Marketing & Development Manager

HEARD SEARCH LTD; Playden; On-site; GBP 45,000; Full time

Job summary

An independent school in Playden is seeking a Marketing & Development Manager to lead their marketing initiatives. You will grow independently funded admissions, enhance the school's brand, and engage with the community. The ideal candidate has digital marketing skills, strong project management experience, and is proactive in problem-solving. The role offers a salary of £45,000 with benefits including holidays and a flexible work pattern.

Benefits

£45,000 salary

Five weeks' holiday plus bank holidays

Pension

Free lunches in term time

On-site gym

Flexible work pattern

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent; CIM/AMCIS a plus.
• Hands-on digital and content skillset; strong copy/editing.
• Organised project manager with budget experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead the whole-school marketing function.
• Own the marketing strategy, plan, and budget.
• Manage brand, website, and digital content.

Skills

Digital marketing skills

Content creation

Project management

Collaboration

Education

Degree or equivalent

CIM/AMCIS qualification

Tools

InDesign

Canva

Job description

Marketing & Development Manager - Independent School

Salary: £45,000 • Contract: Permanent, full-time (37.5 hrs) — 3-4 days/week considered • Start: ASAP/Jan 2026 • On site with occasional travel

Role

Lead the whole-school marketing function to grow independently funded admissions, build the brand and digital presence, engage alumni, support international markets, and deliver high-impact events and campaigns.

Key Responsibilities

• Own the marketing strategy, plan and budget aligned to admissions targets
• Manage brand, website (with agency support), content, social, email and basic SEO/analytics
• Plan/run advertising, PR and media; produce print/digital collateral and video/photography
• Coordinate Open Mornings and flagship events; support community outreach and lettings
• Develop international pipelines (agent relationships) and alumni engagement/fundraising comms

About You

• Degree or equivalent; CIM/AMCIS a plus
• Hands‑on digital and content skillset; strong copy/editing and eye for design (InDesign/Canva)
• Data‑informed, organised project manager with budget experience
• Collaborative, stakeholder‑savvy, proactive problem‑solver
• Sector knowledge and GDPR/safeguarding awareness advantageous

Benefits

• £45,000 salary, five weeks' holiday plus bank holidays, pension
• Free lunches in term time; on‑site gym
• Flexible pattern available (3‑4 days/week considered)

Safeguarding & Right to Work

Enhanced DBS, satisfactory references and UK right‑to‑work checks are required.