Downside School has a vacancy for a Marketing and Communications Officer.

This full-time, all-year-round position (maternity cover starting from November) offers an exciting opportunity to enhance Downside School's visibility and engagement through innovative communications and marketing strategies. As a key member of our dynamic team, you will drive digital presence, create compelling content, and support events that showcase our vibrant community.

Reporting directly to the Marketing, Events and Development Manager, you will collaborate across departments to deliver operational marketing activities, ensuring our school's story resonates with current and prospective families. Based at our picturesque campus in Stratton-on-the-Fosse, Somerset, the role offers a salary of £27,000 - £30,000 depending on experience, plus benefits like free lunches, parking, and access to facilities including our swimming pool and gym.

General Duties of the Marketing and Communications Officer

As our Marketing and Communications Officer, your responsibilities will include helping to create written content, visuals, and newsworthy posts for social media, the website, and the Head's weekly e-newsletter. You'll help to deliver digital marketing campaigns, optimising engagement across channels while monitoring performance through analytics, Google advertising, and email marketing.

Main responsibilities will include:

• Design promotional literature.
• Help to coordinate school events.
• Maintain a dynamic photo and video library compliant with GDPR.
• Proactively update the website to keep it fresh and accessible.
• Build relationships with members of staff and the wider community.
• Help to manage events, both internal and extremal.
• Attend Open Mornings and evening/weekend events (with time in lieu).

Marketing and Communications Officer Skills, Qualifications and Prior Experience

We're seeking a creative, digitally savvy professional with excellent written and verbal communication skills, and a proven track record in marketing or communications. Essential qualifications include:

• Strong knowledge of InDesign, Photoshop, WordPress (or similar CMS), and social media platforms.
• Analytical skills for performance reporting.
• Attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines.
• A proactive, organised mindset, problem-solving abilities, and a positive, collaborative attitude are key.

Prior experience in a similar role is preferred, along with a flair for innovative ideas and enthusiasm for school life.

Marketing and Communications Officer Remuneration and Benefits

Remuneration and benefits for the Marketing and Communications Officer include:

• £27,000 - £30,000 per annum depending upon experience.
• 25 days annual holiday plus Bank Holidays.
• 9am to 5pm working hours (some flexibility for the occasional weekend or evening work, but time will be given in lieu).
• Free lunches.
• Free parking.
• Access to facilities such as swimming pool and gym.

About Downside School

Nestled in the beautiful Somerset countryside just 25 minutes from Bath, Downside School is a historic Catholic independent school founded in 1814. Its Benedictine Foundation fosters integrity, independent thinking, and service, creating a happy, inspiring environment where pupils thrive academically.

By car, Downside School is within 40 minutes of Bristol, 30 minutes of Bath and 15 minutes of Wells.

Application Process

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews. Downside School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All appointments are subject to enhanced DBS checks and satisfactory references. We encourage applications from diverse backgrounds.

Registered Company No. 11751009 and Registered Charity No: 1184700