Communications Specialist

Swalcliffe Park is an ‘Outstanding’ specialist day and residential school providing education, therapeutic support and residential care for secondary aged boys all of whom have a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Condition ASC.  We offer excellent working conditions in a beautiful location with opportunities for career development and training staff. The school also has ‘Advanced Level’ Autism Accreditation and an ‘Enhanced Practice’ commendation.

The Communications Specialist will play an integral role in raising the profile of the school locally, nationally and internationally.This role will work collaboratively with the CEO and Principal to develop and implement the school’s communications and marketing strategy to promote the school’s work and reputation.  It is a hands-on role managing design and print, websites and all forms of media in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and would suit someone who enjoys balancing operational and strategic tasks. There will also be a focus on newsgathering and storytelling across various channels (including online, print, and social). The role will also necessitate involvement in advertising (off and online), PR, events, digital marketing and social media.

The successful candidate will have or be:

• A degree level education with relevant marketing and/or communications qualification;
• Successfully undertaken a similar role, in a complex, busy, service-driven culture;
• A proven track record of designing and delivering successful communications campaigns and activity;
• Managed and produced content to support a wide range of communications;
• Willing to work strategically and operationally and be hands on within this role
• Self-motivated and able to work independently; working in a consultative way, managing ‘clients’ and working with minimal direction and input from others unless required as part of a collaborative brief;
• Proficient in developing profile raising strategies and planning and seeing through their implementation
• Excellent copy writing skills; being able to tell a story which reflects our ethos and culture
• A keen eye for detail in line with brand guidelines
• Proficient and up to date digital marketing and IT skills as well as design and/or communication software such as Microsoft Suite, Photoshop and Canva
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; effective in a variety of settings and with a range of people.
• Able to remaining calm under pressure and readily meet deadlines

Benefits include:

• Term time working; 39 weeks; based on site, with occasional opportunity for hybrid working
• Annual Leave – 7 weeks plus Bank Holidays pro rata to be taken in school holidays
• Pension scheme – NEST
• Employee Assistance Programme, free lunchtime meal and parking
• CPD development and supervision

For more information, please go to our website.  A Job Description/Person Specification and application form are available from the school’s website.

This school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.  The successful candidate will be expected to undertake an enhanced disclosure.  We are an equal opportunities employer.