DIRECTOR OF STUDENT RECRUITMENT

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1 A formidable seat UNIVERSITY of learning OF STIRLING Appointment of Director of Student Recruitment where ability, not background, is valued DIRECTOR OF STUDENT RECRUITMENT Candidate Pack November 2018

2 INTRODUCTION The University of Stirling is a leading UK teaching and research-intensive university, created by Royal Charter in Since its foundation, the University has embraced its role as an innovative, intellectual and cultural institution with a pioneering spirit and a passion for excellence in all that it does. In 2016, the University launched its current Strategic Plan ( ), with targets to: be one of the top 25 universities in the UK; increase income by 50 million; enhance its research profile by 100 per cent; and ensure internationalisation is at the heart of everything it does. With three-quarters of its research ranked world-leading and internationally-excellent (Research Excellence Framework 2014), the University s ground-breaking, interdisciplinary research makes a difference to society and has a positive impact on communities worldwide. Stirling s research is making a positive impact on people s health, education and wellbeing, with key strengths across our research themes of: Cultures, Communities and Society; Global Security and Resilience; and Living Well. The University collaborates with international governments and policymakers, businesses, industry, and charitable organisations, to tackle and provide solutions to some of the toughest global societal challenges. The essence of the University is its great people: its staff (1,500+), students (14,000+) and alumni (88,000+) are helping to shape the world. In 2018, the University retained its five-star QS rating, awarded to world-class universities. With more than 120 nationalities represented on campus, Stirling is a truly global university of distinction and an employer of choice. Stirling s leading researchers, scholars and global student population are attracted by the University s unique learning environment, exceptional facilities, beautiful campus and student-centred approach, where ability, not background, is recognised and valued. Equality and diversity, and treating everyone with respect, are central to the University s ethos and activities. Stirling promotes equality and celebrate diversity through a variety of initiatives. The University is proud to hold an Athena SWAN Bronze award the national charter recognising best practice in advancing women s careers in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine. The University is located in the city of Stirling; the gateway to the Scottish Highlands. The 330-acre campus encompasses a loch, a golf course and the 18th-century Airthrey Castle. It is undoubtedly one of the most attractive campuses in Europe; ranked 1st in Scotland and the UK, in the International Student Barometer 2016.

3 RESEARCH EXCELLENCE The University of Stirling has an established reputation as an institution that contributes innovative research that is relevant to the social, economic and cultural needs of society. Working with academic, commercial, public, private and voluntary sector partners, Stirling is one of the UK s leading research universities in the fields of health and wellbeing, the environment and people, culture and society, enterprise and the economy, and sport. In the 2014 Research Excellence Framework (REF) Stirling was 6th in Scotland and 45th in the UK, doubling its levels of world-leading research since the 2008 RAE, with almost three quarters of research activity being rated as either internationally excellent or world-leading. This includes an outstanding performance in the Agriculture, Veterinary and Food Science category, with Stirling ranked 4th in the UK for its research. Stirling was also placed 1st in Scotland and 12th in the UK for Health Sciences. Our Impact performance demonstrates how Stirling researchers are making a major contribution to society, locally and globally in a University environment which enables the University s academics to produce the highest-quality research. Multidisciplinary collaboration is one of the institution s hallmarks. For example, researchers in Economics, Computing Science and Applied Social Science are working together on an assistive technology project to allow elderly people to stay in their own homes for longer. The breadth of Stirling s research activity makes the University a unique academic environment that stimulates creativity and critical thinking and provides the focus for recruiting, supporting and developing highly-skilled and motivated researchers. SPORTING EXCELLENCE The University is Scotland's University for Sporting Excellence, a designation by the Scottish Government in recognition of its contribution to Scottish sport. Its mission is to deliver the best for Scottish sport through the powerful and inspirational combination of sport and education. Stirling is at the heart of Scottish sport, preparing athletes to perform on the world stage, enabling students to develop their skill sets for excellent careers and producing innovative research to improve the health of the nation. The sportcentred campus is the hub of the local community and brings together the people shaping Scottish sport, creating a critical mass of sporting expertise and excellence.

4 CURRENT ACADEMIC STRUCTURE The University of Stirling is divided into five Academic Faculties: Faculty of Art & Humanities Faculty of Natural Sciences Faculty of Social Sciences Faculty of Health Sciences & Sport Stirling Management School The academic structure is supported by a professional services structure comprising the following directorates: Commercial Services Communications, Marketing and Recruitment Estates & Campus Services Finance Human Resources and Organisation Development Information Services Internationalisation and Partnerships Research and Innovation Services Sport Student, Academic and Corporate Services

5 THE ROLE Communications, Marketing and Recruitment (CMR) encompasses: Corporate Communications Media Relations Marketing Digital Marketing Student Recruitment In delivering the strategic priorities of the University, CMR supports 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. Key Purpose of Post In line with the Strategic Plan s ambitious growth targets for student numbers, the University of Stirling has created the new post of Director of Student Recruitment. Reporting to the Director of Communications, Marketing and Recruitment (CMR), the post-holder will have a successful track-record in student recruitment, with the expert knowledge and skills to lead a large team of specialist staff responsible for student recruitment in International, European and UK markets. A senior member of CMR, the post-holder will be effective in building relationships and working in partnership with colleagues in academic faculties and professional services, as well as with key external partners in domestic and priority international markets. A strategic thinker, with highly-developed analytical skills, and the ability to communicate effectively and inspire and lead teams, the post-holder will be responsible for developing, supporting, implementing and monitoring strategies to support delivery of the University s student recruitment objectives and targets.

6 Internal Responsibilities The post-holder will: Lead on the practical implementation of the University s recruitment strategy to maximise recruitment and revenue growth potential to meet student targets within the University s Strategic Plan. Provide leadership, support and line-management to the team and ensure that recruitment priorities and associated activities in current and emerging markets are clearly aligned with the University s Strategic Plan and effectively impacting on annual growth targets. Work closely with colleagues in faculties and in marketing, in shaping and delivering the recruitment cycle. Provide leadership for the development and implementation of recruitment and conversion plans for the University s priority markets. Oversee the monitoring and evaluation of trends and developments across priority and emerging markets to inform the University s recruitment strategy; identify growth and business development opportunities. Collate, analyse and interpret market-related data to report on performance against targets, provide insights and make recommendations to meet recruitment objectives. Effectively manage the recruitment team budget and ensure that funds are utilised to maximise recruitment opportunities and return on investment. Provide support, guidance and advice to faculties and divisions at a senior level to develop and deliver recruitment plans in line with faculty and University objectives. Prepare management information, identifying areas of market research to inform the development of courses and services to support recruitment strategies. Provide leadership and support for key institutional events such as Open Days and Applicant Days, and ensure the delivery of business requirements for such events. Participate in the activities of the wider Directorate and carry out other duties as directed by the Director. External Responsibilities In liaison with the Director of CMR, provide strategic leadership for all aspects of the undergraduate and postgraduate recruitment and conversion process, and for agent relationship management. Ensure the effective management of the University s network of overseas agents, reporting on performance in line with annual targets and ensuring the implementation of a range of activities and initiatives to meet growth expectations. Initiate and provide leadership for projects designed to enhance the student experience and maximise conversion from enquiry through to enrolment. This will include, for example, working in partnership with QS Solutions to enhance and develop our approach to enquiry management and application conversion. Oversee the management of external relationships with school counsellors, partners (including those responsible for promoting the INTO University of Stirling pathway programmes) and other external bodies to ensure effective representation of the University in priority markets. Represent the University externally, attending meetings and sitting on Committees with Scottish, UK and overseas sector colleagues and other educational institutions, government representatives and external bodies e.g. British Council.

7 Plan, organise and participate in inward visits (conferences/presentations /workshops) designed to inform and motivate a range of stakeholders, including prospective students, agents and partners, school counsellors and representatives from UK and overseas governments or funding bodies. Participate in UK and overseas travel as required. PERSON SPECIFICATION Essential Criteria A first degree, ideally complemented by relevant higher qualifications, professional qualifications or continuing professional development. Successful and demonstrable track record in a management position within student recruitment in a comparable higher education environment. Demonstrable evidence of performance delivery against student recruitment targets. Proven interpersonal skills, including leadership, negotiation, influencing and relationship building. Strong understanding of the opportunities and challenges affecting UK Higher Education in terms of student recruitment and international partnership development. Proven ability to lead and motivate teams. A committed mentor, people developer and team builder with a confirmed capability to work effectively in a team-based organisation, collaborate cross-functionally and internationally, exercise influence at all levels and build alignment around a common vision. Proven ability to lead and manage change, engaging and motivating others to support innovation and development. Strong communication skills combined with a high degree of cultural sensitivity. Able to convey complex concepts and strategies, verbally and in writing. Excellent communication skills, strong personal presence, well developed presentational skills with an ability to negotiate successful outcomes. Confident working with data and excellent analytical skills. Understanding of the importance of service delivery and policy development, and willingness to work with colleagues across the University to maximise corporate performance in this area. Willingness to undertake significant independent travel for recruitment purposes. Willingness to positively participate in the wider activities of Communications, Marketing and Recruitment. Desirable Criteria Experience of line management within higher education. Postgraduate qualification in marketing or public relations.

8 TERMS OF APPOINTMENT Post Title: Director of Student Recruitment Reports to: Director of Communications, Marketing and Recruitment Location: Based at University of Stirling Campus Remuneration: Competitive Additional Information: An appointment will be made subject to satisfactory references and PVG scheme check. The University offers great benefits such as generous annual leave and membership of the Universities Superannuation Scheme with employer contributions of 18%. Additionally staff can benefit from a reduced membership rate at the University's excellent Sport Centre facilities and the option of childcare vouchers through a salary sacrifice scheme. A full list of FAQs can be found here, we recommend you read these before making your application. Terms and conditions of this post can be found at HOW TO APPLY Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to the University of Stirling on this appointment. Candidates should apply for this role through our website at using code WAMXC. Click on the apply button and follow the instructions to upload a CV and cover letter. The closing date for applications is noon on Tuesday 20 November 2018.