Director of Admissions, Brand & Customer Innovation
18 days ago
St Albans
Ready to shape the future of Oaklands brand and student experience Were looking for a visionary Director of Admissions Brand & Customer Innovation to join our Senior Management Team at Oaklands College. This is a rare opportunity to lead the transformation of how we attract engage and inspire students from first click to first class while shaping the Colleges brand for the next generation. Oaklands has been delivering life-changing education for over 100 years. Were proud of our legacy but were even more excited about whats next. As we grow and diversify were seeking a creative and commercially minded leader to elevate our brand optimise our admissions journey and drive innovation across marketing recruitment and customer experience. Your Day-to-Day Impact Strategic Vision Set the direction for student recruitment admissions and brand growth. Lead the creation of a seamless data-driven journey from first enquiry to enrolment ensuring every student feels connected informed and inspired. Brand & Marketing Leadership Take charge of our marketing and communications strategy bringing fresh energy and creativity to our campaigns digital presence and storytelling. Youll position Oaklands as a first-choice destination for learners both in the UK and internationally. Customer Innovation Reimagine the student experience by integrating cutting-edge CRM systems digital platforms and service design principles. Youll champion innovation ensuring Oaklands stays ahead of evolving trends and expectations. Admissions Excellence Lead a high-performing admissions and customer service function that delivers a best-in-class experience responsive compliant and focused on conversion. International Growth Expand Oaklands global footprint by identifying new markets managing partnerships with agents and schools and ensuring UKVI compliance while strengthening our international student community. Collaboration & Partnerships Work closely with the Senior Leadership Team community partners schools and alumni to strengthen relationships and drive engagement across all audiences. Inspiration & Leadership Build motivate and mentor a dynamic team across marketing recruitment and customer service creating a culture of innovation accountability and excellence. Is This You Youre a strategic storyteller and a data-driven decision-maker in equal measure. You thrive on shaping brand identity designing customer journeys and leading teams through change. Youre confident working at a senior level with the agility to balance creativity and compliance strategy and execution. Every day youll see the direct impact of your work in growing student numbers enhanced reputation and a stronger connection between Oaklands its learners and the community. Youll inspire teams to deliver beyond expectations bring fresh ideas to complex challenges and drive transformation that keeps Oaklands at the forefront of education both locally and globally. If youre passionate about people brand and purpose and youre ready to leave a lasting mark this is your moment. Essential: • Degree or professional qualification in Marketing Business Communications Education or related field, • 5 years senior leadership experience in marketing recruitment or admissions within FE HE or a related sector, • Proven success in developing and delivering integrated marketing and student recruitment strategies, • Demonstrated experience managing multi-disciplinary teams including performance management and professional development, • Budget management and financial forecasting expertise with strong ROI analysis skills, • Strong track record in community engagement and partnership development, • Experience leading or contributing to digital transformation projects, • Exceptional strategic thinking planning and organisational skills, • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence at all levels, • Leadership in innovation change management and digital transformation, • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a data-driven approach to decision-making, • Knowledge of relevant regulatory frameworks (ESFA UKVI OfS GDPR), • Demonstrated commitment to diversity equity and inclusion, • Postgraduate qualification or professional marketing accreditation (e.g. CIM IDM MBA or equivalent), • Experience working across multi-college or group-wide marketing structures, • Experience managing international student recruitment and visa compliance, • Experience implementing and optimising CRM systems, • Familiarity with emerging marketing technologies automation tools and data analytics platforms, • Understanding of sustainability and social responsibility in marketing practice, • Experience in reputation management and crisis communications At Oaklands youll join a forward-thinking college that genuinely invests in its people. We offer: • Local Government Pension Scheme with excellent employer contributions, • Generous annual leave entitlement, • Discount on UNO bus scheme, • Continuous Professional Development (CPD) including free adult learning courses, • Long Service Awards, • Free onsite gym and discounted wellness treatments, • Cycle to Work Scheme and discounted travel, • Staff development days and annual awards celebrating your success, • Free access to Microsoft Office software for personal use Oaklands is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults.