Director of Marketing and Communications City of Bristol College

City of Bristol College is one of the South West’s largest and most ambitious further education colleges, playing a vital role in developing talent, supporting employers and strengthening communities across Bristol. Following a significant organisational transformation, the college is seeking to build on its success through the appointment of a Director of Marketing and Communications to lead its strategic marketing, communications and brand agenda.

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, Tim Peacock, this is a high-profile leadership role with responsibility for shaping the college’s reputation, leading both internal and external communications, and ensuring the impact of its work is recognised by students, employers, civic partners and the wider community. The successful candidate will lead a talented marketing team, develop and deliver a clear communications strategy, strengthen stakeholder engagement, and introduce meaningful measures of marketing performance.

We are seeking an inspiring and collaborative marketing leader with experience in developing strategic communications, influencing senior stakeholders and leading high-performing teams. While experience in education would be advantageous, we are equally interested in candidates from organisations with complex stakeholder environments who can demonstrate strategic thinking, exceptional relationship-building skills, and a track record of delivering measurable impact within a values-led organisation.

Inspectors praised the college’s inclusive culture, positive learning environment, effective employer engagement and commitment to developing a skilled workforce for the region.

Today, the college is focused on building on that momentum. Operating from a network of specialist centres across the city, including the College Green Centre, Ashley Down Centre, South Bristol Skills Academy, and state-of-the-art engineering and motor vehicle facilities at Parkway, it combines outstanding learning environments with strong links to industry and higher education partners. These facilities support a curriculum that is closely aligned to current and emerging workforce needs, particularly in sectors such as engineering, construction, digital technologies, creative industries, health and social care, and green skills.

With ambitious plans for the future, this is an exciting time to join an organisation that is proud of its progress and determined to continue shaping the future of education, skills and workforce development across the region.

About the role

City of Bristol College is seeking an exceptional Director of Marketing and Communications to lead the development and delivery of a bold, audience-led communications strategy that strengthens our reputation, amplifies our impact and ensures every stakeholder understands the vital role we play in transforming lives and supporting the region’s economy.

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer and working as a key member of the senior leadership team, you will shape how the college communicates with staff, students, prospective learners, employers, community partners, civic leaders and the wider public. You will be responsible for creating a clear, compelling and consistent narrative that showcases our learner success, employer partnerships, specialist provision and contribution to Bristol’s communities.

This is a highly influential leadership role where communications sits at the centre of organisational success. You will lead internal and external communications, media relations, stakeholder engagement, public affairs, reputation management and crisis communications, while also overseeing marketing, recruitment campaigns, events, digital channels and alumni engagement.

As we continue to evolve our profile as one of the region’s leading further education providers, we are looking for someone who can move us beyond transactional communications and campaign activity, creating a distinctive and authentic voice that builds trust, inspires confidence and strengthens engagement across all our audiences.

Key responsibilities include:

• Developing and delivering a college-wide marketing and communications strategy aligned to organisational priorities.
• Leading internal and external communications to improve engagement, consistency and organisational reputation.
• Promoting the college’s impact across Bristol, strengthening relationships with employers, local authorities, WECA and other key stakeholders.
• Leading and developing a high-performing marketing team, embedding a culture of innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Establishing meaningful marketing KPIs and performance reporting to demonstrate impact and inform strategic decision-making.
• Supporting student attraction through effective brand and marketing campaigns, while enhancing alumni engagement and promoting the college’s wider civic contribution.

This is a highly visible leadership role with the opportunity to shape how City of Bristol College is recognised, experienced and valued by its communities and partners.

You will also understand the vital role that marketing plays in raising awareness, attracting learners and employers, and strengthening organisational reputation. Comfortable advising senior leaders, you will be confident influencing key stakeholders and building productive relationships across education, business, community and civic sectors.

We are seeking someone who combines strategic insight with operational excellence. You will know how to use audience insight, data and market intelligence to inform decision-making, evaluate performance and ensure marketing and communications activity remains engaging, accessible and impactful. Alongside this, you will possess the leadership skills to inspire high-performing teams, encourage innovation and foster a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.

Above all, you will share our commitment to inclusion, opportunity and learner success. You will recognise the power of marketing and communications to connect people, celebrate achievement, attract new audiences and champion the life-changing impact of further education for individuals, employers and communities across Bristol and beyond.