Job Description

Ready to shape the future of Oaklands' brand and student experience?

We're 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 College's brand for the next generation.


Oaklands has been delivering life-changing education for over 100 years. We're proud of our legacy but we're even more excited about what's next. As we grow and diversify, we're 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. You'll 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. You'll 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?

You're 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.

You're confident working at a senior level, with the agility to balance creativity and compliance, strategy and execution.


Every day, you'll see the direct impact of your work -- in growing student numbers, enhanced reputation, and a stronger connection between Oaklands, its learners, and the community.


You'll 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 you're passionate about people, brand, and purpose -- and you're 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 Ability to manage competing priorities and deliver results under pressure

Desirable:

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 Evidence of thought leadership or contribution to the wider FE/HE marketing and admissions community

Why Oaklands?

At Oaklands, you'll 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

Discounted entry to Oaklands events

- from our Foodies Festival to Lambing Weekend and Oaklands Zoo

Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make your mark -- driving innovation, building a powerful brand, and creating a first-class student experience that defines the Oaklands journey.


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.


Click Here to find out more about Oaklands College!