Let’s Meet a Chapter Member

Let’s Meet a Chapter Member

 

Each eNews, we introduce you to some of our wonderful Chapter Members, through a question-and-answer type interview article.

This week the Member in the hotseat is:  Julian Schubert, Marketing and Communications Manager, Encounter Lutheran College in Victor Harbor.

 

 

What length of time have you worked in educational Advancement, including any prior industry experience? 

I’ve been working in educational Advancement for 19 years, beginning in 2007 at Redeemer Lutheran College (Rochedale, Brisbane), where I served as Director of Community Relations and later Director of Marketing and Communications. I left Redeemer at the end of 2020 and commenced a role at St Peters Lutheran College (Indooroopilly, Brisbane) as Enrolments Registrar, before returning to my home state of South Australia in 2022. 

What is the achievement or accomplishment you are most proud of?

Two things come to mind from different settings. The first is something many school marketers would relate to: stepping into a new role with fresh eyes and soon after leading a full brand refresh. Seeing a new visual identity roll out across a school is incredibly satisfying. 

The other achievement that brings me great joy is building, rewriting content for, and launching a new website. It’s a valuable opportunity for self-reflection as a school and a powerful way to audit and celebrate the unique offerings you provide. 

What is a significant moment of learning or a challenge you have overcome?

Working in a school means working in an environment that is constantly evolving. Since I first started, the landscape is almost unrecognisable – from printed newsletters sent home with students to the way we now promote ourselves and communicate with families. COVID accelerated many of these shifts, but the ongoing challenge has been to continually evolve and avoid doing things simply because “that’s how we’ve always done them.” If you don’t adapt, you get left behind. 

What is a book you have found particularly impactful, or a podcast you regularly listen to?

A book I’m currently reading is Bold School Brand by Brad Entwistle, Josh Miles and Andrew Sutherland from ImageSeven. While much of the content feels familiar, it’s healthy to revisit key concepts to refresh and sharpen our practice. ImageSeven also produces the School Marketing Journal podcast, which covers a wide range of school marketing topics and is an excellent ongoing resource. 

What are three tips or words of advice for members new to educate+ or new to Advancement? 

  • Engage in professional development. Whether through educate+ or other providers, there is always something new to learn and upskill in. 
  • Connect with other marketing professionals. Build relationships with colleagues in other schools, whether within your system of schools or beyond. You can learn a lot from what’s working well elsewhere. 
  • Review your content with fresh eyes. Websites can quickly become stale if not maintained. Ask a colleague – or even better, someone outside your school – to review your content. What makes sense to you may not make sense to others. 

Share three things you enjoy doing in your spare time… 

I love the outdoors, and outside of work hours, it’s nice to spend time away from the computer and the office and soak up some sunshine!

  • At home, I love gardening and projects around the house

  • I enjoy walking my dog (Charlie, a 9-year-old Golden Retriever) and taking him to the beach

  • And further afield, I love a good road trip (with the dog, of course), or cheering on the mighty Brisbane Lions! 

 

Thank you Julian – it’s been wonderful getting to know you!