Job Description
External Relations – the division responsible for delivering the University to the world and enhancing its reputation. Our aim is to engage with diverse audiences, build purposeful relationships at local, national and international levels, and support the University’s growth ambitions for 2030 and beyond.
Position Details
Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK
Grade: 6
Full‑time, Fixed‑Term contract up to March 2027
Closing date: 4th March 2026
Our Offer to You
People are at the heart of what we are and do. The University of Birmingham offers a range of benefits, including 40 days paid holiday a year, one paid day a year for volunteering, occupational sick pay and a pension scheme. Flexible working arrangements are available and the campus provides a state‑of‑the‑art sports centre, art gallery, museum and botanical gardens. You will also receive a generous development package as part of the Birmingham Professional programme.
Background
External Relations seeks to deliver the University’s external profile through purposeful relationships and by supporting prospective students to make informed choices about their studies. We value ambition, innovation, openness, collaboration and responsibility.
Role Summary
The Student Recruitment Officer will drive student recruitment and enhance the University’s reputation. Working collaboratively across the University, the officer will deliver and evaluate recruitment activities, attract and convert prospective students across undergraduate, postgraduate and professional markets, and support the development of a high‑quality, diverse student population.
Main Duties
* Deliver a range of student recruitment activities and campaigns, including large‑scale on‑campus and online events, to help meet recruitment targets across all markets; monitor budgets and performance.
* Work closely with colleagues across student recruitment, marketing, admissions, Colleges, the wider External Relations division, and the wider institution to ensure a coordinated approach to meeting recruitment targets.
* Respond to strategic priorities with flexibility across different products and audience groups.
Activities, Events and Delivery
* Develop and deliver recruitment activities and events on/off‑campus and online, providing event management support (logistics, venues, staffing, security, freight, catering and accommodation).
* Represent and promote the University to engage and convert prospective students through presentations to schools and colleges, representation at higher‑education events and delivering high‑quality experiences at Open Days and other events.
* Work with teams across the University to deliver subject‑specific and other activities in line with recruitment strategies.
* Train and brief staff, student ambassadors and events teams supporting recruitment activity.
* Support wider activities including Confirmation and Clearing, scholarship programmes delivery and administration and subject interviews, where appropriate.
Relationship and Stakeholder Management
* Act as the operational contact for schools, colleges, employers, professional bodies, partner organisations and recruitment service providers to support recruitment pipelines, escalating issues as needed.
* Ensure accurate capture and maintenance of contact, event and lead data to support CRM‑driven follow‑up and evaluation.
* Offer expert advice to external audiences on qualifications and recruitment‑related activities.
Market Insight and Evaluation
* Contribute to market analysis and provide recommendations.
* Monitor and regularly evaluate performance against targets, driving innovation in recruitment activities.
Leadership and Management
* Where relevant, hold line‑management responsibility for staff, ensuring effective workload planning, clear objectives and professional development to drive high performance.
* Manage student ambassador teams and events assistants supporting recruitment events.
* Deputise in a leadership capacity as required.
General Duties
* Act as a brand champion, representing and promoting the University’s values and identity in all interactions.
* Provide additional support to a range of activities, events and campaigns as specified by the recruitment team and other duties commensurate with the grade.
* Be willing to work occasional evenings, weekends and travel as needed to support recruitment activities.
* Promote a supportive and inclusive team culture, demonstrating diplomacy, maintaining confidentiality and ensuring compliance with GDPR, CMA, Safeguarding, OfS and other regulations.
* Promote equality and diversity, acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.
* Support the University’s sustainability agenda through resource‑efficient working.
Required Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications and Experience
* Degree level education (or equivalent qualifications) in a related field and a desire to develop your career in this area; where no equivalent qualification is held, significant relevant experience and expertise will be required.
* Previous experience in a relevant role; within a large, complex organisation desirable.
* Excellent presentation and communication skills, with the ability to confidently engage large audiences and write clear, concise reports.
* Demonstrable project‑management skills with experience organising and delivering in‑person and online events.
* Experience using CRM systems and digital engagement tools, including Microsoft Dynamics, Gecko or similar systems desirable.
* Proven experience managing relationships, influencing and collaborating with colleagues at all levels, across teams, and with agencies and external partners.
* Creative problem‑solving with a proactive and resilient approach.
* Ability to analyse and interpret data and market research, making recommendations.
* Highly organised with strong administrative skills and attention to detail under tight deadlines.
* Experience monitoring budgets.
* Good working knowledge of standard Microsoft Office software.
* Ability to work flexibly and effectively both in a team and independently, managing multiple priorities.
Other Requirements
* Commitment to demonstrating behaviours aligned with the University and External Relations framework.
* Willing and able to travel extensively across the UK, including during evenings, weekends and overnight stays as required.
* Valid UK driving licence and/or ability to travel independently often during unsociable hours.
* DBS clearance required.
* Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010 and how to actively ensure that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly in day‑to‑day activity in own area.
DBS Required
The University is committed to safeguarding and promotes safe recruitment practice; all pre‑employment checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed. Successful applicants will be subject to a satisfactory DBS clearance prior to appointment.
Use of AI in Applications
We want to understand your genuine interest in the role and the written elements of your application should accurately reflect your own communication style. Applications that rely heavily on AI tools may appear generic and lack the detail needed for assessment and are unlikely to be progressed to interview.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
We believe there is no such thing as a ‘typical’ member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing barriers experienced by some groups and proudly hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that continuously improves the University as a fair and inclusive place to work, offering equal opportunities for everyone. We also remain committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy.
Contact
Informal enquiries to Stephen Allmark, email: s.j.allmark@bham.ac.uk
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