Head of International Student Recruitment (1674)
Head of International Student Recruitment
Full Time - Permanent -High Wycombe
Salary £56,921- £65,814
Buckinghamshire New University is an ambitious, modern university that is always open to fresh ideas and thinking. We believe in the transformative power of education, and in doing the right thing by our students, people and local community. That’s why our BNU community is a special place to work and study, and where people who want to make a difference can contribute and succeed.
Our University’s DRIVE values and are at the heart of all that we do. We are united in being dynamic, responsible, inclusive, visionary and empowering to ensure that we provide the best experience to our learners and offer excellent service to our partners and to each other as colleagues. Our commitment to these values is unwavering and they are central to our mission. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, communities and industries and we are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments that you require.
As part of the senior leadership team within the Marketing and Student Recruitment Directorate, the Head of International Student Recruitment will play a pivotal role in developing and delivering the BNU’s International Strategy and data-driven market specific plans. There will be an immediate focus on expanding new markets and growing international student numbers across the University’s portfolio of career focussed undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
In addition to being a strong leader, you will have an entrepreneurial spirit with the ability to identify new opportunities and a track record of success in achieving HE recruitment targets across multiple international markets. You’ll possess excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills, allowing you to build and maintain relationships with international agents and key stakeholders. The ability to translate complex demographic information into actionable strategies, and a deep understanding of UKVI compliance metrics are all essential for this role.
If you are looking for a new challenge where you can make a real impact on international student recruitment, we’d love to hear from you.
What we offer:
- a generous holiday entitlement (30 days per annum, plus bank holidays & closure days)
- Hybrid working (dependant on business needs)
- training & development support opportunities
- contributory pension scheme
- discounted gym membership for our on-site gym
- a range of staff discounts with major retailers.
Please click here to see our wide range of benefits available for employees.
Please click here for our behavioural based interview question bank.
Please click here to view our employee handbook.
If you have the qualities and attributes representative of the University’s values and ambition, we would be delighted to hear from you.
All applications are to be made in full and online.
BNU is proud to have a diverse community and a strong track record of diversity, equity and inclusion. Our aim is to continue to build an environment where everyone thrives and can be themselves. We therefore ensure that our interview/shortlisting Chairs complete the relevant e-learning and/or inclusive recruitment training.
We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in BNU’S workforce. These include people from global majority backgrounds, disabled people, and LGBTQI+ people, particularly in more senior roles.
Closing Date: 06 December 2024
Interview Date: w/c 16 December 2024
If you are successful in securing an interview for the role, you will be required to provide proof of eligibility to work in the UK.
BNU is a Disability Confident employer and as such you will be given the opportunity to declare a disability as part of the application process. The University is also committed to achieving the Race Equality Charter.
Job Description
JOB DESCRIPTION
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Job Title: Head of International Student Recruitment
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Faculty/Directorate: Marketing and Student Recruitment
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Grade: I |
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Location: High Wycombe
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Hours: 37hrs per week |
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Responsible to: Director of MSR
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Responsible for: International recruitment team and in country consultants
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Job Purpose: The Head of International Student Recruitment is a key role which has responsibility and accountability for the development and delivery of the University’s international student recruitment strategy. The post holder will provide the vision, leadership and management to achieve the University’s ambitious international growth targets. This is a senior position that requires excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills, allowing you to build and maintain relationships with international agents and key stakeholders.
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Main Duties & Responsibilities of the role:
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Lead the development and delivery of the University’s International Student Recruitment Strategy, to grow our community of international students and associated income across all Schools, with a focus on enhancing recruitment and conversion processes to support prospective international students.
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Translate the international strategy into integrated deliverable operational plans; critically assessing value for money, monitoring and evaluating performance against agreed targets and timely reporting of progress of results and outcomes. Make changes and improvements as necessary, ensuring that there is appropriate and accurate management information available to all those who need it.
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Create and lead recruitment activity to generate business and identify new recruitment markets and channels, ensuring continual development of new business and sustainability of existing channels.
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Identify and develop new transnational education (TNE) opportunities, working closely with the Academic Schools to follow up on potential leads and opportunities, and develop robust business cases.
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Identify emerging risks to the University’s recruitment targets and formulate plans to mitigate risks by managing across the breadth of the University’s international recruitment activity.
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Recruitment, co-ordination and monitoring of a network of agents appointed by the University to support international recruitment activity. Ensure the network is appropriately managed and delivers to target, taking into consideration UKVI compliance requirements.
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Line management responsibilities including recruitment and selection, performance management, professional development, motivation, health & safety and wellbeing. Lead, motivate, develop and inspire the International Student Recruitment team, including colleagues based overseas, adopting a delivery focused approach, and a leadership style that aligns fully with the University values. Structure their activity and performance to deliver results in line with operational and project budgets, providing clear objectives and managing performance against these.
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Work closely with Planning, Finance and the Academic Schools to accurately forecast student recruitment numbers and the associated income, feeding back market intelligence to inform future target setting. Take responsibility and accountability for the delivery of international student recruitment targets.
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Work with marketing to deliver a programme of applicant communications that increase the conversion rates of applicants across all levels of study and enhance the University’s brand and reputation across all target markets.
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Ensure the application and induction phases of student recruitment are seamless and deliver a truly excellent student experience.
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Acting as an ambassador and representative for the University internationally both as an individual and in concert with officers of the University, to grow our international reputation and profile.
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Comply with relevant legislative and other requirements (e.g., the Data Protection Act 2018 and GDPR; Health and Safety; UKVI; and Equality and Diversity) in all working practices.
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Such other duties temporarily or on a continuing basis, as may reasonably be required.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
A = Application T = Test I = Interview
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Education, Qualifications & Training |
Means of Testing |
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Good general education |
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Degree or equivalent |
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Knowledge & Experience |
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In-depth knowledge and experience of the HE Sector, international recruitment and admissions practices, and the UCAS cycle |
A/I |
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Extensive demonstrable experience of successful international student recruitment and exceeding targets, for both Undergraduate & Postgraduate levels of study. |
A/I |
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Significant planning and financial budgeting experience, including the development of business cases, reporting on ROI etc |
A/I |
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Substantial recent senior level experience of leading, motivating and developing a professional team |
A/I |
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Significant knowledge of monitoring and evaluating trends, undertaking market research and/or analysing data to capitalises on new business opportunities which will inform future planning, delivery and the development of new courses that will drive international recruitment |
A/I |
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Substantial experience of agent onboarding, training and management. |
A/I |
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Demonstrable experience of planning and developing strategies and implementing plans to enhance the recruitment and conversion of international students |
A/I |
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Experience of writing and presenting business plans, proposals and bids, based on market intelligence and student feedback |
A/I |
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Demonstrable knowledge of UKVI regulations to ensure compliant recruitment |
A/I |
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Building strong collaborative networks with internal stakeholders to ensure an integrated and coordinated approach to recruitment activity |
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Skills |
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Excellent organisational skills, including the ability to work to tight deadlines and manage multiple priorities, while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail. |
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Excellent communication, presentation and interpersonal skills, including the ability to provide written and oral guidance on regulatory, compliance and policy matters to staff at all levels of the institution. |
A/I |
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Strategic thinking – ability to turn a vision into deliverables. Creative and innovative approach to problem solving. |
A/I |
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Excellent data handling and statistical analysis skills including the ability to produce data-evidenced reports. |
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An open, inclusive and visionary style of leadership, which facilitates cross functional collaboration and creates a culture of motivated and high performing teams |
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Strong organisational and project management abilities. Ability to prioritise competing demands and meet deadlines. |
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Well-developed analytical skills, including the critical assessment of data and financial information. |
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Ability to develop a strong network of relationships at senior level in the international community. |
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Sensitivity to cultural issues. |
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A strong personal commitment to customer/stakeholder service and a track record of delivery in this area. |
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Excellent attention to detail, with particular regard to contracts and financial agreements. |
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Digitally literate and confident in using MS office |
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Special Requirements |
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Due to peak business demand the post holder must be available during the peak summer period in August and September. Any extended annual leave must be taken outside of this period |
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Willingness to work flexible hours and travel extensively overseas for extended periods of time |
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BBF (Top 3 key behavioural categories most applicable to the role)
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Using resources effectively Identifying and making the most productive use of resources including people, time, information, networks and budgets. |
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Achieving results Consistently meeting agreed objectives and success criteria. Taking personal responsibility for getting things done. |
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Working together Working collaboratively and across boundaries with others in order to achieve objectives. Recognising and valuing the different contributions people bring to this process. |
