Help shape the voice of IAPS and connect a vibrant community of independent schools. At IAPS, we bring together and support a thriving community of independent schools. We are looking for a creative, organised and insight-led Marketing and Communications Manager to make our communications more compelling, consistent and useful for our Members and their wider teams. £37,000 FTE | Permanent | Full-time or part-time (minimum 25 hours) | Hybrid, with at least three days a week in our Leamington Spa office

Description

Make a visible difference

You will take a central role in planning communications, creating and editing content, overseeing our website and newsletters, and helping colleagues communicate with confidence. You will lead a small team and use audience insight, engagement data and A/B testing to learn what works and continually improve our approach.

Bring your ideas—and make the role your own

This is an opportunity for a strong writer and collaborative communicator who can combine strategic thinking with hands-on delivery. You may already be managing communications, or you may be an experienced senior officer ready to take the next step. Experience in education or a membership organisation would be welcome, but curiosity, sound judgement and the ability to engage different audiences matter just as much.

Why IAPS?

You will join a supportive, purpose-led organisation where your work will be seen, valued and connected to our wider strategy. With a broad remit, close collaboration across IAPS and the freedom to test new ideas, this role offers real scope to influence how we engage our members and represent the organisation.

Interested? We would love to hear how your experience and ideas could help IAPS communicate with greater impact.

Job Description

The Marketing and Communications Manager sits in a central team with oversight of all IAPS communications and marketing. As the internal expert, the Marketing and Communications Manager ensures IAPS has compelling, consistent communications across all channels, optimised for our different audiences including Members and school staff. The post holder supports and their team coordinates internal teams to promote IAPS programmes to a range of audiences in line with strategy and organisational priorities, along with sector/legislative updates as needed.

Key Responsibilities

· Create and maintain a communications planner to schedule and align comms from different internal team to different audiences for maximum impact and engagement across all owned channels

· Oversight and delivery of all scheduled and ad hoc communication to IAPS contacts, including but not limited to scheduled newsletters and ad-hoc bulletin updates, in line with strategic communications planner.

· Content creation and editing in line with brand guidelines

· Expert internal reference point for continued improvement and professional communications across the organisation

· Testing, learning, monitoring and adapting our communications based on engagement stats and feedback

· Oversight of IAPS website, including content control, sign off/publishing process, maintenance and access.

· Responsible for training and support to wider IAPS team, in line with agreed content control process.

· Maintain an awareness of issues pertinent to the Independent School sector with a view to supporting IAPS to create/collate updates/advice for its members.

· Manage the performance of the Communications team, growing a positive culture of collective responsibility and mutual support in which individuals are willing to learn from others;

· Work closely with, and oversee, the other members of the Marketing and Communications team on execution of projects including (but not limited to):

o social media

o website

o planning and production of regular newsletters to specific audiences

o podcasts

o webinars

o corporate reports

· Lead, manage, and support the delivery of agreed objectives, projects, or services.

· Build and maintain effective relationships with colleagues, stakeholders, suppliers, and members.

· Use evidence, data, and professional judgement to inform decisions and recommendations.

· Prepare clear reports, briefings, presentations, or updates as required.

· Monitor progress, identify risks or issues, and take appropriate action to support delivery.

· Contribute to continuous improvement, innovation, and effective ways of working.

· Ensure work is delivered in line with organisational policies, procedures, and values.

· Financial responsibility: Indirect responsibility for creative spend from other team budgets c £50k per annum , eg branded goods, printed materials

· Contribute to senior team’s financial planning and ongoing oversight, so that the resources needed to deliver the organisation’s strategy are fully uncovered and agreed

· Support and represent IAPS with Heads, schools and the public as required

Person Specification

Essential Skills and Experience

· Relevant experience in a comparable role or professional environment delivering effective multi channel communications.

· Strong communication skills with attention to detail, particularly with copywriting and editing.

· Ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines for both yourself and your team.

· Ability to work collaboratively with a range of colleagues and stakeholders.

· Strong analytical, organisational, and problem-solving skills.

· Ability to work with accuracy, discretion, and professionalism.

Desirable Skills and Experience

· Experience in the education sector or in a membership organisation.

· Experience leading a small team, planning and prioritising their workload

· Relevant professional qualification, accreditation, or training.

· Experience using CMS systems as admin/webmaster, CRM tools, marketing software eg Mail Chimp.

· Experience preparing reports, briefings, or presentations for senior audiences.

· Understanding of strategy, policy, planning, project management, or service improvement.

Values and Behaviours

· Works collaboratively and respectfully with others.

· Demonstrates integrity, accountability, and sound judgement.

· Communicates clearly, constructively, and professionally.

· Shows commitment to inclusion, fairness, and continuous improvement.

· Responds positively to change and contributes to effective solutions.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We are committed to creating an inclusive working environment and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.