Director of Marketing and Communications - Akademeia

Director of Marketing and Communications

Purpose of Role

This is an exciting opportunity to actively shape the development of a growing and thriving international school, with an already well-established reputation for outstanding holistic education and pastoral care. The school boasts a vibrant academic environment with a strong leadership team, fantastic faculty, and a supportive administrative team.

We are looking to appoint the Director of Marketing and Communications who is an energetic and innovative leader with the ability to inspire others with a strong work ethic and growth mindset. The Director of Marketing and Communications will serve as a key function in the Senior Management Team of the School and contribute to the strategic direction and development of Akademeia brand. 

The Director of Marketing and Communications is responsible for developing and implementing the long-term marketing and communication vision for Akademeia brand, including established activities as well as new projects.  Responsibilities include planning, development and implementation of all Akademeia marketing strategies and marketing communications, both external and internal. Leads the marketing and communications team and liaises with key stakeholders across the organisation to promote the school effectively.

About Akademeia

Akademeia High School is a well-established academically selective school in Warsaw, offering IGCSEs and A Levels alongside Akademeia Assessed Courses. The majority of our students are preparing to study at Oxbridge, Russell group, and Ivy League universities as well as acclaimed architecture, art and music schools. With a rigorous admissions process and A Level classes taught in the form of undergraduate seminars, the school pursues a pre-university university model. The school offers a robust scholarship programme, with 10% of places allocated to merit-based, partial and full scholarships. Together with Akademeia High School Foundation, the school also supports several educational outreach and community engagement initiatives.

Earlier this year, Akademeia became part of International Schools Partnership (iSP), one of the world’s leading international school groups, with more than 80 schools in 23 countries.

Key Responsibilities

• Responsible for designing, planning, developing, evaluating and reporting on goals and long-term communication and marketing strategies for Akademeia High School and potential expansion projects
• Development of AHS brand and visibility through creation of high-quality content
• Representing Akademeia at events/panels/publications focused on education and development of talented students in liaison with the Director of Admissions and the Headmaster
• Liaising with media representatives and PR partners, ensuring appropriate communication of the school’s successes and development
• Ensure high quality and consistency in communications and branding across all Akademeia channels and platforms
• Developing short- and long-term plans and budgets for the marketing and communications program and its activities, monitor progress, assure adherence and evaluate performance
• Develop, or oversee the development of digital and social media strategy, campaigns, web content and design to ensure it is aligned with organizational branding and messages
• Analyse and use data to inform short-term and long-term strategies and tailor messaging to diverse audiences
• Managing the coordination of public relations and marketing campaigns, program promotion, and member engagement efforts
• Collaborate with various Akademeia teams, members, and partner organizations to translate strategy into integrated communications plans
• Developing and managing the Akademeia alumni network in liaison with Director of Co-Curricular
• Providing direction, guidance, ensuring effective management within the communications and marketing team, including Marketing Specialist and Alumni Coordinator
• Supporting the work of AHS Foundation and fundraising focused on financing scholars and AHS development projects, organizing fundraising events and initiatives, developing and growing network and database of donors
• Work with the iSP regional team as required, both on campaigns relating to the school and on group initiatives.

Skills, Qualifications and Experience

• A good honours degree
• High level of IT literacy
• An outstanding marketing professional with a proven record of delivering the highest standard of content and fostering excellent professional culture
• A successful track record of leadership in senior or significant middle management role (Director of Marketing in a relevant sector, or extensive experience in marketing in international education)
• An energetic and confident leader with the ability to build strong relationships with the school’s community and external partners
• Strives for the highest standards at all times
• Energetic and enthusiastic; willing to go the extra mile to support the team
• Exceptional organizational skill; able to work quickly with meticulous attention to detail
• Effective communicator: able to enthuse others and share vision
• Innovative thinker, committed to finding new opportunities for the development of the School
• Able to take informed decisions, with the whole-school perspective
• A strong team player
• Kind, patient, and emphatic
• Committed to the ethos and values of Akademeia High School and ISP

ISP Principles

Begin with our children and students. Our children and students are at the heart of what we do. Simply, their success is our success. Wellbeing and safety are both essential for learners and learning. Therefore, we are consistent in identifying potential safeguarding and Health & Safety issues and acting and following up on all concerns appropriately.

Treat everyone with care and respect. We look after one another, embrace similarities and differences and promote the well-being of self and others.

Operate effectively. We focus relentlessly on the things that are most important and will make the most difference. We apply school policies and procedures and embody the shared ideas of our community.

Are financially responsible. We make financial choices carefully based on the needs of the children, students and our schools.

Learn continuously. Getting better is what drives us. We positively engage with personal and professional development and school improvement.

ISP Leadership Competencies

You consistently demonstrate and role-model the ISP Leadership Competencies in all that you do.

1. Collaboration. Takes an active part in leading their school or region; is cooperative and a genuine team player, developing positive, supportive relationships with colleagues to solve problems and maximise opportunities.
2. Learning & Getting Better. Continually demonstrates personal commitment and passion for learning and getting better using evidence and feedback; supporting others in their continual learning, development and growth.
3. Innovation Leadership. Is good at creating an environment where ideas for learning initiatives and services are generated and is able to motivate and inspire others through the process of creation through to completion.
4. Outcome driven. Can be counted on to find solutions. Is consistently looking to exceed goals and is focused on KPIs.
5. Resilience. Can deal with setbacks and challenges calmly and effectively.
6. Community Focus. Is committed to meeting and exceeding the needs and expectations of our students and their families.
7. Integrity & Ethical Management. Has the ability to work ethically and with integrity; helps others feel valued; upholds and models the ISP Vision, Purpose and Principles.

ISP Commitment to Safeguarding Principles

ISP is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

All post holders are subject to appropriate vetting procedures, including an online due diligence search, references and satisfactory Criminal Background Checks or equivalent covering the previous 10 years’ employment history. 

ISP Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

ISP is committed to strengthening our inclusive culture by identifying, hiring, developing, and retaining high-performing teammates regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation and gender expression, age, disability status, neurodivergence, socio-economic background or other demographic characteristics. Candidates who share our vision and principles and are interested in contributing to the success of ISP through this role are strongly encouraged to apply.