The Royal Photographic Society has been at the forefront of photography for over 170 years and is one of the oldest photographic societies in the world. It has pre-eminent status as a learned society with an active and enthusiastic membership of amateur, enthusiast, professional and fine art photographers.
Head of Marketing
Location: Bristol (Hybrid: 1–2 days per week onsite)
Salary: £40,000 - £45,000
Reports to: Director of Marketing & Membership
Direct Reports: Content Marketing Co-Ordinator
Member of: Marketing & Membership team
Role Purpose
We are an educational charity and membership organisation which encourages the public appreciation and understanding of the art and science of photography.
The Head of Marketing is responsible for leading and overseeing the brand, marketing, communication, and digital strategies for The RPS. The position also plays a key role in the development of a membership engagement strategy and leads on the cross-organisation implementation and analysis.
This role is both strategic and hands-on. Alongside the delivery of the strategy, this role requires detailed knowledge and technical application of the full marketing funnel. We want to move the RPS to be a key storytelling and publicly influential photographic organisation. Leading with varied content mediums and public relations activity, this role demands a high level of copywriting and experience in brand building through narrative development.
This is a key role to help shape and deliver The RPS as it progressing into a new phase of its long and storied history.
Key Responsibilities
Strategy & Planning
- Responsible for supporting the development and leading on delivering the RPS marketing and communication strategy in support of the RPS organisational strategy. Maximise membership recruitment; leading a team to implement, analyse results and revise strategy accordingly.
- Oversee and ensure delivery of all marketing and membership communications activity for the RPS.
- Oversee the correct usage of the RPS brand, both internally and externally to maximise impact.
- Support Director of Marketing & Membership in creating annual budgets.
Marketing delivery
- End-to-end marketing campaign management - oversee planning, execution, and analysis of online/offline campaigns
- Lead on acquisition channels through the marketing funnel, including performance (Google Grant, social media paid ads), lead generation, CRO, referral, and partnerships.
- Managing PR activities to achieve maximum coverage for the RPS; policy voice, charity wins, opinion pieces and manage the external PR agency where required.
- Lead on content strategy, working closely with Content Marketing Co-Ordinator for creation and delivery.
- Assist in building and the promotion of an events programme.
- Work closely with volunteers in our Special Interest Groups (SIGs) and Regional Hubs to build an integrated, impactful marketing, communication and product delivery for members and wider audiences.
- Work closely with Membership team to create a best-in-class membership engagement programme to drive retention and engagement.
- Lead on fundraising campaigns to increase donations, legacies, and gift aid.
- Work closely with the Exhibitions and Education team to promote programmes to grow engagement and income.
Research & analysis
- Continue to develop and manage segmentation of membership proposition to maximise value and experience
- Report on KPI’s to ensure successful campaign management and positive ROI.
- Maintain competitor and industry analysis.
People, Leadership & Culture
- Lead, mentor and develop the Marketing team (currently 1 FTE), fostering collaboration across teams, accountability and a positive working culture.
- Embed effective performance management, including one-to-one reviews, appraisals, development plans all built around clear SMART objectives.
- Break down silos and cultivate more integrated, transparent, and supportive ways of working.
- Model a culture of openness, respect, creativity, humour and professionalism.
Stakeholder Engagement & Partnerships
- Build strong partner relationships with organisations in the photography and creative industry and other organisations of relevance to our membership and commercial interests.
- Engage constructively with members, volunteers, Special Interest Groups and Regions to enhance marketing activity.
- Represent the RPS at events, talks and industry gatherings.
Person Profile
Experience & Knowledge
- Significant experience developing, delivering and leading marketing programmes.
- Experience in people management and leadership.
- Experience in membership and charity marketing and engagement campaigns.
- Experience navigating and modernising legacy systems and structures.
- An interest in photography, visual arts or creative practice is highly desirable.
Skills & Attributes
- Use of data to make strategic decisions, familiar with analytics programmes – for example: GA4, GTM, Clarity, HotJar.
- Skilled copywriting in long-form and commercial forms is essential to drive our storytelling ambitions.
- Content creator – writing, image creation, video editing is a plus.
- Deep understanding of email and building automation programme.
- Use of CRM to drive engagement and conversion, e.g. Salesforce or Microsoft Dynamics
- Experience with management CMS systems in with management content and asset heavy organisation.
- Passionate about learning, creativity and community.
- Confident, decisive and willing to challenge the status quo.
- Strategic thinker who is comfortable operating hands-on in a small organisation.
- Excellent communicator, facilitator and relationship builder.
Working Conditions & Benefits
- Hybrid working with 1–2 days per week onsite.
- Occasional travel to nationwide and international events, RPS events, trade shows, photo festivals, meetings with partner organisations, and member groups.
- 25 days holiday plus Christmas closure (normally 3 days per year)
- Pension (5% employer contribution)
- Cycle to work scheme
- Membership of RPS and any Special Interest Groups
- Apple Mac or PC laptop
- Training and skills development opportunities
- Work from a vibrant office space at HERE, Bristol. Offering freely accessible on-site gym, games room and social events, as well as a deli/cafe with excellent food and drink options.
To apply, please send your CV and cover letter to slt@rps.org.