Director of Marketing & Communications

Job Title: Director of Marketing and Communications

Location: Highbury Campus with cross-campus working

Salary: £73,543.75 Full Time Equivalent per annum

Hours of work: 37 Hours per week, 52 Weeks per year, Full-Time, Permanent

Lead the Brand That Transforms a Community

City of Portsmouth College is a place where education changes lives — and we’re looking for a visionary marketing leader who can tell that story boldly, creatively, and with real impact.

As our Director of Marketing & Communications, you’ll elevate the reputation of a college that sits at the heart of its community and delivers one of the widest, most inclusive curriculums in the region. You’ll shape how we engage learners, families, employers, and partners, positioning our college as the first choice‑choice destination for skills, innovation, and opportunity.

If you’re an ambitious marketing professional who loves turning strategy into powerful campaigns — no matter what sector you come from — this is your chance to make a difference that goes far beyond brand metrics.

Why This Role Matters

At City of Portsmouth College, our culture is shaped by purpose and driven by values that guide everything we do. We are proud to live and lead through both our core College values — Equity, Excellence, Respect, Integrity, and Accountability — and our CARES (Collaborative, Aspirational, Respectful, Empowring and Supportive) ethos, which underpins the way we support our students, colleagues, and community.

As Director of Marketing & Communications, you will be a champion of these values, ensuring they shine through every campaign, every story, and every connection we make.

Our community depends on us. With a diverse curriculum spanning A‑levels, Apprenticeships, vocational pathways from level 1, higher education, adult skills, and online learning, we help people at every stage of life to grow, reskill, and thrive.

What we offer:

• Annual Leave: 32 days total and closure for winter shutdown period in line with Hampshire County Council school holidays & statutory bank holidays
• Pension: Local Government Pension Scheme. Further information can be found at www.hants.gov.uk/hampshire-service/pensions/local-government
• Learning & Development: Programmes by The Community Adult Education Department
• Staff Development: Access to the College staff development programmes and CPD
• Onsite Discounts: City of Portsmouth College Hair Salon & 50% off at the City of Portsmouth College Sports Centre
• Online Discounts: Unidays, Student Beans, and Totum with a City of Portsmouth College email address
• Parking: Free car parking across all campus sites (apart from Arundel)
• Blue Light Card: providing several discounts for clothing, electrical goods, food and days out, even concert tickets!

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and develop strategic and day‑to‑day marketing activity to drive student applications, commercial income, and data‑driven campaign performance while collaborating across the College.
• Oversee the marketing budget and procurement processes, ensuring supplier‑led campaigns are delivered on time, within budget, and with maximum value for money.
• Identify priority schools and regions, coordinating targeted outreach and producing tailored materials to support CEIAG and increase market share.
• Protect and develop College branding while overseeing creation of high‑quality marketing collateral in partnership with in‑house designers.
• Manage the College’s online presence, including website updates, social content, and social media marketing aligned to the overall strategy.
• Plan and deliver successful marketing events through coordination with the Events and Social Media Coordinator, driving continual improvement.
• Lead a cross‑College strategy for internal and external skills competitions, producing a formal strategy and ensuring competitions strengthen reputation and publicity.

To be successful in this role, below is what we would need from you:

• Proven experience in managing a high-performing Marketing team.
• Strong strategic thinking and the ability to translate strategy into practical results.
• Excellent management and leadership skills.
• Knowledge of relevant legal and regulatory frameworks.
• Commitment to inclusion, equality of opportunity, and safeguarding.

Diversity and Inclusion:
Equality, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion are central to the work of City of Portsmouth College. This underpins the vision of the College to transform lives through providing exceptional education and training.

The College’s commitment to Equality, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion is reflected in the continued successful promotion of these strands through the curriculum, enrichment activities, and the range of direct and indirect student support services.

Pre-Employment Checks:
The City of Portsmouth College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people in our college. All successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check and two references.

We reserve the right to close the job advert when we have had successful applications, and it may not run for the full duration of the advert. We do not accept CVs from agencies for these roles.