APPLICATION FOR THE POST OF

Director of Admissions,
Marketing & Communications
St Joseph’s College, as an aware employer, is committed to safeguarding and promoting the
well-being of children and young people as its number one priority. Robust recruitment, selection
and induction procedures operate throughout the College and extend to services linked on its
behalf.

Job description for Director of Admissions, Marketing & Communications

Reporting to The Principal
Salary An attractive salary and package is available, dependent on qualifications
and experience
Type of position Full time, permanent contract
Start date As soon as possible

1. The College
St Joseph’s College (St Jo’s), is an independent day and boarding school for 620 children aged 3-
18. Situated on a beautiful and well-equipped 60 acre campus in Ipswich, Suffolk, the school
combines strong Christian values with a relentless focus on supporting and nurturing children to
‘be their best’ within a family environment. St Jo’s is a community with heart; strong academic
performance is complimented by a buzzing and extensive extra-curricular programme, a warmth
of spirit and an ethos which places the personal, spiritual, moral and social development of
individuals – pupils and staff - at its centre.

2. The Role

The Director of Admissions, Marketing and Communications (DoAMC) role at St Jo’s represents an
exciting opportunity to be at the heart of the school’s strategic focus across both the Prep School
(3-11) and Senior School (11-18) including UK and international Boarding. The post holder will
provide strategic planning and leadership in each of the areas named in the job title and will line
manage the admissions and marketing team.

S/he will be responsible for the development and successful implementation of a strategic
development plan and for ensuring that the following strands are brought together under one
umbrella:

Admissions – to oversee pupil recruitment and develop and implement recruitment strategies to
ensure that the school’s recruitment targets are met; to be responsible for all aspects of the
school’s admissions process with a view to maximising the number of enquiries, visits, registrations
and joiners, whilst ensuring that retention levels remain strong

Marketing – to take responsibility for the development and implementation of the marketing
strategy for the whole school and to act as ‘brand guardian’. To promote and develop the School’s
image and reputation amongst its key constituencies including parents, feeder schools, business
and the wider community

Communications – to oversee and maintain continuous dialogue and feedback with key internal
and external stakeholders, ensuring that the school communicates in a consistent, professional
and prompt fashion. Oversight of key literature, the College’s website, Parent Portal and its social
media.
Events – management of / guidance on all pupil recruitment and public relations events from open
days to speech days, including social events and special occasions.
Alumni – to oversee the maintenance and development of the College’s alumni and Friends of St
Joseph’s.

3. Management and leadership

This is a crucial leadership role at St Jo’s. The DoAMC will report directly to the Principal and will
be a member of the School’s Senior Leadership Team (SLT). It is expected that the post holder will
provide expert advice, guidance, support and regular briefings to colleagues on the SLT and make
presentations to Governors.

The DoAMC will be responsible for the Marketing and Admissions Team which will comprise:
Admissions Officers, International Liaison Manager, Marketing Officer, and Communications
Officer. The DoAMC will chair the weekly Marketing & Admissions meeting.

There will be a close working relationship with other key constituents of the College including the
Director of Finance and other SLT colleagues, particularly those with responsibility for Boarding,
the Prep and Senior School and Sixth Form, other teaching and support staff as well as current and
prospective parents. S/he will inspire, motivate and guide everyone who contributes to the
marketing and admissions functions and will provide training and mentoring as necessary.

4. Planning, reporting and budget management

After consultation with the Principal and other key staff, the DoAMC will take responsibility for
developing a dovetailed admissions and marketing strategy and supporting action plans detailing
marketing and admissions activities designed to meet the strategic needs and objectives of the
School. Based on appropriate research, these plans will set out the targets, priorities, timetable
and resourcing of marketing and admissions activities. S/he will also manage all the budgets
associated with these activities and report regularly on progress to the Principal, SLT and
Governors.

5. Specific responsibilities

Admissions Management

• Manage the International Liaison Manager and Admissions Officers, who are responsible for
recruiting new families and the administration of the admissions process
• Work closely with the MIS Manager to ensure the database (SIMS) meets the needs of the
admissions department and to provide database training and development where
appropriate
• Oversee the process for all admissions enquiries and requests for prospectuses – Prep ,
Senior and Sixth Form, Day and Boarding, UK and International - ensuring the processes as
a whole are timely, effective, efficient and mirror best practice
• Develop best practice admissions management processes and accompanying follow up and
relationship management practices for the school to ensure that all families are nurtured
from enquiry through to registration and assessment
• Ensure that the assessment process is a well-managed, personal and positive experience for
pupils and parents alike, taking every opportunity to positively influence decision making
throughout the assessment and offer process
• Manage the communication of offers for UK and International pupils
Event Management

• Project manage arrangements for Open Days, Open/Snapshot Mornings and other visits by
prospective parents, pupils and agents, such as Taster and assessment days, Induction days,
working closely with the SLT and relevant colleagues such as the Head of Boarding, Prep,
Year 7, Year 9 and Sixth Form
• Manage recruitment events, including Senior School Introductory evenings, representing St
Jo’s alongside other academic colleagues where appropriate, both in the UK and overseas
• Continuously review school events, offering suggestions for new ones and improvements to
existing ones

Data management

• Implement and manage a system of regular forecasting of admissions figures

• Maintain the database, ensuring that all information on the enquiry form and in subsequent
interactions by phone, email or in person is captured and recorded to facilitate proactive
admissions management
• Track, manage, analyse and report on all elements of the admissions process including
enquiries, visits, registrations, assessments, new joiners and premature leavers using SIMS
• Conduct regular analysis of source of business, including a geographical analysis, to aid
marketing planning

Relationship Management

• With the International Liaison Manager and Admissions Officers, to be the face and voice of
St Jo’s, providing a welcoming, warm, professional and efficient point of contact between
prospective families / agents and the school
• Ensure that all front of house staff and those involved with admissions and assessment, offer
a consistently warm welcome and outstanding customer care, offering advice and training
where necessary
• Oversee communications with prospective parents by telephone, email and letter and at
school events

Compliance

• To ensure all overseas students have visas that meet UKVI entry requirements, keeping the
necessary documentation
• To oversee the submission of CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies) applications for
Tier 4 students via the UKBA SMS (Sponsor Management system), ensuring that applications
comply with the regulations
• To ensure that the school’s admissions and data management is compliant with GDPR
• To ensure that the College’s admissions data is ISI compliant

6. Specific responsibilities

Marketing and Communications Management

• Manage the Marketing Officer and Communications Officer, who will assist on the
implementation of the marketing and communication activities
• Chair the weekly Marketing & Admissions meeting
Recruitment

• Raise awareness of the school in its key markets to ensure sufficient enquiries of the right
calibre are generated for the desired number of entrants at each entry point
• Develop community relations initiatives in order to raise the profile of the school in the area
and support its strategic recruitment aims
• UK and international travel as required

Retention

• Meet retention targets by developing and implementing an internal marketing programme

and on-going dialogue with stakeholders to monitor feedback and test ideas

Brand management

• Manage all elements of the St Jo’s brand to ensure that the brand remains consistent with
the values, personality and objectives of the School and that brand guidelines are
implemented consistency across all marketing activity

PR

• Develop the School’s PR strategy across key markets ensuring the school benefits from close
relationships with Editors and other key media personnel of the local, regional, national and
educational press
• Working with the Communications Officer, ensure that the school maintains a continuous
stream of newsworthy items showcasing the breadth and quality of School activities across
both digital and traditional media
• Keep abreast of local, regional, national and educational press to ensure St Jo’s is pro-active
and writes appropriate articles on current issues with a view to developing an improved
regional profile

Advertising

• Manage and measure the school’s current ‘advertising year’ and make recommendations
for when, where and how to advertise

Digital

• Provide content, style management and design oversight of the school website ensuring
that it is pertinent to target audiences
• Ensure the website is kept up to date and is living, breathing, dynamic reflection of St Jo’s,
regularly updated with a steady stream of news and content
• Develop and implement a Search Engine Optimisation programme, ensuring that St Jo’s
consistently appears in the first page for key search terms
• Oversee the school’s social media activity, advising on the appropriate channels, messages
and activity; manage the school’s presence on networking / social media sites
• Manage the reporting of the key digital metrics, including Google Analytics and social media
statistics, to inform future marketing activity
Feeder Heads

• Working closely with the Pastoral Heads and other colleagues as appropriate, develop and
maintain a feeder database both to aid segmentation and as a central vehicle for recording
all feeder school activity
• Develop a programme of visits and activities, supported by up to date and relevant
information, to build relationships and links with existing and potential feeder schools
• Establish and manage an efficient feedback system to and on-going communication
programme with Prep and Primary Schools.

Marketing collateral

• Manage the existing suite of publications and make recommendations for any
additional/alternative publications
• Oversee the production of additional communication material, branded items and signage
as required
• Manage the School’s relationship with its external suppliers e.g. printers

Event Management

• Develop an annual event programme aimed at prospective parents, current parents, alumni
and the wider community e.g. open days, alumni events, fairs
• Project manage one off special events such as centenary celebrations
• Build strong relationships with the relevant colleagues and PTA members to ensure the
events are a success

7. Person specification
The qualities and key skills required

Leadership
The vision, energy, ability and drive to inspire and motivate others and to ensure that strategy is
brought to life and implemented effectively. A can do attitude and the enthusiasm and gravitas to
be an outstanding ambassador for St Jo’s

Knowledge of admissions management

In depth knowledge of admissions management or the equivalent discipline within a comparable
service / hospitality industry

Knowledge of marketing
In depth knowledge of best practice in marketing together with proven ability to establish and
implement a robust marketing strategy

Interpersonal skills
Outstanding ‘people’ skills. Demonstrable ability to listen, build rapport and communicate
persuasively with people of different backgrounds.

Communication
Excellent skills in oral and written communication. Articulate with the ability to write and speak
messages that are clear, accurate, convincing and inspiring. An appreciation of how to use
different media to best effect with different audiences. Ability to speak confidently in public at
individual or group level.
 Intelligence
Ability to take a strategic and measured view. Fluency in presenting and defending a case, with
clarity of analysis, expression and reasoned argument.

Creativity
The ability to adapt to new situations and address problems from new perspectives.

Reliability
Attention to detail, deadlines and budgets; persistence in following through multiple extended
projects. Flexibility. Discretion when dealing with parents or sensitive information.

Engagement
An understanding of and belief in, the aims and ethos of independent education in general and St
Jo’s in particular. An understanding that the School’s activities extend well beyond the School day.

IT awareness
Competence in standard office software (word processing, presentation and spreadsheet
packages). A detailed understanding of, and an ability to interpret, databases and their use in
customer relationship management. Familiarity with social media platforms and their effective use
in a communications strategy.

8. Essential and desirable selection criteria

Attributes Essential Criteria Desirable Criteria

• In depth appreciation of the principles and • Working knowledge of market
Knowledge practices of independent schools’ research techniques
marketing and admissions functions • Working knowledge of CRM
• Knowledge and understanding of the systems
principles and practices of Customer • Interest in and understanding of
Relationship Management the independent education and
• A working knowledge of digital the broader educational
communications & platforms landscape
• Experience of working in an
independent school
 • Experience of strategic planning and • Media management
Skills & abilities implementation at a senior level • Website management
• Excellent written and verbal
communication skills
• Strong presentation skills
• Outstanding interpersonal skills - able to
interact well with people at all levels
• Competence in the management and
motivation of others
• Success working with and managing
volunteers
• Able to establish a strong and cohesive
team
• Creative, imaginative with a proven track
record in innovation and taking the
initiative / making things happen
• Highly literate and numerate with proven
commercial acumen
• Significant budget management
• Competence in IT
• Database management
• At least 5 years’ experience of managing a • Experience of independent
Experience marketing function in a relevant schools’ marketing and
environment admissions (or similar education
• Copywriting and proofreading environment)
• Brand ambassador • ‘Hands-on’ experience of press
• Up to date CRM experience relations
• Established contacts in the
media
• Educated to degree level or equivalent • Recognised marketing and/or
Qualifications admissions qualification such as
Chartered Institute of
Marketing or AMCIS Diploma

• Willing to attend Open Days and other • Current driving licence

Personal School events • Willing to undertake some
circumstances • Willing to play an active part in the school international travel if required
community
• Willing to work out of hours as and when
school functions occur
•
• Candidates must demonstrate
Equality understanding of and acceptance and
commitment to the principles underlying
equal opportunities
• In depth knowledge and understanding of
Customer Care effective customer care and management
St Joseph’s College Vision and Values

Core Framework

VISION

Being our Best

MISSION

A Caring, High Achieving Community guided by Christian Values

CORE VALUES

Aspiration Respect Confidence

Core Values and Ethos

The following core values and behaviours underpin the ethos of our College.

We believe:

• That everything we do should be for the benefit of the child

• That each child is individual and deserving of an equal educational opportunity

• That a community based on integrity, kindness, respect, courtesy and enjoyment creates

the best learning environment

• In striving for excellence in all that we do, encouraging ambition and aspiration

• In the primary importance of actively safeguarding and protecting children

• In embracing innovation as well as seeking, reflecting upon, and learning from feedback

and experience

• In the power of the team and the importance of working collaboratively

• That inspirational leadership means leading by example and with humility

• That we have an important role to play in the wider community, both locally and globally

• In taking a longer term view for the greater good of the College and its pupils
The ‘essence’ of St Joseph’s College is learned and lived through the following core values, which
underpin our unique ethos and environment. Our ethos is derived from the educational
philosophy and faith of St Jean-Baptiste de La Salle, Patron Saint of Teachers, and the example
set by St Joseph, Patron Saint of Workers.

• Faith and trust - developing an awareness of faith, spirituality, awe and wonder and
enduring belief in ourselves and others

• Confidence and self-belief - participating in a diverse range of academic, creative and

physical experiences with self-assurance of one’s own skills

• Aspiration and achievement - ensuring everyone makes maximum progress and reaches
their potential whilst ensuring that ambitions for future careers, personal goals and life-
long dreams can be realised

• Effort and resilience – providing a strong academic core and encouraging a desire to
succeed, in order to develop adaptable and life-long learning skills

• Respect and dignity - developing moral values; an awareness of what it means to be a

good citizen and respecting our own and other cultures, religions, values and beliefs

• Community and compassion providing a happy, secure and nurturing community, so we

develop personally, take a full, active and constructive part in the life of our community
and develop a sense of compassion and concern for others locally and globally

• Creativity and open-mindedness – seeking to innovate by being imaginative and

entrepreneurial whilst searching for and evaluating, conflicting opinions and sources of
evidence

• Contribution and service - developing a community perspective and awareness (locally

and globally) by meeting the needs of others and thinking beyond ‘the here and now’

• Integrity and endeavour – working with integrity and zeal and communicating reliably and
openly

• Self-regulation and humility – continually seeking to attain the highest personal

standards, whilst appreciating the many ways that people contribute to our world
VISION

We want to be known locally, nationally and internationally for our high quality, independent,
all-round education for boys and girls, which is seamless through from nursery to university and
the world of work, including:

• Our ethos, which combines strong traditional Christian values with a unique approach to
supporting and nurturing children within a friendly, family environment
• Strong academic performance and achievement for pupils of all abilities and skills,
enabling children and young people to consistently outperform local and national
academic standards
• Tailored pastoral and academic support which develops our children into confident,
successful, compassionate young people who have integrity, dignity and self-belief
• Progressive, innovative and effective approaches to teaching and learning
• Teaching which is inspirational, challenging and engaging, provided by well qualified and
well supported staff
• A flexible, inspiring and inclusive 3-18 curriculum which meets the needs of the
contemporary world
• Outstanding girls’ and boys’ opportunities and achievement in sport
• The quality and variety of curricular and extra-curricular opportunities, including
outstanding Music, Art, Drama, Dance and Outdoor Education
• Leading the way in using new technologies which enhance and support teaching, learning,
communication and administration
• Being a reflective, open-minded, forward-thinking organisation which is receptive and
responsive to change, in order to provide the best quality all-round education within a
competitive local, national and global market
• Our outstanding facilities and grounds
• High quality Boarding provision, including outstanding pastoral care for a diverse
population of students, excellent facilities and a stimulating programme of activities
• An emphasis on effective and timely communication which ensures that current and
prospective parents and the wider community, are well informed about the College’s
successes and strengths
• Creating links with alumni, businesses and community organisations which benefit our
students and our school
• Clear development planning, which is underpinned by sound business and financial
acumen and management, shared and communicated with stakeholders and reviewed
and evaluated annually
• Strong and effective leadership and management across the College, which supports and
enables its staff to develop professionally, personally and to deliver the school’s aims
within a positive, reflective and professionally community.