Director of Marketing, Admissions and Engagement

Canford School; England; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious UK educational institution is seeking a Director of External Relations to lead and unify the Marketing & Communications, Admissions, and Development teams. This pivotal role reports to the Headmaster and focuses on strategic leadership to enhance Canford's public engagement and overall direction. Ideal candidates should have significant experience in education or a commercial environment, alongside strong relational and strategic skills. Applications should be made via RSAcademics.

Qualifications

• Experience in education or commercial background.
• Strong strategic, relational, and creative skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead external relations activities for Canford School.
• Provide leadership for Marketing & Communications, Admissions, and Development teams.
• Shape strategic direction for the School and Canford Group.

Job description

Nestled in 250 acres of beautiful Dorset parkland, Canford School is one of the leading co‑educational boarding and day schools in the UK, educating some 660 pupils aged 13–18. With a commanding reputation built on excellent academic achievement, breadth of education and a fresh, lively approach, Canford also offers a superb sports and co‑curricular programme which is seen as amongst the best in the independent sector.

This is a truly exciting time to be at Canford– the School is not just full; it is also alive with ambition. The recent announcement of the creation of the Canford Schools Group and the merger with Dumpton School heralds a bold new phase in Canford’s evolution, with several further partnerships anticipated.

This is an exceptional and newly created leadership opportunity for an outstanding individual to lead the external relations activities for this highly successful school. This dynamic role will bring together the previously separate functions of Marketing & Communications, Admissions, and Development into a cohesive and collaborative External Relations team. The Director will provide motivational leadership and deliver Canford’s strategy for all outward‑facing functions. Reporting directly to the Headmaster, this is a pivotal senior leadership role which will be instrumental in shaping the strategic direction of both the School and the Canford Group as a whole.

This high‑profile and exciting leadership position will most likely be suited to either an experienced education professional or an outstanding individual from a commercial background who brings both an instinctive understanding of the independent education landscape and the strategic, relational, and creative skills to thrive in this complex and exciting role.

Further information and details of how to apply can be found on the RSAcademics website at www.rsacademics.com

Interested candidates are invited to contact RSAcademics in the first instance to arrange an informal and confidential discussion with Cat Sutherland‑Hawes via: [e-mail]

Closing date: 10.00am on Monday 1stDecember 2025.

Canford School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure & Barring Service.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.

The safeguarding responsibilities of this post are detailed in the candidate information brochure.

RSAcademics is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and to promoting diversity and inclusion in schools.