Senior International Conversion Officer (1927)
Senior International Conversion Officer
Full Time (37 hrs per week) – Permanent – High Wycombe
Salary - £33,951 - £37,694
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 are seeking a confident, data-informed professional to lead and enhance the journey international applicants take from first enquiry through to enrolment. In this role, you will oversee multi-channel engagement, refine processes, manage a small team, and deliver high-quality, personalised communications that strengthen conversion and ensure applicants feel supported, informed and connected to BNU. The ideal candidate will bring strong analytical ability, excellent communication skills, experience of international recruitment or admissions, and the drive to improve systems, collaborate effectively and deliver consistently high standards.
What we offer:
- a generous holiday entitlement (30 days per annum, plus bank holidays & closure days)
- Hybrid working (dependent 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.
For further information about this role please contact Chris Garrett (Head of Global Collaborations), Chris.Garrett@bnu.ac.uk
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. We are committed to promoting an inclusive and diverse workplace and aim to continue building an environment where everyone thrives and can be themselves. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in BNU’s workforce. These include people from global majority backgrounds, people with disabilities, and LGBTQI+ people, particularly in more senior roles.
Please let us know if you require any adjustments or support during the recruitment process. We are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments that would enable you to perform to the best of your abilities in your role. Please reach out to our People Team if you have any specific needs or if you would like more information on how we can support you
We ensure that our interview/shortlisting Chairs complete the relevant e-learning and/or inclusive recruitment training.
Closing Date: 4 January 2026
Interview Date: w/c 12 January 2026
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: Senior International Conversion Officer |
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College/Directorate: External Collaborations (Global Collaborations Team) |
Grade: F |
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Location: High Wycombe Campus |
Hours: 37 |
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Responsible to: International Admissions Manager |
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Responsible for: International Enquiries & Engagement Adviser(s) |
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Job Purpose: This role offers an exciting opportunity to transform how Buckinghamshire New University engages with international applicants, breaking down barriers and reimagining every step from initial enquiry to enrolment. The post holder will lead the development of a more personalised, creative and data-informed applicant experience, using insight and collaboration to turn complex processes into clear, engaging and supportive interactions. Working at the heart of an evolving global engagement function, they will play a key role in shaping how BNU attracts, supports and welcomes students from around the world. To practice an inclusive approach and support building an inclusive university community where people can be themselves. |
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Main Duties & Responsibilities of the role:
- Lead multi-channel international conversion activity from enquiry to enrolment, using data and insight to test new approaches and deliver impactful engagement campaigns that drive improved outcomes.
- Champion an excellent international applicant experience across all touchpoints, ensuring every interaction feels supportive, timely and personal.
- Coordinate and deliver communications for international applicants across all intakes, including email, social, live chat, calls, and events, ensuring messages are timely, creative and aligned with BNU’s values and tone.
- Identify and address barriers to conversion by working with International Recruitment, Admissions and other teams to streamline the applicant journey and improve responsiveness and guidance.
- Supervise and support the International Enquiries & Engagement Advisers, ensuring consistent, high-quality communication with prospective students and efficient handling of queries and related engagement tasks.
- Monitor and evaluate international enquiry and conversion activity, analysing data to provide insight and recommendations that inform recruitment strategy and enhance the applicant experience.
- Contribute to cross-university working groups focused on the pre-arrival experience for international students, ensuring applicants receive timely, accurate and engaging information that supports a smooth transition to study and life at BNU.
- Act as a CRM superuser, managing workflows, monitoring engagement data and supporting the development of improved segmentation, automation and reporting.
- Plan and deliver applicant conversion events and activities, both virtual and in-person, including offer-holder sessions, pre-departure briefings and academic engagement opportunities.
- Work collaboratively with regional teams to align conversion activity with market priorities and ensure consistent messaging and support for applicants.
- Contribute to the continuous improvement of systems and processes, testing new tools, technologies and approaches to strengthen BNU’s international conversion strategy.
- Support team-wide projects and initiatives that enhance the performance, reputation and reach of the Global Collaborations team, and other teams across the External Collaborations Directorate.
- Line management responsibilities including recruitment and selection, performance management, professional development, motivation, health & safety, and wellbeing, and have an agile approach to change.
- 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.
- Such other duties temporarily or on a continuing basis, as may reasonably be required.
PERSON SPECIFICATION – Essential Criteria Only
A = Application T = Test I = Interview
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Education, Qualifications & Training |
Means of Testing |
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Degree or equivalent experience |
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Knowledge & Experience |
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Delivering an excellent customer experience |
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Experience of working in higher education in international recruitment, admissions, or marketing |
A/I |
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Awareness of UK immigration and admissions processes relevant to international applicants |
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Experience of developing and delivering communications to increase student engagement or conversion |
A/I |
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Evidence of working to, and achieving, agreed goals, objectives or targets |
A/I |
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Experience of using CRM systems to manage and report on applicant journeys |
A/I |
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Experience of leading or supervising staff |
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Understanding of the international applicant journey, from enquiry through to enrolment |
A/I |
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Experience of planning and delivering events (virtual and/or in-person) for prospective students |
A/I |
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Experience of analysing data to inform decision-making or improve processes |
A/I |
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Skills |
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Digitally able and proficient in Microsoft tools |
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Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce engaging, persuasive content |
A/I |
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Strong organisational skills, able to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines |
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Confident user of CRM and Microsoft Office tools, with ability to interpret and present data clearly |
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Creative, proactive and solution-focused, with the ability to generate ideas and test new approaches, and the ability to work flexibly and adapt to changing priorities and workloads |
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Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively across teams and cultures |
A/I |
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Special Requirements |
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Willingness to travel within the UK and occasionally overseas, and occasional evening and weekend work |
A/I |
Behavioural INDICATORS
The BNU Behaviours Framework (BBF) is a framework for all University staff that sets out the key behaviours that exemplify the DRIVE values and ethos of the University. The nine categories provide a clear steer on behavioural expectations that will help support a step change in the performance and culture of the University. The three key behavioural indicators for this post are as follows:
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Delivering excellent service Providing the best quality service to external and internal customers/students/stakeholders. Building genuine and open long-term relationships in order to drive up customer service standards. |
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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. |
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Achieving results Consistently meeting agreed objectives and success criteria. Taking personal responsibility for getting things done. |
