Lancing College seeks to appoint an outstanding Director of External Relations and Communications from September 2026.
The successful candidate will lead the College's external engagement strategy, acting as an ambassador for Lancing and ensuring that the College's values, distinctiveness and ambitions are articulated with clarity and impact. As a member of the Senior Management Team, the Director will shape and implement a cohesive strategy spanning Admissions, Marketing and Development (fundraising and alumni relations) across the Lancing family of schools, including Lancing Prep at Worthing, Lancing Prep Hove, Dorset House and Little Lancing Nursery.
The Director will lead an experienced team of thirteen, with direct management responsibility for the Director of Admissions and Head of Marketing.
Leadership of the Development function will be determined in light of the successful candidate's expertise. The Director of Development currently has a dotted reporting line to the Head Master; this may evolve to a more direct reporting relationship where appropriate, or remain a close strategic partnership model. In all scenarios, the Director of External Relations will ensure that Development strategy is fully aligned with the College's wider brand, engagement and growth ambitions.
There is also shared strategic responsibility for major College events.
The role is based at the College and requires close collaboration with the Heads of the Prep Schools and senior colleagues. Some UK and international travel will be required.
Working closely with the Head Master, Bursar, Senior Management Team and Governing Body, the Director will ensure that the Lancing brand remains distinctive, compelling and positioned as a premier boarding school in the South East and beyond.
MEASURE OF SUCCESS
* In collaboration with the Head Master and senior colleagues, the continued development and evolution of a clear, data-informed Admissions strategy aligned to the College's long-term vision and the desired shape of the school
* Recruitment of pupils in line with Admissions strategy and agreed retention objectives
* Clear coherence of brand, messaging and purpose across Admissions, Marketing and Development
* Strengthening and articulation of Lancing's distinctive identity in line with the Strategic Development Plan
* Effective progression planning across the prep schools and into the Senior School
* Enhancement of the College's reputation among its diverse stakeholder community
* Successful fundraising initiatives, including sustained momentum behind the Foundationers Campaign
* Depth and quality of engagement across the Lancing Society and alumni network
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Attributes
* Visionary, energetic and strategically minded
* Able to inspire a shared sense of purpose
* Sound judgement with discretion in complex and sensitive matters
* Innovative and intellectually agile, with attention to detail
* A confident contributor within a high-performing Executive Team
* Emotionally intelligent, understanding that relationships drive long-term success
Skills and Knowledge
* Educated to degree level or beyond
* Outstanding communicator with strong interpersonal presence
* Deep understanding of brand development and institutional positioning
* Data-informed and insight-led decision maker
* Commercially and financially astute, with understanding of KPIs and return on investment
* Ability to develop compelling, evidence-based business cases and cases for support that secure investment and stakeholder buy-in.
* Skilled in building trusted relationships and identifying strategic opportunities
* Comfortable operating in complex, multi-stakeholder environments
Experience
* Senior leadership experience in a comparable organisation
* Leading multi-disciplinary teams through growth and change
* Managing competing priorities within a fast-paced setting
* Experience in one or more of the following areas at a strategic level: admissions and recruitment; marketing and communications; development and fundraising
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Leadership
* Work in close partnership with the Head Master to shape and deliver strategies that advance the College's long term ambitions.
* Serve as the strategic lead and representative voice for Admissions, Marketing and Development at Executive level, across the College and in reporting to Governors.
* Ensure strong alignment and coherence across the three departments in delivering the priorities of the College's Strategic Development Plan.
* Champion excellence across the entire engagement journey, from first enquiry and recruitment through to alumni relations and lifelong connection.
* Collaborate closely with the Prep School Executive Head and Prep School Heads to ensure that marketing and communications are fully aligned with the strategy of the Lancing family of schools.
* Lead on crisis communications with discretion and sound judgement, working in partnership with the Head Master and Senior Management Team, supported by external expertise where appropriate.
* Develop and present compelling, evidence-based business cases and cases for support, in collaboration with relevant colleagues, to secure strategic investment and stakeholder commitment where required.
* Act as a confident and credible spokesperson for the College as required.
* Regularly review structures, priorities and workload across teams, making strategic adjustments where necessary to ensure effectiveness and sustainability.
* In partnership with the Head Master and Executive Team, contribute to the planning and delivery of major College events, including Head Master's Lectures and Founders Day, providing high level strategic input and briefing.
Admissions and recruitment
* Work in close partnership with the Director of Admissions to develop and implement a clear, data-informed recruitment strategy and action plan. The day-to-day operational management of the department remains the responsibility of the Director of Admissions.
* Lead strategic recruitment planning to inform discussion with the Head Master, Governing Body and Senior Management Team regarding the long-term shape and composition of the school.
* Analyse enquiry, conversion and enrolment data to identify trends, opportunities and risks, and report clearly on performance and projections.
* Collaborate with the Director of Admissions and Senior Management Team to develop and refine a robust retention strategy.
* Provide strategic oversight of overseas recruitment, identifying priority markets and shaping an effective international engagement plan.
* Maintain close liaison with the Head Master, Bursar and Director of Admissions to monitor and report on the pupil pipeline and forward forecasts.
* Work with the Director of Admissions to strengthen recruitment pathways from Lancing prep schools and key feeder schools.
* Represent the College, where appropriate, at open events, school fairs and selected UK and international engagements.
* Partner closely with the Marketing team to ensure Admissions priorities are effectively supported through brand, communications and promotional activity.
* Report to Governors on Admissions performance through relevant committees and full Governing Body meetings.
* Build and sustain strong relationships with key influencers, feeder schools and sector partners.
Marketing
The day-to-day leadership of the Marketing team is the responsibility of the Head of Marketing. In this role, the Director will work in close partnership with the Head of Marketing to:
* Lead the strategic development and evolution of the Lancing brand across the family of schools, providing clarity on the balance between central direction and local distinctiveness.
* Ensure strong alignment between the College's Strategic Development Plan and the marketing strategy, objectives and priorities.
* Support the Heads of the three prep schools in shaping and refining their marketing strategies, offering insight, challenge and guidance where appropriate.
* Oversee the College's ongoing market research programme and ensure that insights are effectively communicated and embedded across the organisation.
* Ensure that all marketing communications and activity are coherent, high quality and aligned with agreed strategic priorities and timelines.
* Provide strategic oversight of the College's digital presence and social media strategy across all platforms.
* Oversee the production of key College publications and core communications materials.
* Monitor performance against agreed KPIs, reviewing effectiveness and recommending adjustments to marketing operations to ensure delivery of College objectives.
Development
The day-to-day leadership of the Development team is the responsibility of the Director of Development. Within this context, the Director of External Relations will:
* Provide strategic oversight and support in the shaping and prioritisation of new fundraising initiatives, helping to evaluate options and determine which campaigns to advance.
* Offer ongoing strategic guidance to ensure the continued momentum and impact of the Foundationers Campaign.
* Work closely with the Head Master and Director of Development to shape and implement a clear key donor strategy, including cultivation, stewardship and long-term relationship planning.
* Engage actively in Foundation events, building strong relationships with major supporters and attending Foundation Council and OL Club meetings where appropriate.
* Ensure strong alignment between Development, Alumni Relations and the wider life of the College, including identifying opportunities to enhance coordination with the Careers programme.
* Represent the College at alumni and supporter events, acting as a credible and compelling ambassador for its vision and ambitions.
This job description is not intended to be exhaustive, and the post holder may be required to undertake additional duties reasonably determined by the Head Master.
APPOINTMENT TERMS
The successful candidate will be offered a highly attractive remuneration package, approximately £80,000–£90,000 per annum, commensurate with experience and the seniority of the position.
The School offers a generous benefits package, including membership of a defined contribution pension scheme and fee remission, as well as private health cover. This is a full-time, permanent post that will attract 25 days leave per annum plus bank holidays (where these do not fall in term time). Employees of the School also benefit from lunch in the School's Dining Hall. Further details will be made available on enquiry.
This is a full-time, 52-week, post and some flexibility in working hours will be required in light of the role and responsibilities it entails. Some international travel will also be required.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Interested candidates are invited to contact Diana Cree in the first instance to arrange a confidential discussion )
Closing Date: 9am on Monday 9 March 2026
Applications should be made using the application form from the College website ).
Candidates should submit the following (in PDF format)
* A completed application form available from the College website including the contact details of three referees, one of whom should be the candidate's current or most recent employer.
* A covering letter of a maximum of two pages address to the Head Master, Dr Scott Crawford. The letter should succinctly explain your reasons for applying and your suitability for the role.
* A full curriculum vitae.
If you have any questions regarding the submission of your application, please contact HR via
The Process is as follows:
* All applications will be acknowledged by email. If you have not received acknowledgement that your application has been received within two working days of sending it, please contact
* First Round panel interviews week commencing 16 March 2026 (online).
* Second Round interviews will take place at Lancing College on Tuesday 24 March 2026.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £80,000.00-£90,000.00 per year
Benefits:
* Company pension
* Cycle to work scheme
* Free parking
* On-site parking
Work Location: In person