Head of Communications and Engagement

About the Opportunity

John Paul College is seeking an experienced and strategic Head of Communications and Engagement to lead our marketing, brand, digital strategy, advancement and community engagement functions.

This is a senior leadership role with genuine scope. You'll partner with an experienced Executive to shape and deliver the communications and engagement strategy that underpins the College's reputation, enrolment growth and long-term sustainability. You'll also lead a multidisciplinary team, direct integrated campaigns across owned, earned and paid channels, and build meaningful relationships with parents, alumni, donors and the broader JPC community.

Set on 33 hectares in Daisy Hill, JPC is one of Queensland's largest independent co-educational schools, serving more than 2,400 students from ELC to Year 12. This is an opportunity to make your mark at an independent College with a strong brand, a compelling story, and the ambition to grow.

What You'll Do

• Lead with strategic clarity: Provide high-level advice on communications, marketing, reputation and advancement to the Director of Community Engagement and Executive Leadership Team, deputising for the Director as required
• Protect and grow the brand: Lead reputational risk management, media engagement, issues response and brand governance to ensure cohesive, compelling storytelling across all touchpoints
• Drive enrolment and retention: Develop and implement integrated marketing strategies across digital and traditional channels, using campaign performance and pipeline data to guide continuous improvement
• Advance the College's philanthropic mission: Lead fundraising initiatives, capital campaigns, sponsorship programs and advancement events that support major projects and long-term sustainability goals
• Engage the community: Oversee strategic internal and external communications, lead a calendar of events, and develop relationships with alumni, current and past families, donors and volunteers
• Develop a high-performing team: Lead and develop the Marketing and Engagement Co-ordinator, Brand Manager and Events Manager

A copy of the Position Description is available here.

About You

You're a senior communications or marketing professional who thrives in complex, fast-moving environments and brings a strategic, outcomes-focused mindset.

You will bring:

• Tertiary qualifications in marketing, communications, journalism or a related field
• Demonstrated senior leadership experience in communications, marketing or engagement strategy
• Proven expertise in integrated marketing, digital strategy and brand stewardship
• Experience managing media relations and reputational risk
• Strong stakeholder engagement capability across diverse community groups
• Experience supporting or leading fundraising and advancement initiatives
• Exceptional copywriting, analytical and organisational skills
• Current Blue Card / Positive Notice Working with Children Check, or the ability to obtain one
• Alignment with the values and Christian Ecumenical ethos of John Paul College
• Education sector experience (desirable)

How to Apply:

Applications are to be made by clicking “Apply” (Below)

To assist us with determining your suitability for this role, please ensure your application includes the following information -

• Your cover letter is addressed to the attention of Mrs Claire Henkey – Director of Community Engagement and should share with us your experience and how you will Ignite Ambition at John Paul College in this exciting new role.
• Your current resume includes your qualifications and employment history.
• And the names and contact details for at least two professional referees. 

John Paul College is an equal-opportunity employer, and we encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

The College reserves its right to interview and offer this role prior to the closing date of this advertisement. If you are interested in joining John Paul College, please do not hesitate in applying.

John Paul College is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people. We embed child safety into everything we do, including how we recruit and support our people. All successful candidates will be required to hold a current Blue Card prior to commencing employment.