JSD Essentials | 1

Head of Communication

Internationally British

The British School in The Netherlands (the BSN) is seeking an exceptional candidate for the position of Head of Communication. Working within one of the world’s most dynamic and successful schools, you will be at the heart of our organisation, responsible for managing all internal and external communication. This is a unique opportunity at a unique school.

The BSN group of schools and our Language Centre are based in and around The Hague. We are academically very successful and we are committed to providing the best possible education for students who enter our doors. Our mission is to provide education in the British tradition with an international perspective and this is reflected in our rich diversity and the breadth of our student and parent body. With a roll of over 2500 students, aged 3–18, approximately 30% of our student body is British with 70% coming from over 80 countries. We have a further 1600+ part-time students (adults and children) from around the globe in our Language Centre.

Head of Communication

students

Ages

2,500

803–18

nationalities

Internationally British

Our students are drawn from the families of internationally mobile professionals – a great deal of effort is put into making arriving families feel welcome and supported and in maintaining close contacts at a high level with representatives of client organisations. Student numbers at the BSN continue to climb as the high reputation of the BSN amongst the international community prevails. It is an exciting time to join the BSN as we continue to celebrate our strengths and look to new challenges ahead.

The roleIn the role of Head of Communication your focus will be the visibility of The British School in The Netherlands and the development of a comprehensive and effective marketing and communications strategy. The role would suit a progressive thinker, with vision, who can promote and further develop the BSN values, our reputation, and our brand.

You will see from our digital presence, the high profile nature of this role. Through our communication we celebrate the accomplishments of our students, staff, Alumni and the BSN community, across a variety of platforms. We are looking for a candidate to lead and promote this communication in an engaging and effective way. As well as overseeing all online and offline communication, externally and internally, you will be the primary contact in public and media communication.

The Head of Communication also takes the lead on market research and analysis and provides strategic support to the CEO & Principal. You will be monitoring and reporting on developments and trends that have an impact on student numbers in the medium and long term, and forecasting the impact this may have on the organisation. The role also requires the management and reporting of a significant departmental budget for maximum impact and effectiveness.

Department structureYou will lead a motivated team of 6 within the Marketing Communications and Admissions department. Together the department advise and support the BSN campuses, Language Centre and Business Units in their communication decisions. The Admissions team also ensure that the admissions processes and school placements run smoothly, which is an area that you will oversee as manager of the team.

The team forms part of the wider Business Units and as manager you will enjoy a close working relationship with the BSN CEO & Principal.

A unique opportunity – at the heart of our organisation

3 Junior Schools (3–11 years), 1 Senior School (11–18 years) and 1 Language Centre (young and adult learners)

The personThis is a demanding, but extremely interesting and rewarding role. This exciting and dynamic opportunity would suit someone with enthusiasm for communication, and the skills to implement and manage marketing and communication processes within a complex organisation. The ideal candidate will have outstanding communication skills, evidence of strong leadership skills and experience in international environments.

…someone with enthusiasm for communicationWe are looking for a graduate who has:

● A flair for developing and executing communications campaigns

● Experience in co-ordinating integrated brand and communication management

● Experience in managing and developing a brand portfolio

● Evidence of managing transformational change successfully

● Experience in working with digital, social media and innovative technologies

● Experience in implementing effective content strategies

● Experience in managing budgets

● Evidence of successful and efficient project management

● Experience of managing a team, and a team player

● Excellent time management skills and the ability to work under pressure

● Outstanding communication skills and style in delivering content and in developing and maintaining media relations

● An international outlook and an appreciation of the richness that a diversity of cultures brings to a British school context

Acknowledged market excellence

Based in The Hague, a truly international city beside the sea

Our excellent facilities support the latest teaching methods

Families feel welcome and supported

Our offer● The opportunity to be at the heart of a successful and renowned

international organisation

● The opportunity to build on acknowledged market excellence

● The opportunity to make a real difference – to drive and further develop our vision and brand

● Professional Development encouragement and support

● A competitive salary and benefits package

● The opportunity to be based in a truly cosmopolitan and international city, offering sandy beaches, culture, museums, theatre, music and more

There is much more you can find out about the school and living in The Netherlands from our website: www.britishschool.nl. The videos, photographs and content there will give you a clearer idea of who we are and, we hope, the excitement and potential of this post.

…drive and further develop our vision and brand

How to applyCandidates wishing to apply should share their experience and enthusiasm in a letter of application and full curriculum vitae. Candidates should direct us to further evidence of their work within the application. Please go to the Current Vacancies page of our website where you can fill in our online application form, upload your documents and give the details of two referees: www.britishschool.nl/vacancies

Applications should reach us by Wednesday 18 November 2015

The first stage of the process will involve successful applicants being invited to provide a more personal impression of themselves through an online video interview. The final interviews will take place at the BSN where there will be a full programme over two dates to ensure a thorough introduction to both The Netherlands and the BSN.

Initial Interviews Date | Monday 30 November Location | To be confirmed

Final Interviews Date | Tuesday 8 and Wednesday 9 December Location | The Hague, The Netherlands

www.britishschool.nl