Student Recruitment Officer (Europe/UK)

Student Recruitment Officer (Europe/UK)
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Post Details

Full time
Fixed term for 9 months, or until the substantive post holder returns

The closing date for applications is midnight on Sunday 31 March 2024.
Interviews are expected to take place on Thursday 11 April 2024.

This role will require membership of the PVG scheme. An offer of employment will be subject to a satisfactory outcome of this process.

This role is not eligible for sponsorship. Applicants require to have existing right to work in the UK.

The University of Stirling recognises that a diverse workforce benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers and welcome applications from those who would contribute to further diversification of our staff and ensure that equality, diversity and inclusion is woven into the substance of the role. We strongly encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds including gender, identity, race, age, class, and ethnicity.

The Post

Student Recruitment sits within the Directorate for Communications, Marketing and Recruitment and holds responsibility for the planning and implementation of effective recruitment strategies to grow student numbers, in line with the University’s Strategic Plan. The Student Recruitment Officer will report directly to the Student Recruitment Manager (Europe), with whom they will work closely.

The primary objective of the post is to support European and UK recruitment and conversion efforts, through both online and physical activities, and specifically to increase numbers from Europe and unregulated markets in the UK. This front-facing role, requires the post-holder to possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills and be comfortable in presenting information to diverse audiences in a knowledgeable and articulated way. You will be required to continually review and report on all market conditions, and work in partnership with the Student Recruitment Manager (Europe) and Head of UK and European Recruitment to implement and deliver recruitment strategies to maximise all opportunities.

Holding an understanding of the broader context of recruitment across the HE sector, this post-holder will be responsible for building a strong commercial network through collaborative working practices with internal colleagues and external stakeholders.

The role will involve significant periods of travel overseas as well as the UK, therefore the successful candidate must be comfortable with travelling independently. Online activities can take place in relevant country time zones and candidates must also therefore be willing to work flexibly during evenings and weekends when necessary; including University Open Days. Candidates may also be asked to work on other regions or wider recruitment activity when cover is required, and designated market responsibilities may be subject to change over time in line with team/ University objectives.

Additionally, the post-holder will be responsible for supporting and enhancing the quality of the student experience, providing information and support to enquirers, applicants and key University partners and stakeholders.

Description of Duties

The post-holder will:

• Assist the Student Recruitment Manager (Europe) and Head of UK and European Recruitment in the implementation of strategies to generate enquiries and applications, build customer relationships and assist conversion from enquirer to registered student
• Plan, organise and deliver regional specific events designed to provide enquirers with further information about the University and assist recruitment
• Participating in a range of events in Europe and across the UK, using your skills to engage audiences and represent the University to encourage recruitment and raise the profile of the University
• Develop effective working relationships with school teachers, careers advisers, agencies, partners and other external bodies to raise the University’s profile and maximise recruitment opportunities across the course portfolio. This will include advising, training and liaising with a network of contacts, both from the office and via off-campus visits
• Provide detailed advice and assistance to individuals and groups interested in the University of Stirling as a place of study. This will include delivering various presentations and workshops to prospective students and University stakeholders
• Monitor, evaluate and report outcomes of recruitment activity undertaken in order to facilitate planning and ensure continued focus on return on investment
• Monitor and report on trends and developments in target markets related to higher education and student recruitment opportunities
• Work with Academic Faculties to plan and participate in activities to convert applicants to registered students. This will include e-communications, virtual events and roadshows
• Participate in the enquiry management system, ensuring timely and customer-focused responses and follow up to maximise conversion from enquirer through to enrolled student
• Plan, organise and participate in a series of recruitment and conversion events on campus, including Open Days, information events for applicants and information and training events for teachers and University partners
• Assist in the maintenance of databases of all schools, colleges, universities and contacts
• Work in partnership with colleagues in CMR to develop online content, including social media and maintain up to date information on relevant sections of the website
• Assist in the compilation of management information and in identifying areas of market research to inform the development of recruitment and admissions strategies
• Assist with the development and preparation of promotional, training and exhibition material and content, as required
• Participate in the activities of the other functions within Student Recruitment and carry out other duties or project work as required by the Head of UK and European Recruitment, Head of Student Recruitment and/or Director of Student Recruitment

Essential Criteria

• Educated to degree level or equivalent
• Relevant and recent work experience in a student recruitment or marketing environment
• Demonstrate understanding of higher education recruitment and marketing
• Strong communication skills and presentation skills with the ability to engage a diverse audience
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to communicate effectively with a wide range of people, including academic staff, students, parents and University partners
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including ability to build relationships, and to be applicant/customer-focused, and to represent the University utilising cultural sensitivity and diplomacy
• Ability to work proactively, achieving targets and project work with limited guidance
• Creative and positive attitude
• Good organisational abilities, with the ability to prioritise a demanding workload in a pressurised environment
• Experience of successfully working in a team, as well as individually
• Good working knowledge of Windows IT packages
• Knowledge and experience of social and electronic media communication methods
• Willing to adopt a flexible approach to work and to work unsocial hours, weekends or occasional public holidays as required
• Able to spend extensive periods working away from home
• Demonstrable experience of developing and providing excellent customer care.
• Willingness to positively participate in the wider activities of Communications, Marketing and Recruitment
• Successful PVG clearance, or willingness to apply for PVG clearance
• Possess a full driving licence and be confident and able to drive in the UK and overseas
• A passport holder or be eligible to apply for a passport

Desirable Criteria

• Experience of working within Higher Education, particularly in a recruitment or admissions context
• An understanding of current issues relating to higher education
• Experience of interpreting and compiling reports involving data
• Marketing qualification and/or an understanding of the principles of marketing, preferably in a student recruitment role
• Proven research and analytical skills
• Experience of living in Europe for work or study, or experience of extensive travel in region
• Proficiency in a European language

Behaviours and Competencies

The role holder will be required to evidence that they can meet the qualities associated with the following behavioural competencies, as detailed within the AUA Competency Framework.

Managing self and personal skills
Being aware of your own behaviour and mindful of how it impacts on others, enhancing personal skills to adapt professional practice accordingly.

Delivering excellent service
Providing the best quality service to external and internal clients. Building genuine and open long-term relationships in order to drive up service standards.

Finding solutions
Taking a holistic view and working enthusiastically to analyse problems and to develop workable solutions. Identifying opportunities for innovation.

Embracing change
Being open to and engaging with new ideas and ways of working. Adjusting to unfamiliar situations, shifting demands and changing roles.

Using resources effectively
Identifying and making the most productive use of resources including people, time, information, networks and budgets.

Engaging with the wider context
Enhancing your contribution to the organisation through an understanding of the bigger picture and showing commitment to organisational values.

Developing self and others
Showing commitment to own ongoing professional development. Supporting and encouraging others to develop their professional knowledge, skills and behaviours to enable them to reach their full potential.

Working together
Working collaboratively with others in order to achieve objectives. Recognising and valuing the different contributions people bring to this process.

Achieving Results
Consistently meeting agreed objectives and success criteria. Taking personal responsibility for getting things done.

About Us

Communications, Marketing and Recruitment encompasses: Corporate Communications, Media Relations, Internal and Corporate Communications, Public Affairs, Marketing, Web and Digital Media, and International, UK and European Student Recruitment, and Admissions and Access.
In delivering the strategic priorities of the University, we support the enhancement of the University’s reputation for excellence in the student experience, teaching and learning, and high-quality research with global impact.
The Directorate provides a wide range of services to internal and external stakeholders and works closely with the University’s senior management team and across all faculties and professional support services. By adopting an integrated holistic approach to our work, we ensure the University’s strategic messages are effectively conveyed and understood by our stakeholders across all communications platforms.

The University

The University of Stirling is committed to providing education with a purpose and carrying out research which has a positive impact on communities across the globe – addressing real issues, providing solutions, and helping to shape society. Stirling is 4th in Scotland and 43rd in the UK for research impact, with 87% of its research having an outstanding or very considerable impact on society – and more than 80% rated either world leading or internationally excellent (Research Excellence Framework 2021).

The University of Stirling is ranked among the top 30 UK universities for student satisfaction (National Student Survey) and top 30 in the UK for postgraduate student experience (Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey), and has an overall five-star rating in the QS Stars University Ratings.

More than 17,000 students study with the University of Stirling globally, with over 140 nationalities represented on its scenic central Scotland campus alone. The University – also home to 1,700 staff – is ranked first in the UK and top three in the world for its campus environment (International Student Barometer 2022, wave two). Ranked first in the UK and top five in the world for its sports facilities (International Student Barometer 2022, wave two), Stirling is Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence. Its world-class facilities provide the perfect training environment for the University’s sports scholars – many of whom compete at the highest level, including at the Olympics and Commonwealth Games – and for students, staff, and the wider community.

The University has twice been recognised with a Queen’s Anniversary Prize – the first for its Institute for Social Marketing and Health (2014) and the second for its Institute of Aquaculture (2019).

The University is a signatory to the £214 million Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal and a central partner of the Forth Valley University College Health Partnership.
www.stir.ac.uk @stiruni

Job number

SERV01874

Contract Type

Fixed Term Contract

Posting End Date

31-Mar-2024

Location:

Stirling Campus

Grade

Grade6 £29,605-£36,024 p.a.

Faculty/Service

Communications Marketing and Recruitment

Post Details

Full time
Fixed term for 9 months, or until the substantive post holder returns

The closing date for applications is midnight on Sunday 31 March 2024.
Interviews are expected to take place on Thursday 11 April 2024.

This role will require membership of the PVG scheme. An offer of employment will be subject to a satisfactory outcome of this process.

This role is not eligible for sponsorship. Applicants require to have existing right to work in the UK.

The University of Stirling recognises that a diverse workforce benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers and welcome applications from those who would contribute to further diversification of our staff and ensure that equality, diversity and inclusion is woven into the substance of the role. We strongly encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds including gender, identity, race, age, class, and ethnicity.

The Post

Student Recruitment sits within the Directorate for Communications, Marketing and Recruitment and holds responsibility for the planning and implementation of effective recruitment strategies to grow student numbers, in line with the University’s Strategic Plan. The Student Recruitment Officer will report directly to the Student Recruitment Manager (Europe), with whom they will work closely.

The primary objective of the post is to support European and UK recruitment and conversion efforts, through both online and physical activities, and specifically to increase numbers from Europe and unregulated markets in the UK. This front-facing role, requires the post-holder to possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills and be comfortable in presenting information to diverse audiences in a knowledgeable and articulated way. You will be required to continually review and report on all market conditions, and work in partnership with the Student Recruitment Manager (Europe) and Head of UK and European Recruitment to implement and deliver recruitment strategies to maximise all opportunities.

Holding an understanding of the broader context of recruitment across the HE sector, this post-holder will be responsible for building a strong commercial network through collaborative working practices with internal colleagues and external stakeholders.

The role will involve significant periods of travel overseas as well as the UK, therefore the successful candidate must be comfortable with travelling independently. Online activities can take place in relevant country time zones and candidates must also therefore be willing to work flexibly during evenings and weekends when necessary; including University Open Days. Candidates may also be asked to work on other regions or wider recruitment activity when cover is required, and designated market responsibilities may be subject to change over time in line with team/ University objectives.

Additionally, the post-holder will be responsible for supporting and enhancing the quality of the student experience, providing information and support to enquirers, applicants and key University partners and stakeholders.

Description of Duties

The post-holder will:

• Assist the Student Recruitment Manager (Europe) and Head of UK and European Recruitment in the implementation of strategies to generate enquiries and applications, build customer relationships and assist conversion from enquirer to registered student
• Plan, organise and deliver regional specific events designed to provide enquirers with further information about the University and assist recruitment
• Participating in a range of events in Europe and across the UK, using your skills to engage audiences and represent the University to encourage recruitment and raise the profile of the University
• Develop effective working relationships with school teachers, careers advisers, agencies, partners and other external bodies to raise the University’s profile and maximise recruitment opportunities across the course portfolio. This will include advising, training and liaising with a network of contacts, both from the office and via off-campus visits
• Provide detailed advice and assistance to individuals and groups interested in the University of Stirling as a place of study. This will include delivering various presentations and workshops to prospective students and University stakeholders
• Monitor, evaluate and report outcomes of recruitment activity undertaken in order to facilitate planning and ensure continued focus on return on investment
• Monitor and report on trends and developments in target markets related to higher education and student recruitment opportunities
• Work with Academic Faculties to plan and participate in activities to convert applicants to registered students. This will include e-communications, virtual events and roadshows
• Participate in the enquiry management system, ensuring timely and customer-focused responses and follow up to maximise conversion from enquirer through to enrolled student
• Plan, organise and participate in a series of recruitment and conversion events on campus, including Open Days, information events for applicants and information and training events for teachers and University partners
• Assist in the maintenance of databases of all schools, colleges, universities and contacts
• Work in partnership with colleagues in CMR to develop online content, including social media and maintain up to date information on relevant sections of the website
• Assist in the compilation of management information and in identifying areas of market research to inform the development of recruitment and admissions strategies
• Assist with the development and preparation of promotional, training and exhibition material and content, as required
• Participate in the activities of the other functions within Student Recruitment and carry out other duties or project work as required by the Head of UK and European Recruitment, Head of Student Recruitment and/or Director of Student Recruitment

Essential Criteria

• Educated to degree level or equivalent
• Relevant and recent work experience in a student recruitment or marketing environment
• Demonstrate understanding of higher education recruitment and marketing
• Strong communication skills and presentation skills with the ability to engage a diverse audience
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to communicate effectively with a wide range of people, including academic staff, students, parents and University partners
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including ability to build relationships, and to be applicant/customer-focused, and to represent the University utilising cultural sensitivity and diplomacy
• Ability to work proactively, achieving targets and project work with limited guidance
• Creative and positive attitude
• Good organisational abilities, with the ability to prioritise a demanding workload in a pressurised environment
• Experience of successfully working in a team, as well as individually
• Good working knowledge of Windows IT packages
• Knowledge and experience of social and electronic media communication methods
• Willing to adopt a flexible approach to work and to work unsocial hours, weekends or occasional public holidays as required
• Able to spend extensive periods working away from home
• Demonstrable experience of developing and providing excellent customer care.
• Willingness to positively participate in the wider activities of Communications, Marketing and Recruitment
• Successful PVG clearance, or willingness to apply for PVG clearance
• Possess a full driving licence and be confident and able to drive in the UK and overseas
• A passport holder or be eligible to apply for a passport

Desirable Criteria

• Experience of working within Higher Education, particularly in a recruitment or admissions context
• An understanding of current issues relating to higher education
• Experience of interpreting and compiling reports involving data
• Marketing qualification and/or an understanding of the principles of marketing, preferably in a student recruitment role
• Proven research and analytical skills
• Experience of living in Europe for work or study, or experience of extensive travel in region
• Proficiency in a European language

Behaviours and Competencies

The role holder will be required to evidence that they can meet the qualities associated with the following behavioural competencies, as detailed within the AUA Competency Framework.

Managing self and personal skills
Being aware of your own behaviour and mindful of how it impacts on others, enhancing personal skills to adapt professional practice accordingly.

Delivering excellent service
Providing the best quality service to external and internal clients. Building genuine and open long-term relationships in order to drive up service standards.

Finding solutions
Taking a holistic view and working enthusiastically to analyse problems and to develop workable solutions. Identifying opportunities for innovation.

Embracing change
Being open to and engaging with new ideas and ways of working. Adjusting to unfamiliar situations, shifting demands and changing roles.

Using resources effectively
Identifying and making the most productive use of resources including people, time, information, networks and budgets.

Engaging with the wider context
Enhancing your contribution to the organisation through an understanding of the bigger picture and showing commitment to organisational values.

Developing self and others
Showing commitment to own ongoing professional development. Supporting and encouraging others to develop their professional knowledge, skills and behaviours to enable them to reach their full potential.

Working together
Working collaboratively with others in order to achieve objectives. Recognising and valuing the different contributions people bring to this process.

Achieving Results
Consistently meeting agreed objectives and success criteria. Taking personal responsibility for getting things done.

About Us

Communications, Marketing and Recruitment encompasses: Corporate Communications, Media Relations, Internal and Corporate Communications, Public Affairs, Marketing, Web and Digital Media, and International, UK and European Student Recruitment, and Admissions and Access.
In delivering the strategic priorities of the University, we support the enhancement of the University’s reputation for excellence in the student experience, teaching and learning, and high-quality research with global impact.
The Directorate provides a wide range of services to internal and external stakeholders and works closely with the University’s senior management team and across all faculties and professional support services. By adopting an integrated holistic approach to our work, we ensure the University’s strategic messages are effectively conveyed and understood by our stakeholders across all communications platforms.

The University

The University of Stirling is committed to providing education with a purpose and carrying out research which has a positive impact on communities across the globe – addressing real issues, providing solutions, and helping to shape society. Stirling is 4th in Scotland and 43rd in the UK for research impact, with 87% of its research having an outstanding or very considerable impact on society – and more than 80% rated either world leading or internationally excellent (Research Excellence Framework 2021).

The University of Stirling is ranked among the top 30 UK universities for student satisfaction (National Student Survey) and top 30 in the UK for postgraduate student experience (Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey), and has an overall five-star rating in the QS Stars University Ratings.

More than 17,000 students study with the University of Stirling globally, with over 140 nationalities represented on its scenic central Scotland campus alone. The University – also home to 1,700 staff – is ranked first in the UK and top three in the world for its campus environment (International Student Barometer 2022, wave two). Ranked first in the UK and top five in the world for its sports facilities (International Student Barometer 2022, wave two), Stirling is Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence. Its world-class facilities provide the perfect training environment for the University’s sports scholars – many of whom compete at the highest level, including at the Olympics and Commonwealth Games – and for students, staff, and the wider community.

The University has twice been recognised with a Queen’s Anniversary Prize – the first for its Institute for Social Marketing and Health (2014) and the second for its Institute of Aquaculture (2019).

The University is a signatory to the £214 million Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal and a central partner of the Forth Valley University College Health Partnership.
www.stir.ac.uk @stiruni

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