Communications Manager

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Girls’ Schools Association (GSA) Communications Manager

Main purpose

The Girls’ Schools Association (GSA) is looking to appoint an innovative, experienced Communications Manager to find new ways of telling our story, as the expert voice of girls’ education, to a wider and more diverse audience on both the national and international stage. This is an exciting time in our development, and we’re open to fresh ideas and creative approaches. Supported by a new Communications and Research Officer, this is a part time role of 3 days a week with flexible home working and occasional UK travel. GSA also offers a generous holiday allowance and pension contribution.

About GSA

GSA is the professional association for Heads of top performing independent day and boarding schools specialising in the education of girls. We have a national and international membership and ambitions to grow both.

The Association is supported by a small, dedicated team that facilitates and directs its work. Further information about the work of the Association can be found at www.gsa.uk.com

Areas of responsibility

To develop and implement a communications strategy (internal and external), that brings alive the GSA’s purpose to new and existing audiences, opening up eyes and attitudes to the relevance of girls’ schools in the 21st century, and helping to achieve GSA’s long-term goals. You will work as one of a small team and most closely with the Communications and Research Officer, Operations Director and Chief Executive.

• Shape and scope a communications strategy which supports the GSA’s wider strategic aims and raises the profile of GSA and its members by positioning them as key players in the education sector as well as specialists in educating girls.
• Draft appropriate messaging to support the above, backed up with evidence-based research and/or case studies.
• Identify target audiences and appropriate communication channels in order to reach the right audience with the right message.
• Work with the prevailing GSA President (an annual appointment) and other key GSA media spokespersons to ensure consistent messages in the media and other communications.
• Cultivate positive relationships with key media contacts.
• Cultivate positive relationships with communications staff in the Independent Schools Council (of which GSA is a member), fellow independent sector memberships associations and other relevant organisations.
• Write/prepare content for a wide range of communications and promotional materials e.g. newsletters, news releases, articles (ghost written where appropriate), web copy, podcasts, media/interview briefing documents, brochures, leaflets etc.
• Manage the GSA’s social media activity (currently on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn), driving traffic to the GSA website.
• Work with team colleagues to ensure that GSA’s marketing, branding, website, podcasts, PR and reputational management, event management, print publications and all other communications are consistent and in line with the GSA’s overarching strategic objectives.
• Support members with occasional communications advice and opportunities.
• Where time permits, explore other opportunities to deliver GSA’s objectives such as new events, webinars, developing new publications (print or otherwise), competitions, promotions, collaborative ventures and partnerships etc.
• Contribute to and participate in any staff development activities, strategy days and visits to member schools, as deemed appropriate.
• To coordinate, attend & minute GSA’s Diversity & Inclusion Committee meeting (usually termly).
• To attend weekly Team meetings (via Zoom and in-person) and away-day meetings.
• Other relevant duties as reasonably requested.

Employment details:

• Direct line manager: GSA Operations Director
• Salary: £35,000-£40,000 FTE (depending on experience and location)
• Hours of work (part-time): 3 days per week
• Expected start date: January 2022 or earlier

Application and Interview Process:

Please submit your CV and a detailed covering letter, matching your skills and experience to the areas of responsibility and person specification. Clearly indicate any notice period, if applicable, and include the names and contact details of two referees, one of which must be your current or most recent employer. Email your application to Mrs Jeven Sharma, Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive by email via the button below.

Closing date for applications is 31st October 2021

First round interviews will be held 8th & 9th November, with final interviews on 15th & 16th November

If you have not received an invitation to interview by 4th November 2021, we regret your application has not been successful on this occasion.

September 2021