Director of Brand, Careers and Strategic Engagement (on-site)

Job description

Director of Brand, Careers and Strategic Engagement (on-site)
Within the range £62,055 to £79,041 per annum. *Starting salary subject to college salary assessment process

35 hours per week, 52 weeks per year (flexibility required according to management level, including attendance at some evening and weekend events)

This is an exciting opportunity to join the Senior Management Team at Suffolk New College in a newly created strategic leadership role.

Suffolk New College is one of the leading providers of education and skills in the East of England, with ambitious plans for growth, investment and innovation. We are seeking an exceptional leader to shape and enhance the College's profile, influence and reputation, whilst strengthening our relationships with learners, schools, employers, communities and key stakeholders across the region.

Reporting to the Deputy CEO, the Director of Brand, Careers and Strategic Engagement will provide strategic leadership for marketing, communications, schools liaison, careers education, employer engagement and events.

This role will be central to increasing learner recruitment, strengthening employer partnerships, enhancing student progression and destinations, and ensuring Suffolk New College is recognised as the first-choice provider for education, skills and workforce development across Suffolk and beyond.

You will lead talented teams across marketing, design and communications, schools liaison, careers and employability, employer engagement and events, ensuring a joined-up approach to engagement and stakeholder experience.

We are looking for an individual who can demonstrate:

• Strategic vision with the ability to translate ideas into measurable outcomes.
• Inspirational and motivational leadership qualities.
• Significant experience of marketing, communications, stakeholder engagement or
business development at a senior level.
• The ability to build and sustain influential relationships with employers, schools, and
wider partners.
• Experience of developing successful recruitment, engagement and brand strategies.
• Creative, innovative and solution-focused approaches that enhance the learner
experience and strengthen the College's reputation.
• Excellent communication, influencing and ambassadorial skills.

You should hold a relevant degree or professional qualification and be able to demonstrate a strong track record of leadership and delivering strategic impact. A management or leadership qualification would be advantageous.

This post is based at Suffolk New College Ipswich Campus However, Suffolk New College is a multi-campus site therefore you will be required to work at and travel between campuses

At Suffolk New College, we promote the culture of BeSNC. Implementing BeSNC is not just a choice; it's a commitment to providing the best possible environment for our learners to thrive. It's a commitment to nurturing an inclusive and supportive community where each student, staff and community member can reach their full potential.

Closing date: Wednesday 16th September 2026 at Midnight

Interview Date: TBC

The College reserves the right to close this advert early.

Kindly be advised that we are unable to provide skilled worker sponsorship. Applicants must
have the right to work in the country without the need for sponsorship.

You may use AI tools to support your application but all information must truthfully reflect your own skills and experience. You may be asked to discuss the details during the recruitment process.

This College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. As part of our on-going commitment to Equality and Diversity, Suffolk New College guarantee to short list all applicants from a black or ethnic minority group who meet the essential criteria and all applicants with a disability who meet the essential criteria. All appointments are subject to Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check.

We do not recognise any agencies or search agencies acting on our behalf unless they have been officially engaged. Applicants should apply to us directly and not be persuaded to go via an agency.
The college will not recognise any agency fees for recruitment activities unless an active engagement linked to a specific role has been agreed.

The college will not pay fees associated with CVs or applicants who are sent to the college via agencies on a speculative basis or in response to college adverts.

Agencies should refrain from sending CVs to anyone working for the college on a speculative basis. The college will make approaches to agencies via our HR team if we feel that we need assistance with a post.