• Keen photographer/videographer.
• Knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite including InDesign, Photoshop, and Premier Rush.

Salary and Benefits

Salary: £25,000 - £35,000 per annum, depending upon experience.

Hours of work: Standard hours of work are 40 hours per week. However, the specific hours of work will be determined by the requirements of the position and there will be some out of hours evening and weekend work required as an integral part of the role. Where this is the case, then time off can be taken in lieu.

Holidays: Paid holiday entitlement is 5 weeks, normally to be taken in school holiday time, plus Bank Holidays.

Place of work: Danes Hill School & Bevendean pre-prep

Other benefits: Pension scheme An excellent working environment School lunches are available for all staff Staff well-being opportunities and CPD training

Deadline for Applications: Sunday 12th December 2021.

Interview Date: Friday 17th December

We reserve the right to close applications early.

Please complete the application form which should be emailed to Mrs Caroline Beldham cbeldham@daneshill.surrey.sch.uk. 

To apply, please visit our website by clicking on the Apply button. 

All staff have a responsibility and duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of pupils. Staff must be aware of the systems within the School which support safeguarding and must act in accordance with the School’s Safeguarding & Child Protection policy and Code of Conduct. Staff will receive appropriate child protection training which is regularly updated.

Danes Hill is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).