Children and Education Marketing Lead

Job Title: Children and Education Marketing Lead

Grade/Salary: Band G, SCP 32-37 (£44,253 - £49,817 per annum)

Contract Type: Full-time, Fixed term (24 months)

Working Pattern: 37 Hours, Monday - Friday

Location: Sandwell Council House, Freeth St Oldbury B69 3DE

Closing Date: 15/11/2026

Sandwell Council is seeking an experienced and innovative Children and Education Marketing Lead to join its growing Communications team. The role is being offered on a full-time, permanent basis, to be based from its Oldbury office. The organisation works to a hybrid working model of 3 days in the office and 2 days from home.

Building on being named the Most Improved Council this year, we’re telling a new story about Sandwell, and the Communications team is central to this. We have now set our mission to substantially reduce deprivation and narrow the gaps in health, opportunity and life chances in our borough, so that where someone is born or lives does not determine their future.

The Children and Education Marketing Lead plays a pivotal role in this, shaping and delivering communications and marketing activity that connects children, young people, families and carers across the borough to the services that will make a difference to their lives.

Working closely with senior leaders, stakeholders and partners, the postholder will lead the development of insight-led campaigns and communication strategies that increase engagement, inform communities and promote key initiatives and services. Through audience insight, robust campaign planning and a strong understanding of the local government landscape, the role ensures key messages reach the right audiences through the most effective channels.

As a senior communications professional, you will provide expert advice to leaders and stakeholders, influencing strategic decision-making and helping to deliver organisational priorities through innovative, measurable and impactful communications. You will lead projects from concept through to evaluation and contribute to enhancing the council's reputation while ensuring all communications activity reflects organisational values and objectives.

More about the role

• Lead communications and marketing activity for Children and Education services.
• Develop and deliver strategic communications and marketing plans aligned to organisational priorities.
• Manage the planning, delivery and evaluation of high-profile campaigns and projects. Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to support service objectives.
• Provide expert communications advice and guidance to senior leaders and service areas.
• Create engaging, audience-focused content across a variety of communication channels.
• Use insight, research and data to inform communications strategies and campaign delivery.
• Identify opportunities to raise awareness, engagement and participation in services and initiatives.
• Ensure communications activity aligns with corporate objectives, branding and messaging.
• Monitor campaign performance, evaluate impact and make recommendations for continuous improvement.
• Support media relations activity and help manage reputational issues and opportunities.
• Champion innovative communications approaches and best practice across the organisation.
• Contribute to the development of a campaigns-led communications culture.
• Deputise for the Communications Manager when required.

About you

• Educated to degree level or able to demonstrate equivalent relevant experience.
• Qualified to CIM Level 2 or able to demonstrate equivalent professional experience.
• Significant experience working within a complex organisation and advising senior stakeholders.
• Proven ability to develop and deliver successful communications and marketing campaigns.
• Strong understanding of communications planning, marketing principles and audience engagement.
• Experienced in stakeholder management, influencing and relationship building.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to adapt messages for different audiences.
• Strong understanding of digital communications, social media and content creation.
• Knowledge of local government, public sector communications or a similarly complex environment.
• Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Analytical and able to use insight and data to inform decision-making and measure success.
• Creative, proactive and solution-focused in approach.
• Able to work collaboratively across teams and build effective partnerships.
• Committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and delivering excellent customer-focused services.
• Flexible and adaptable, with a willingness to support activities outside of normal working hours when required.
• Demonstrates the organisation's values through professional, accountable and inclusive behaviours.

Why Sandwell Council?

At Sandwell Council, our work has a real impact. We are proud to be a values‑led organisation that supports its employees with excellent benefits, a competitive remuneration package, and a strong focus on development. By joining us, you’ll play a key role in delivering services that make a real and lasting difference to thousands of people across the borough.

To find out more, please visit our careers page: We Are Sandwell – We Are Sandwell

How to apply

To be considered for this role, please submit a CV and supporting statement to imran_butt@sandwell.gov.uk

Click here to find out more about our One Team Framework: Values and Behaviours

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should a high number of applications be received. Applicants are therefore strongly encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

If you are an internal candidate and currently at risk, please let the recruiting manager know.

We place equality, diversity and inclusion at the core of who we are and how we lead, where every voice matters. At Sandwell, we recognise and value the richness that comes from diverse lived experiences, perspectives, backgrounds and identities. This diversity makes us a stronger and more effective council.

We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to building a workplace where everyone feels they belong, are treated fairly, and have the opportunity to thrive. Creating an environment where colleagues feel respected, supported and able to contribute fully is central to our culture and the way we work. We are committed to ensuring that all applicants and employees have equitable access to opportunities. Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the recruitment process and within the workplace so that everyone has the support they need to perform at their best and succeed in their role.

If you have any questions relating to equality, diversity, and inclusion, you can contact the EDI Team at EDI_Team@sandwell.gov.uk.

If you wish to apply as Care Leaver or a Disability Confident candidate, please make sure to state this when submitting your CV.

If you have a disability and require assistance in submitting your CV, please contact imran_butt@sandwell.gov.uk