Job Description

We are currently recruiting for a Communications Lead at Horizon International School.

About Cognita:
Cognita is a global leader in independent education. Founded in 2004, we are a growing community of 100+ schools in 16 countries - in Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East - serving more than 85,000 students. Each of our schools are proudly unique, however our collective purpose is to create an environment where everyone can, ‘Thrive in a rapidly evolving world’.

At Cognita, we know every student is unique. We nurture their distinct personalities and strengths. We support them academically, socially, and emotionally, wherever they are in the world, wherever they’re starting from. We protect what’s special about them, while offering them rich knowledge, opportunities, and best practices. And they get to be part of something bigger; ensuring they get an education that’s, quite literally, world class.

About the School:

Since 2008, Horizon International School has become a dynamic, inclusive community offering a world-class education based on the National Curriculum of England, from Early Years through to GCSE and A Levels.

Rated "Outstanding" in all categories by British School Oversees (BSO), "Very Good" by KHDA, and recognised as a Platinum "Best School to Work," Horizon combines academic excellence with a nurturing, empowering environment. We strive to inspire and challenge every member of our community—students and educators alike—to foster a love of learning and prepare them to embrace the diverse challenges of tomorrow.

With over 1,500 students representing 92 nationalities, we celebrate diversity and value growth, creating a supportive and stimulating environment for all learners.

Explore our website and social media to experience the vibrant, engaging culture that defines Horizon International School.

https://hisdubai.ae/
https://www.instagram.com/horizonintlschool/?hl=en

Key Responsibilities:
Communications:
Lead the school's communications strategy by managing all parent communication platforms, ensuring information is timely, accurate, engaging and aligned with the school's values, brand and communication standards.
Oversee the quality and consistency of all external communications, proofreading and coordinating letters, newsletters, social media content, website updates and key announcements to ensure every communication leaving the school reflects the highest professional standards.

Manage the school's digital communication channels, including the website, social media platforms and internal communication systems, ensuring content remains current, celebrates school life and strengthens engagement with both current and prospective families.

Provide professional front-of-house and administrative support, welcoming visitors, supporting reception during busy periods, responding to enquiries and helping to create an exceptional first impression for parents, students and external visitors.
Work collaboratively across all departments to gather information, coordinate communications, support school events and marketing initiatives, and ensure key messages are communicated effectively to staff, parents and the wider school community

Front of House Excellence:
Serve as the primary point of contact for parents, visitors, and the school community, ensuring a warm welcome and prompt, professional service
Efficiently manage incoming calls
Confidently answer frequently asked questions with accurate information as the first point of contact for all parent, staff and visitor enquiries

Admissions and Tour Coordination:
Assist with scheduling and confirming school tours and open days, providing a smooth and positive experience for prospective families
Support the admissions process
Contribute to the maintenance of CRM data accuracy

Customer Experience and Engagement:
Maintain an in-depth understanding of the school's calendar, events, and activities to effectively communicate and engage with the parent community
Maintain open lines of communication to new & prospective parents ensuring that their concerns and feedback are handled effectively and efficiently
Uphold organizational excellence at the front desk, ensuring efficient operation and an inviting atmosphere

General Responsibilities:
Model and promote the school’s values in all interactions, fostering a culture of kindness, fairness, and ethical conduct
Adhere to safeguarding policies, maintaining a safe and supportive environment for all students
Maintain confidentiality and adhere to school policies, demonstrating a professional approach to all aspects of school life
Engage in personal development and contribute positively to the school’s community spirit

Qualifications and Experience:
A proven background in Communications, Sales and Customer Service
Experience with CRM software, alongside a keen ability to navigate and leverage various administrative platforms
Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, complemented by a proficiency in the English language
A proactive, detail-oriented approach, capable of thriving both independently and within a collaborative team setting
Demonstrated ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships, embodying sensitivity, tact, and confidentiality
A strong alignment with Cognita's vision and values, promoting them passionately within and beyond our school walls
Flexibility to accommodate the dynamic needs of our community, including occasional weekend commitments

To support your application please include your current, up-to-date CV.

The school reserves the right to interview and appoint strong candidates before the official closing date, and therefore we would encourage candidates to apply early in the process.

Cognita is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and young people and expects the same from its employees. All new staff will be subject to detailed and enhanced pre-employment clearance, including identity checks, criminal background checks for all countries lived in, qualification checks, employment checks to include an exploration of any gaps in employment, and satisfactory reference checks for all employment in the last 5 years.