Marketing and Communications Manager (Maternity Cover)

To provide sufficient cover and continuity for the development of marketing and communication provision within college services, supported living services, community services and QAC Enterprises.

1x Marketing & Communications Officer
1x Marketing & Communications Assistant
1x Assistant to External Relations

Direct Reports :

1x Marketing & Communications Officer

1x Marketing & Communications Assistant

1x Assistant to External Relations

Key Responsibilities

• Support the development of a national network of professionals related to learner/client referral including: schools, Jobcentre Plus, external agencies, local authorities, charities and providers that benefit young adults with SEND.  

• Manage the production of printed materials and translate various insights, initiatives and outcomes into engaging communications for a variety of audiences and purposes (internal and external), i.e. College Prospectus, Annual Report, marketing media, case studies, DVD etc. to enhance student recruitment and core college educational business both locally & nationally.

• Continuation of the implementation of the marketing strategy for successful student recruitment.

• Develop excellent communications in support of QAC as a charity, whether that be through showcasing our work to a variety of different audiences or communication specific to fundraising campaigns.

• Oversee visits to feeder schools to provide information about QAC’s provision and outcomes.

• Oversee the planning and delivery of a range of events and activities including student careers & transition events.

• Research trends, demographics and other relevant information that helps QAC plan for growth, e.g. student numbers and diversity of provision.

• Maintain for College use, clear and thorough records of all contacts, customers, prospects, meetings and future actions.

• Work to build and maintain links with feeder organisations.

• Oversee regular visits by potential learners to QAC e.g. Open Days and Transitional Visits.

• Oversee regular events for professional visitors.

• Lead responsibility for the organisation of the annual Friends and Families Day event (e.g. marquee and equipment hire, invitations, risk assessments etc.)

• Provide relevant and high quality information, advice and guidance to potential learners/families/professionals

• Produce analytic reports (i.e. visits by potential learners, social media)

• Support and participate when required, with the overall transition process for learners from school to QAC.

• Oversee Familiarisation Events for new students.

• Act as the main lead when representing the College at external exhibitions and events throughout the UK and on occasion overseas.

• Maintain a broad knowledge of QAC’s learner/client programmes.

• Provide marketing and communications guidance and advice to colleagues and effectively liaise with heads of curriculum and service departments to support growth.

• Enhance and oversee QAC’s profile in the media.

• Manage the marketing budget to ensure best value in procurement and to maximise return on investment. Manage professional relationships with external suppliers and agencies, e.g. printers, graphic designers, promotional merchandise etc.

• Provide line management to the Assistant to the Marketing Team, Marketing and Communications Officer and Senior Marketing and Communications Officer.

• Deliver presentations reflecting the work of QAC to a variety of audiences.

• Identify, monitor and report to College Management Team on market competition and opportunities (e.g. quarterly reports).

• Maximise digital opportunities for the charity in all areas of its work – college, supported living, community services and enterprise ensuring the marketing and communications team implement social medial strategies to enhance the overall charity strategy.

• Adhere to the Charity’s Health and Safety policy.

• Undertake any necessary training or updating.

• Participate in the development of equal opportunities, diversity, inclusion and safeguarding within the department and across the charity.
 
• Chair regular internal marketing meetings.

• Undertake any other reasonable duties or responsibilities as required by the charity.

The above list is not exhaustive, but is indicative of the general nature and level of responsibility of the work to be undertaken. The responsibilities and duties may vary from time to time without changing the nature of the post. The post holder will be expected to adopt a flexible approach to enable the efficient and effective running of the College.

• Manage the production of printed materials and translate various insights, initiatives and outcomes into engaging communications for a variety of audiences and purposes (internal and external), i.e. College Prospectus, Annual Report, marketing media, case studies, DVD etc. to enhance student recruitment and core college educational business both locally & nationally.

• Continuation of the implementation of the marketing strategy for successful student recruitment.

• Develop excellent communications in support of QAC as a charity, whether that be through showcasing our work to a variety of different audiences or communication specific to fundraising campaigns.

• Oversee visits to feeder schools to provide information about QAC’s provision and outcomes.

• Oversee the planning and delivery of a range of events and activities including student careers & transition events.

• Research trends, demographics and other relevant information that helps QAC plan for growth, e.g. student numbers and diversity of provision.

• Maintain for College use, clear and thorough records of all contacts, customers, prospects, meetings and future actions.

• Work to build and maintain links with feeder organisations.

• Oversee regular visits by potential learners to QAC e.g. Open Days and Transitional Visits.

• Oversee regular events for professional visitors.

• Lead responsibility for the organisation of the annual Friends and Families Day event (e.g. marquee and equipment hire, invitations, risk assessments etc.)

• Provide relevant and high quality information, advice and guidance to potential learners/families/professionals

• Produce analytic reports (i.e. visits by potential learners, social media)

• Support and participate when required, with the overall transition process for learners from school to QAC.

• Oversee Familiarisation Events for new students.

• Act as the main lead when representing the College at external exhibitions and events throughout the UK and on occasion overseas.

• Maintain a broad knowledge of QAC’s learner/client programmes.

• Provide marketing and communications guidance and advice to colleagues and effectively liaise with heads of curriculum and service departments to support growth.

• Enhance and oversee QAC’s profile in the media.

• Manage the marketing budget to ensure best value in procurement and to maximise return on investment. Manage professional relationships with external suppliers and agencies, e.g. printers, graphic designers, promotional merchandise etc.

• Provide line management to the Assistant to the Marketing Team, Marketing and Communications Officer and Senior Marketing and Communications Officer.

• Deliver presentations reflecting the work of QAC to a variety of audiences.

• Identify, monitor and report to College Management Team on market competition and opportunities (e.g. quarterly reports).

• Maximise digital opportunities for the charity in all areas of its work – college, supported living, community services and enterprise ensuring the marketing and communications team implement social medial strategies to enhance the overall charity strategy.

• Adhere to the Charity’s Health and Safety policy.

• Undertake any necessary training or updating.

• Participate in the development of equal opportunities, diversity, inclusion and safeguarding within the department and across the charity.

• Chair regular internal marketing meetings.

• Undertake any other reasonable duties or responsibilities as required by the charity.

The above list is not exhaustive, but is indicative of the general nature and level of responsibility of the work to be undertaken. The responsibilities and duties may vary from time to time without changing the nature of the post. The post holder will be expected to adopt a flexible approach to enable the efficient and effective running of the College.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

Essential:

Chartered Institute of Marketing qualification/membership, degree or equivalent.

Full current driving licence holder

Track record of delivering impactful marketing campaigns.

IT and social media proficiency

Demonstrable track record of At least 4 years of working in marketing/communications area including digital and social media experience.

Work within the charity or education sector is desirable.

Ability to develop and execute marketing and communications strategies.

Strong planning, time management, administrative and organisational skills

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Understanding and knowledge of communications (both internal and external), marketing, PR and social media principles.

Understanding of data protection.

Proven ability to write copy for different audiences.

Being able to segment and analyse data for campaigns

Well organised, reliable and pro-active

To evidence a positive attitude to equality, diversity and inclusion and work well with others

To understand safeguarding principles and practice and be able to apply them to this role

Why work at Queen Alexandra Charity Birmingham

Join our team at Queen Alexandra Charity!

Are you passionate about making a difference to the lives of students with special educational needs? Do you thrive in an inclusive and supportive academic environment? If so, we want YOU to join our team. QAC has just gone through an exciting rebrand, dealt with a period of swift growth and academic improvement and this is your opportunity to become part of a vibrant College that is moving forward and making a real difference to the lives and futures of our students.  

The newly structured Queen Alexandra Charity Birmingham offers you the chance to have a positive impact as you join a committed group of colleagues in ensuring that all students achieve their aims and aspirations. We are dedicated to providing exceptional education and support to students with diverse learning needs and life experiences. Our specialist setting fosters an inclusive community where every student is valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential. 

QAC offers a vibrant, varied and enriching educational experience for both residential and day students. Our curriculum aims to maximise adult life, independence and work opportunities for all students. Class sizes are designed to meet specific needs and support levels are high. 

Joining our supportive team, you will have the opportunity to:

·      Work closely with students with SEN to achieve their goals

·      Make a difference to the educational experience of young people

·      Be a voice for students and staff in specialist education

·      Foster a positive and inclusive learning environment, promoting academic growth, self-development and self-confidence

·      Develop your own skills, aspirations and progress your career.

Our benefits include;

Schedule 1 Benefits (reviewed annually and/or as appropriate)

Academic Year 2024/25

• Access to on site car parking
• Use of QAC Fitness Centre (subject to opening hours)
• Cycle to Work Scheme (Salary Sacrifice)
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme Helpline (BHSF)
• Access to Education Support Free Helpline for Teachers & Education Staff
• QAC Mental Health First Aiders & activities to support health and wellbeing
• BHSF Benefits Package including Healthcare Plans, discounted shopping/services
• Annual Flu vaccination/voucher
• Access to other benefit/discount schemes (which may be subject to charge) e.g. Blue Light Card, TOTUM (NUS), Charity Worker Discounts, Discounts for Teachers
• Dell Advantage programme - a free programme that offers savings to students, parents and all staff at QAC - up to 20% off. https://www.dell.com/en-uk/lp/dell-advantage
• Health and Wellbeing Services (Occupational Health/Counselling)
• Free Tea/Coffee and Staff Room facilities
• Dining Room facilities with hot/cold food (free meal provided for those supporting students at mealtimes)
• Additional discretionary concessionary/closure days as part of leave entitlement (including closure over Christmas/New Year period)
• Reward and Recognition Policy – Living the Values Awards (team & individual) and long service
• Enhanced/Occupational paid leave e.g. maternity/paternity (subject to qualifying criteria)
• Occupational sick pay (based on length of service)
• On site wellbeing activities (e.g. yoga, meditation)
• Support for training/ CPD (either by way of study leave and/or funding)
• Flexible working arrangements including Flexible Working Policy Agreements, Time Off in Lieu (TOIL) in prior agreement with line manager.

This list is not exhaustive and may be subject to review and/or change.

We look forward to receiving your application and knowing more about your qualifications, skills,

personal qualities and experience that you would bring to the role and to QAC. Please take time to

review the job description above.

Please upload a CV/Resume* with details of your full employment history (since leaving school,

including education, employment and voluntary work) including reasons for any gaps in

employment. This should also include a statement of the personal qualities and experience you

believe are relevant to your suitability for the post and how this meets the job description and

person specification requirements. Your CV/Resume* will be re-produced in a standard format by

the system (without personal identifiers) to assist us in our anonymised shortlisting process.

Under Section 7 of SVGA 2006 it is an offence to apply for the role if the applicant is barred from

engaging in regulated activity relevant to children. The College's Safeguarding Policies are

available

here

As part of our commitment to safer recruitment, and in line with updated guidance published in

September 2022, we will carry out an online search of all shortlisted candidates. This search may

enable us to identify any incidents or issues that have happened, and publicly available for review

online, which we may wish to explore with you in further detail during the interview process. As part

of your application we have asked you to provide the account names, usernames and/or handles for

any social media platform that you use, as well as the names of any websites that you own, post on,

or contribute to. A Google search will also be conducted. These checks will only be conducted if you

are shortlisted for interview. Please see our safer recruitment and selection policy for further

information.

About Queen Alexandra Charity

Queen Alexandra Charity (QAC) provides education, residential support, community services and enterprises in support of young adults with learning difficulties and disabilities.  

Education is provided through a national residential College that supports a diverse range of student/client abilities and needs. Our College provides education, training, routes to independent living and employment through an innovative, holistic approach to learning and support. It offers a vibrant, varied and fun educational experience for both residential and day students. Our curriculum aims to maximise adult life, independence and work opportunities for all students. Class sizes are small and support levels high.

We have educational and learning sites based in Birmingham, one of Europe’s most welcoming and vibrant cities, with a rich and diverse culture. Our main site is based in Harborne, a pleasant leafy Birmingham suburb, on a friendly and green 8-acre campus with excellent facilities and resources. In addition we also have Pinewood Campus which is located on a business park and is designated to employment progression.

Clients within our Residential Services programme still require support and the aim is to deliver a service that provides them with the means to live independently/semi independently into the future. Many clients are either in education, voluntary work or paid employment not linked to QAC directly.

Our Community Services based at our Umberslade Campus in Stirchley include a supporter worker service, women's group, men's group, LGBTQ plus group, Saturday Socials, The Night Owl Experience (disability friendly night club visit in Birmingham City Centre).

Education is provided through a national residential College that supports a diverse range of student/client abilities and needs. Our College provides education, training, routes to independent living and employment through an innovative, holistic approach to learning and support. It offers a vibrant, varied and fun educational experience for both residential and day students. Our curriculum aims to maximise adult life, independence and work opportunities for all students. Class sizes are small and support levels high.

We have educational and learning sites based in Birmingham, one of Europe’s most welcoming and vibrant cities, with a rich and diverse culture. Our main site is based in Harborne, a pleasant leafy Birmingham suburb, on a friendly and green 8-acre campus with excellent facilities and resources. In addition we also have Pinewood Campus which is located on a business park and is designated to employment progression.

Clients within our Residential Services programme still require support and the aim is to deliver a service that provides them with the means to live independently/semi independently into the future. Many clients are either in education, voluntary work or paid employment not linked to QAC directly.

Our Community Services based at our Umberslade Campus in Stirchley include a supporter worker service, women's group, men's group, LGBTQ plus group, Saturday Socials, The Night Owl Experience (disability friendly night club visit in Birmingham City Centre).

All students, clients and staff are supported within safe and well-resourced environments. 
 
QAC makes a positive difference to the lives and learning of people with disabilities and learning difficulties. We have high expectations of staff, students and clients whilst being responsive, innovative and collaborative. Our Charity values drive how we work with students, clients, stakeholders and as a team.

QAC makes a positive difference to the lives and learning of people with disabilities and learning difficulties. We have high expectations of staff, students and clients whilst being responsive, innovative and collaborative. Our Charity values drive how we work with students, clients, stakeholders and as a team.

We continue to attract and retain staff of the highest calibre, who are proud of QAC’s achievements and who wish to be an integral part of ongoing and future successes. 

As Leaders in Diversity which drives the culture at QAC and we warmly welcome applications from individuals who share our values, from all backgrounds, to add to our committed and diverse team.