Overall purpose of the job:

• Responsible for the planning, development, and implementation of the Brand Marketing strategies, marketing communications, and public relations activities, both external and internal.
• Lead and manage the marketing and sales activities of the Brand across all its campuses and locations to ensure schools are meeting their retention and enrolment objectives.
• Responsible for ensuring that marketing and sales expertise/advice is delivered to the Brand Managing Director and Principals and guidance is given to the School Administrators.

Responsibilities:

Output 1 – Brand Marketing Strategy:

• Develop and implement a brand marketing strategy
• Develop and implement a marketing and communications, PR, media and advertising strategy annually, aligned with the brand strategies
• Prepare budget plan, annually and monitor and manage expenditure against budget
• Compile and update the Brand Corporate Identity Manual and oversee implementation and adoption thereof, as required
• Participate in on-boarding and/or due diligence for new schools including developing communication strategies for acquisitions
• Provide marketing training/education for Principals, Administrators and Enrolment
• Officers, as necessary

Output 2 – Brand Sales Strategy:

• Develop and implement a sales strategy for the brand
• Set sales targets as agreed with Brand Managing Director and Principals – communicate these to Admissions staff and School Administrators
• Devise plans to achieve sales (enrolment) targets, monitor these and drive improvement where performance is lagging
• Manage the entire lead-to-enrolment process, tracking leads identified and conversion rates
• Gather information regarding students that enquire but enrol elsewhere
• Ensure applications are received and processed timeously
• Manage and oversee implementation of Sales module of STASY (School Information System)
• Formulate, monitor, measure and analyse student retention plans, especially for key roll-over grades
• Arrange for sales training of School Administrators and Admissions staff, as required
• Output 3 – Relationship Management:
• Meet with and create productive working relationships with relevant stakeholders and media.  Establish and maintain an up-to-date database of student/parent leads
• Establish potential feeder schools and encourage schools to build relationships with them to promote enrolment
• Maintain sound relations with staff at Schools Marketing hub. For provision of PR, Graphic Design, Website and Digital Marketing services to the brand and ensure timeous delivery of quality services
• Build and maintain relationships with all schools within the brand and their principals to ensure effective communication and information flow
• Establish a network of relevant suppliers to provide the services necessary at the required quality standards
• Develop and implement a strategy to manage and enhance alumni relations
• Oversee marketing sponsorships in the schools

Output 4 – Market Research & Intelligence:

• Monitor competitor activity and initiatives and keep Brand Managing Director appraised on key insights that will support brand focus
• Undertake competitor analysis, as required and communicate insights to Brand MD and/or Principals
• Analyse market and consumer trends and incorporate information into marketing and brand plans
• Monitor and assess parent and student satisfaction and incorporate information into marketing and sales plans/initiatives
• Responsible for editorial direction, design, production, and distribution of publications

Output 5 – Management of Promotions, Events & Collateral:

• Plan and manage exhibitions and functions
• Make recommendations regarding collateral, source same and ensure timeous delivery and distribution thereof
• Create content for Brand marketing material and sources and manage inputs from suppliers
• Manage compilation, printing and distribution of Brand consumer magazine
• Oversee branding of school signage, bus branding, gazebos etc.

Output 6 – Crisis Communications:

• In partnership with Group Marketing resources, develop and implement a Crisis Communication policy
• Manages crises and issues that arise, appropriately and timeously escalating potentially serious issues appropriately
• Manages all media requests including social media responses as appropriate
• Ensures all affected parties are communicated with in accordance with company policy to mitigate risk

Output 7 – Staff Management

• Ensures staff roles and responsibilities are clarified and performance objectives set and monitored
• Conducts performance reviews in accordance with policy and procedure and takes corrective action as required
• Ensures identification of critical skills essential for sustainability of service delivery to the brand
• Ensures marketing and admissions staff are adequately trained

 Education (Formal Qualification required)

• B-degree in Marketing

Ideal

• Honours in Marketing