Design and Communications Manager

Design and Communications Manager

Salary: £38,000 - £41,000 per annum + benefits

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

Type: 12-month FTC, April/May 2026 start preferred  

Are you an experienced Design and Communications Manager looking for a new and exciting opportunity? Here at Seashell, we are looking for a talented individual who is passionate about making a difference to the lives of others…

About Seashell Trust

Originally founded in 1823, Seashell Trust is a nationally recognised and registered charity based in Cheadle Hulme, Stockport. The Trust comprises of the Royal School Manchester, the Royal College Manchester, bespoke Residential Care Homes, Outreach Health and Family Services that support over 8,000 people a year. We provide expert education and residential care for children and young adults with multiple complex disabilities including, profound learning difficulties, multi-sensory impairments, mobility issues and neurological disorders like severe autism. Our fantastic services are based all on one-site, which deepens our sense of community for our children and young adults and the Seashell team.

We are currently in the midst of the largest fundraising appeal in our 200-year history which will see our campus become the national centre of excellence for the education and residential care of children and young adults with the most complex disabilities.

In 2015 we raised £10 million to build our residential care facility Sir Norman Stoller Way and in 2023, opened The Moulding Foundation building, a £25 million home for Royal School Manchester. Building is now complete for our new Royal College Manchester; The Ged Mason building opened in early February 2026.

About the role

The Design and Communications Manager is responsible for managing Seashell’s brand identity so that it engages effectively with our audiences, reflects our values and articulates our ambitions.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as lead designer for the Trust and work with the Head of Marketing and Communications to establish clear direction for enhancing brand awareness
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to champion the Seashell brand, providing design insight and input into key campaigns.
• Design and create marketing and communications materials, as well as keeping the brand/marketing and communications toolkit and content bank up to date, to help our teams create their own materials to strengthen our brand and amplify awareness.
• Lead on design or oversee artwork for key organisational documents (impact report etc.) campaigns, fundraising events, reports, prospectuses, impact stories, social media, advertising and any other key content required.
• Act as ‘brand guardian’ and maintain brand assets and guidelines. Ensure consistent application of design standards and brand guidelines across all departments and communications
• Support Seashell’s understanding of its brand guidelines - including tone of voice, sentiment, inclusive language and visual identity - through the provision of advice and guidance to internal stakeholders.
• Co-ordinate the development and delivery of creative content to strengthen and promote our brand, supporting Seashell’s strategic priorities and business planning requirements
• Work with suppliers and stakeholders throughout the development cycle. Duties include writing design and technical briefs, scoping technical development projects with colleagues and suppliers, establishing systems that will enable the functions to be most impactful
• Be accountable for the efficient management of key budgets, ensuring appropriate and effective spend
• Carry out any other duties as may be reasonably required

Full job description is available upon request

What you will need for the role:

•  Previous experience in design led role is essential - experience of working in a marketing and communications role in an education and care setting, particularly within the charity sector is desirable
• Strong graphic design skills and proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop) and/or equivalent tools.
• Proven design skills, able to create high quality artwork that elevates a brand
•  Competent user of website content management systems, WordPress in particular
• Ability to write and edit high quality, engaging and informative marketing communications copy
• Experience of working in a fast-paced environment, with an ability to handle numerous projects with competing deadlines and priorities
• Excellent communication and relationship development skills.
• Happy to work outside of office hours on occasions by agreement
• Enthusiasm and commitment to giving the children and young adults at Seashell the best opportunities.

What we can offer you:

• Access to our on-site inclusive gym, fitness classes and state of the art swimming pool
• Blue Light discount scheme
• Benenden Health Care Membership – access to 24/7 GP, physiotherapy, medical treatments, mental health support including counselling service, cancer support, care planning and social care advice
• Access to a wide range of vocational programmes to support you in your job role
• Life Assurance (3x Annual base salary) subject to terms and conditions
• Cycle to work scheme
• Free on-site parking
• Paid Enhanced DBS

About recruitment at Seashell

Please upload your CV to apply. As per our Safer Recruitment procedure, you will be required to complete a Seashell Application Form as part of our recruitment process.

We provide a caring environment that is safeguarded and committed to promoting learning, respect and independence, as well as dignity for all of our students. As part of our safer recruitment procedure, successful candidates will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check (no cost) and full references will be taken.

We value our employees and recognise the need to recruit, retain and develop highly skilled and committed talent who share our vision and values!

We value diversity and are committed to equal opportunities. We are an inclusive employer and welcome all applications.

Disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria on the person specification will be guaranteed an interview. If you require any reasonable adjustments for an interview, please highlight this to our Recruitment Team in advance.

This charity is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Our vision is for the children and young people in our care to be safe, happy and to achieve the best possible outcomes so that they are valued and valuable members of their communities.