Job Description
External Relations
Position Details
* Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK
* Salary: £36,636 – £46,049 (potential progression to £48,822)
* Grade: 7
* Contract: Full‑Time, Fixed Term up to August 2026
* Closing date: 4 May 2026
* Travel: UK travel may be required
About the role
Seeking a highly experienced Widening Participation and Outreach Practitioner to join the Outreach team on a fixed‑term basis and play a key role in delivering flagship summer school programmes.
The role requires deep knowledge of WP strategy and practice and a passion for creating transformative experiences for young people. The postholder will lead on planning, coordination and delivery of Year 10 and Year 12 summer school programmes, working closely with schools, internal teams and external partners to ensure an exceptional student experience.
The position supports the University’s commitment to widening participation and is responsible for key elements of the Pathways to Birmingham (P2B) programmes and other outreach activities.
Main Duties
* Hold specific responsibility for a P2B suite programme, planning, arranging on‑campus and online events, recruiting staff, managing conversion activity, and reviewing the scheme.
* Present in schools about P2B and provide guidance to prospective applicants, parents/carers and school staff.
* Line‑manage Student Recruitment (Outreach) Officers and/or Outreach Coordinators.
* Lead recruitment of applications, processing through UCAS, and ensuring system alignment with Admissions.
* Lead on evaluation of the programme, providing evidence for the University’s Access and Participation Plan and using findings to improve programmes.
* Initiate and organise school visits across the country, liaise with student ambassadors and lead activities on visit days.
* Represent the University at information and guidance events, progression fairs.
* Lead development and delivery of non‑P2B projects (e.g., Forward Thinking, Undergraduate Mentoring, Academic Support Initiatives). Manage promotional materials and partnership work.
* Support evaluation of outreach activity for reporting to OfS and ensure data protection requirements.
* Take a lead role in systems and data management, support colleagues with data collection, use CRM and application portals, and provide training.
* Carrying out any other duties that support the Student Recruitment and Marketing Office as required.
Person Specification
* Educated to Degree level (or equivalent) with relevant practical experience.
* Knowledge of the UK education system and widening participation policy.
* Demonstrable experience managing complex projects and programmes concurrently.
* Experience working with young people from a range of backgrounds and ability to empathise.
* Highly skilled at interpreting and presenting data.
* Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills.
* Strong stakeholder management and ability to build relationships at all levels.
* Independent decision‑making, prioritising workload, and managing deadlines.
* Flexibility, tact and diplomacy.
* Attention to detail, able to work under pressure.
* Knowledge of safeguarding and DBS clearance.
* Proficient in IT and data analysis tools (Excel, Access, CRM). Experience with Microsoft Dynamics or similar valuable.
* Experience leading a team, setting goals, and ensuring deadlines are met.
* Commitment to behaviours aligned with the University and External Relations framework.
* Willingness to travel extensively across the UK, including evenings, weekends, and overnight stays.
* Valid UK driving licence and ability to travel independently during unsociable hours.
Desirable
* Experience using Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems and digital engagement tools (e.g., Microsoft Dynamics, Gecko).
* Experience in direct line management.
DBS Required
All successful applicants will be subject to a satisfactory DBS clearance prior to appointment.
Equality and Diversity
The University welcomes and supports a diverse workforce and is committed to fostering an inclusive working environment that respects all protected characteristics.
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