Head of marketing

Are you an experienced and professional marketer who is passionate about education and young people? Are you an excellent communicator who can articulate the school’s value proposition using the full marketing mix, and position GSAL as one the leading independent schools in the north? 

This is an exciting opportunity to join the Sunday Times North Independent Secondary School of the Decade. We are seeking an enthusiastic, passionate and professional Head of Marketing who will be responsible for the planning and delivery of an evidence-based marketing plan to ensure that the school achieves its pupil number targets and other objectives.   

In this key leadership role, you will work closely with the Director of External Relations and other pivotal team members, including the Admissions Manager and Director of Development. Your efforts will be instrumental in supporting the school’s objectives for pupil numbers and development through data-driven marketing strategies and robust communication plans. 

Your responsibilities will encompass crafting and executing marketing strategies tailored to a diverse range of stakeholders—including parents, staff, students, alumni, and the business community—using a mix of digital and traditional channels. You'll manage our school’s presence across various platforms such as our website, social media, press, and more, ensuring our messaging aligns with our brand’s integrity and ethos. 

The ideal candidate will have substantial experience in marketing, preferably in the independent education sector or related fields, with a proven track record of leading successful marketing campaigns. Strong leadership skills, strategic planning capabilities, and the ability to effectively manage both people and projects are essential. A degree in a relevant field and a postgraduate marketing qualification are desirable. 

Located on our beautiful 140-acre site in north Leeds, you'll be part of a close-knit team dedicated to fostering an environment where every idea is valued and each team member is encouraged to excel and contribute to our collective achievements. This role involves flexible working hours, including some evenings and weekends, to meet the needs of our stakeholders. 

Join our innovative and forward-thinking team which is committed to positioning GSAL as one the leading independent schools in the north.

Why GSAL? 

The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL) is one of the leading schools in the north and traces its history back to 1552. In the last five years GSAL Senior School has twice been named North Independent School of the Year, and North Independent School of the Decade in the Sunday Times Parent Power League Table. The school aims to inspire all members of our community and to instill values of responsibility, respect and resilience in all of our pupils.  

We have a dedicated team of over 400 colleagues! We highly value each member and provide a comprehensive range of benefits: 

• Significant discount on school fees   
• 25 days annual leave per year plus eight statutory bank holidays (pro rata for part-time roles)       
• School closure days in the Christmas holidays in addition to annual leave entitlement     
• Option to purchase up to 10 additional days of annual leave     
• Childcare provided for staff’s children during school INSET days (from the age of 3 up to age 11)      
• Personal pension plan with Aviva up to 5% employee contribution and 10% employer (with the facility to pay higher or lower employee contributions)   
• Training and CPD available including five inset days per academic year    
• Staff lunches: three courses for £1 available during school lunchtimes plus free tea, coffee and hot chocolate machines   
• Access to our 24/7 GP provider, Health hero      
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme well-being app, Vivup, offering telephone counselling, financial and legal advice plus 6-8 face-to-face counselling sessions   
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• Staff discounts through multiple providers, including Vivup, discounts for teachers and Extras   
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• Beautiful lunch time walking routes around our 140 acre site   
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• Onsite gym and swimming pool available for staff use within set times as well as staff classes such as pilates, meditation, kettlebells, spinning and bootcamps   
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• Salary sacrifice schemes for cycle to work       
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• Free car parking available on site     
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• Use of the school’s extensive library facility   
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• Generous leave of absence scheme to support our employees when they need it     
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• Opportunity to be involved in extracurricular activities such as the staff pantomime, well-being committee or volunteer for community events  

How to Apply:  

Please complete the online GSAL application form found on our website. Please be prepared to provide copies of any qualifications mentioned in your application. For any enquiries about the vacancy, feel free to contact vacancies@gsal.org.uk  

More information about the role and responsibilities are contained in the candidate pack attached in the documents section on our website advert. Please note we cannot offer tours or visits due to the high volume of interest. 

The closing date for applications is: 9am Friday 17 May 

Interview date: Thursday 30 May