Head of Marketing Job Description

Context

Discover is the UK’s first Story Centre for children aged 0-11 and their families. Based in Stratford, east London, 100,000 children and adults visit our venue each year. Our aim is to create a love of language, literature and stories. At the heart of the centre are our purpose-built Story Worlds and Story Garden which are creative play spaces designed to inspire children’s curiosity and imagination.

Our interactive exhibitions immerse families in the world of their favourite authors, from Oliver Jeffers to Michael Rosen to Dr. Seuss. The current exhibition is based on the work of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. We also have a story-telling space where we develop and deliver a programme of bespoke events for 0-3’s. Throughout the year we invite much-loved and up-and-coming authors, illustrators, poets, musicians, artists and storytellers to run workshops and events

Alongside the offer in our venue we also deliver an extensive range of activities externally, running programmes or one off sessions or events in schools, libraries, children’s centres, shopping centres, and parks.

Main Purpose

The Head of Marketing is one of eight members of the Senior Management Team. She/he is responsible for the planning and delivery of Discover’s marketing and communications strategy. This includes ensuring the organisation’s brand is clearly presented, and that the audience development strategy is implemented. As a member of the senior management team, they will be expected to contribute to the development of policy, the programme and its delivery, through attendance at planning and other meetings.

Responsible to:Chief Executive

Responsible for:Marketing Officer, Bookings Assistants, freelance staff e.g. Press/PR representative

Works closely with all members of SMT (Chief Executive, Deputy Chief Executive, Head of Finance, Head of Learning, Head of Development, Head of Operations and Head of Creative Events)

Main Tasks

Marketing

  • Creation, management and implementation of Discover’s internal and external marketing and communications strategy including the audience development strategy
  • Custodian of Discover brand and oversight of all Discover’s branded collateral, ensuring consistent messaging throughout the organisation and ensuring marketing representation at external events and activities
  • Responsibility for all Discover’s external print and publications including seasonal brochures, leaflets, e-newsletters and project products etc.
  • Responsibility for all internal print and publications, ensuring posters and resources are on brand and displayed
  • Overseeing signage and way-finding within the centre, and also influencing external local way-finding to centre
  • Management of PR – managing external support as appropriate and maintaining relationships with journalists, managing and monitoring Discover’s press coverage, and acting as a spokesperson as required
  • Overseeing and managing Discover’s digital output and developments including social media platforms, websites, digital assets and products
  • Liaising with publishers to publicise Discover exhibitions, working with them on PR plans and marketing materials

Advocacy

  • Promote Discover to a broad mix of partners and stakeholders
  • Support the Head of Development to advocate for Discover and the need for financial support
  • Act as an ambassador for, and help to raise the profile of, Discover locally, regionally and nationally
  • Maintain links with other creative and statutory organisations
  • Act as a senior member of staff, attending meetings and representing Discover at functions within and outside the building

Management

  • Manage the Marketing Officer and other freelance support
  • Manage the marketing budget

Data

  • Act as main contact for Syx ticketing system, ensuring the system meets the organisation’s needs
  • Ensure that data collection, sharing and storage methods adhere to legal guidelines
  • Provide visitor statistics, evaluation and reports for internal purposes and external stakeholders
  • Ensure activity is documented for promotional purposes and that appropriate photography takes place
  • Research and collate information about current arts marketing initiatives

Please note. This job description is a guide to the nature of the work required of the Head of Marketing. It is not wholly comprehensive or restrictive and may be reviewed with the post holder as required.

Person Specification

Essential

  • At least four years’ experience of marketing in an arts and/or literature based organisation
  • Interest in children’s literature
  • Excellent planning skills
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Excellent copy writing and proof reading skills
  • Good knowledge of design and print processes
  • Ability to network and engage with a variety of stakeholders
  • Experience of managing staff members and freelancers
  • Experience of managing budgets
  • Good IT skills with experience of using a ticketing system
  • Attention to detail

Desirable

  • Experience of marketing within a children and/or family focused context
  • Experience of analysis of visitor data

Type of Contract

This post is offered on a permanent contract which is subject to a three months probationary period. The post holder will be required to undertake an Enhanced DBS check.

Working Hours

This post is offered on a part-time contract working 4 days (28 hours) per week. Evening and weekends will be required for which time off in lieu will be given.

Salary

The salary is 34,000 pro rata depending on experience (27,200 for 4 days per week).

Holidays

25 days pro rata plus bank holidays pro rata.

Discover’s premises are accessible.