Senior Leadership Team (SLT 1)
Pension: Membership of the GDST Flexible Pension Plan
Start Date: Late August / Early September 2026 (to align with the new academic year)
This is an exciting opportunity 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.
Key Responsibilities
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.
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.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package
- Membership of the GDST Flexible Pension Plan
- Access to extensive professional development opportunities across the GDST network
- Training grants to support further qualifications
- Discounted school fees at GDST schools
- Free lunches and refreshments during term time
- Free on-site parking and access to the fitness suite
- Retail discounts via the Pluxee App
- Access to financial advice through the HR My Money App
- Interest-free loans for travel or personal equipment
- Cycle to Work scheme
- A supportive, collaborative, professional working environment
Further Information
Closing date: Monday 22 June 2026 (12 noon)
Interview dates: Stage 1: Tuesday 30 June 2026 (full day), Stage 2: Wednesday 1 July 2026 (afternoon)
Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities
The school is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified individuals. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK.
Newcastle High School for Girls and the GDST are committed to diversity, inclusion, and meaningful change, ensuring every individual is valued, respected, and included.
The Girls’ Day School Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection checks appropriate to the post, including online searches and checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.
