Director of Marketing and Communications

Senior Leadership Team (SLT 1)
Pension: Membership of the GDST Flexible Pension Plan

Required from: Late August, Early September 2026 to coincide with the new academic year.

Please apply via: https://newcastlehighschoolforgirls.schoolrecruiter.com/

The Role

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an exceptional and strategic leader to join Newcastle High School for Girls as Director of Marketing and Communications. This role provides leadership across marketing, communications, admissions, alumnae relations, philanthropy, data and business support functions.

This is a pivotal role within the school, responsible for shaping and delivering a fully integrated approach to pupil recruitment, communications and stakeholder engagement. As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the Director of Marketing and Communications plays a key role in ensuring the long-term sustainability and success of the school through a strong and clearly articulated market position and an outstanding customer experience.

Leading a high performing, cross functional team, the successful candidate will ensure that all functions operate in alignment and deliver consistently high standards. They will bring clarity, strategic direction and operational excellence across the entire pupil recruitment journey – from initial engagement to admission, while ensuring effective engagement with the alumnae community to support the wider aims of the school.

About the School

Newcastle High School for Girls is the North East’s leading independent girls’ day school. Our pupils are ambitious, curious and motivated, and we are proud to provide an exceptional education within a warm, supportive and aspirational community.

As part of the Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST) – the UK’s leading family of independent girls’ schools – we benefit from a national network of expertise, collaboration and opportunity. The GDST is committed to empowering girls and young women through education and to creating environments in which both pupils and staff can thrive.

About the Role

Reporting to the Head, the Director of Marketing and Communications will:

• Provide strategic leadership for all aspects of marketing, communications, admissions alumnae relations and philanthropy
• Lead and develop a fully integrated approach to pupil recruitment and retention
• Oversee the effective use of data, systems and insight to inform decision-making
• Ensure a high-quality, consistent and engaging customer experience for prospective families
• Lead and develop a multidisciplinary team including marketing, admissions, philanthropy, data and business support functions
• Contribute as a senior leader to the strategic direction and development of the school

This is an outstanding opportunity for a high-calibre individual who combines strategic thinking with operational delivery, and who is able to build strong relationships, lead teams effectively and deliver results.

About You

We are looking for an outstanding marketing professional with a proven track record of delivering impactful strategy and measurable results, who is already in, or ready to take on, a broader leadership role.

As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, reporting directly to the Head, you will bring both strategic perspective and the ability to deliver to a consistently high standard. You may already be operating at a senior level, or you may be looking to take the next step into a role with wider responsibility and influence across an organisation.

You will have experience of:

• developing and delivering effective marketing or communications strategies
• using data and insight to inform decisions
• working collaboratively and influencing a range of stakeholders
• leading or developing others, whether through line management or project leadership

You will also have the confidence and judgement to contribute at senior level, with the ability to understand broader organisational priorities and translate these into clear, effective plans.

This is an excellent opportunity for a candidate seeking to build further leadership experience within an ambitious and well-supported School environment.

We Can Offer You

• A competitive salary and benefits package
• Membership of the GDST Flexible Pension Plan
• Access to a wide range of professional development opportunities through the GDST network
• Training grants for further qualifications
• Discounted fees for children at GDST schools
• Free lunches and refreshments during term time
• Free on-site parking
• Access to the school fitness suite
• Access to retail discounts via the Pluxee App
• Access to free financial advice via the HR My Money App
• Interest-free loans for travel season tickets and personal equipment
• Cycle to Work scheme
• A supportive, professional and highly collegiate working environment

Further Information

Closing date: Monday 22^nd June 2026 – 12 noon
Interview date: First Stage: Tuesday 30th June 2026 (all day) Second Stage: Wednesday 1st July 2026 (afternoon)

Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all qualified individuals. To be eligible for employment, candidates must provide proof of their right to work in the UK.

Newcastle High School for Girls and the GDST are committed to diversity, inclusion and real change: a family where every individual is valued, respected and included.

Newcastle High School for Girls and the GDST are 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, online searches and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).