Communications Coordinator

Newton Prep is seeking to appoint a Communications Coordinator. The successful applicant will play a leading role in a highperforming team who each individually contribute to the success of one of London’s largest and most popular co-ed prep schools. The Communications Team is responsible for how the school positions itself to the outside world (including prospective parents), leads on all web advertising and printed materials, the organisation of events and, crucially, the recruitment of pupils. Newton Prep’s pupil roll currently stands at an all-time high of 655 and in its most recent ISI inspection the school was graded ‘Excellent’ (the highest possible rating) across the board.

The Communications Coordinator will play a pivotal role in the smooth and effective running of the office and will work very closely with the Deputy Head Communication (DHC) to successfully implement the school’s communications strategy. The successful candidate will possess a can-do attitude and always seek ways to make things possible. They will be an excellent communicator with first-class IT skills and have experience in either a school setting or in marketing.

Start date: January 2024 (or as soon thereafter)

The Communications Coordinator will need to be adaptable and flexible to the demands of the Communications Office. Under the direction of the DHC, they will have specific areas of responsibility outlined, but not limited to, the following four broad areas:

Digital Presence

• Oversee various digital channels, creating engaging content, and implementing campaigns to effectively communicate with the target audience
• Align digital communication efforts with the overall pupil recruitment goals
• Working with the Senior Graphic Designer and Digital Assistant to promote brand consistency across all social media platforms, website and internal digital displays
• Utilise analytics to measure the success of campaigns and report regularly to the DHC on the successes of each campaign
• Collaborate with the school’s selected website agency to ensure the website is up-to-date, user-friendly, and aligned with communication goals
• Working closely with the DHC, implement SEO strategies to enhance the website's visibility and accessibility
• Use a range of online tools (Calendly, TypeForm, WuFoo) to ensure communication with prospective parents is efficient and effortless

Events

• Under the lead of the DHC, coordinate and organise major school events such as open mornings, concerts and the annual end of year celebration, ensuring that these run smoothly, are a positive, first-class experience for all, and promote a sense of pride in the school
• Book services such as catering and audio/visual equipment for events
• Work closely with the Head of Admissions, Senior Graphic Designer and Digital Assistant to ensure events are well advertised and promoted in an engaging, timely and creative format
• Conduct post-event analysis to inform future events
• Suggest new initiatives to further raise the profile of the school and its successes
• Assist with the organisation of pupil assessment mornings
• Liaise with the PTA on events such as the Christmas and Summer Fairs

Publications

• Manage and coordinate the production of printed publications, some of which are for the existing Newton Prep community e.g. events brochures, academic publications, and others for a wider audience e.g. Open Day literature, school prospectus
• Develop and implement distribution plans for various publications, ensuring the right audience receives the information
• Explore and utilise digital channels for wider distribution and accessibility of printed materials
• Ensure that the School’s vision, ethos and brand is conveyed effectively through high quality, engaging and dynamic publications
• Maintain and update documents and publications shared with parents, including Parent Handbooks, Curriculum Handbooks
• Maintain stocks of Newton Prep branded products, as well as items required for school events
• Working closely with the DHC, manage the budget for publication projects, including vendor negotiations, and cost and quality control
• Keep abreast of the changing trends and best practices across communications within the education sector

Enabling the work of the Communications Office

• Coordinate, facilitate and drive-forward projects and initiatives which form part of the School Improvement Plan and School Communications Plan
• Provide administrative support to the DHC relating to marketing, communications, PR, external engagements and parents’ events
• Work closely with a range of stakeholders at different organisational levels across the school to ensure Newton Prep is always presented in the best possible way
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with a range of external organisations who wish to promote the school and enhance its reputation

The Communications Coordinator should have:

Knowledge and Experience

• Proven experience of working in a busy, service-driven environment
• Highly effective and efficient use of IT; experience with the Adobe Suite is desirable
• Familiarity with digital communications, particularly in creating content for social media platforms that is creative, dynamic and engaging
• Proven track record of managing digital campaigns, social media platforms, and other online channels and some experience in analytics and data-driven decision-making
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to handle multiple and varying projects simultaneously
• Comfortable experimenting with new technologies and approaches

General Skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to relate to a wide range of people and the ability to interact effectively with internal and external stakeholders
• Ability to build and manage trusted relationships with senior colleagues to create collaborative, productive and effective relationships

Personal Qualities

• Ability to work under pressure and to deadlines
• Resourcefulness in finding solutions to challenges
• Previous experience in supporting senior leaders is highly desirable
• Ability to work unsupervised and with a proactive and planned approach to work
• Excellent communicator, with outstanding attention to detail
• Willingness to be an integral member of the Communications Office
• Professional appearance and attitude; friendly and approachable manner
• Sympathy with the ethos, values and objectives of the school
• Commitment to the development of equal opportunities and diversity
• Tact and discretion and ability to handle confidential information with sensitivity
• Willingness to abide by the school’s Terms & Conditions of Employment
• Ability to form and maintain appropriate relationships and personal boundaries with children and young people

Application

The closing date for applications is midday Friday 8th December 2023.

Initial interviews will take place via Teams on Monday 11th December 2023. Final stage interviews will take place at the school on Wednesday 13th December 2023. There will be a short in-tray activity, along with a tour of the school and an opportunity to meet other members of the team.

The School reserves the right to interview and appoint ahead of the advertised closing date, should an appropriate candidate be found. Therefore, it is advisable to submit applications as early as possible.

Newton Prep is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).