Head of Access and Participation and Student Recruitment in London)

The organisation delivers higher education undergraduate and postgraduate learning in performing arts to an industry-leading standard. Their primary goal is to guide and support their students on their journey to launching successful, sustainable careers. From application to graduation, they are committed to providing the necessary support and guidance to help them realise their full potential.

As the Head of Access & Participation and Student Recruitment, you will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the outreach and admissions departments, ensuring smooth operations and fostering an effective, positive participation experience for those engaging with their services and a positive and supportive application process for those applying to study with them. This role involves direct line management of the Admissions coordinator and their extensive outreach team as well as collaborating with other departments to uphold academic and company standards. Reporting to Senior Management, you will play a crucial role in formulating reports, managing budgets, monitoring performance metrics, whilst also implementing and overseeing collaborative projects and initiatives to achieve their organisational and charitable objectives.

This is a senior role within the organisation and the successful candidate will be a member of the leadership team, demonstrating previous experience in a comparable management role within an academic and/or arts-based setting. The Head of Access & Participation and Student Recruitment is responsible for managing and enhancing the organisation's established accessibility and inclusion initiatives and recruitment goals. Providing quality assurance and strong leadership throughout the process from first engagement to student enrolment, whilst developing and enhancing collaborative partnerships with external stakeholders and partners along the way. This role is about driving student success.

• Access and Participation: Strategic responsibility for the oversight/creation, implementation and delivery of the Access and Participation plan. Further develop their established offer through programmes, partnerships and initiatives within schools, theatres and the community both locally and nationwide to further enhance their work in this area. Applying for funding, where opportunities arise to support their core outreach and project-based work, student bursary schemes and other access and participation initiatives. Develop and further enhance partnership relationships with the goal of widening participation. Embed a culture of understanding and awareness of Access and Participation for all staff, students and stakeholders, ensuring a holistic and whole organisational approach within the organisation. Undertake budgetary responsibility and management for all access and participation activities. Management of all financial and data reporting to governing bodies and key stakeholders as required. Management of the freelance ambassador participation delivery team. Working to support the wider student experience. Develop and implement appropriate policies, processes, benchmarks and systems for the effective administration, monitoring and review of widening participation and outreach activity in fulfilment of the strategy and statutory requirements (e.g., OfS). Lead, motivate and develop relevant staff providing clear objectives and managing performance against these to ensure staff are appropriately motivated and trained to carry out their responsibilities to the required standards.
• Student Recruitment: Oversee and take strategic leadership for the management of the admissions team, to achieve targets and administer applicant queries in line with organisational expectations. Take a lead in liaison with their accrediting partner in relation to systems management and application processes to ensure an accessible and supportive applicant experience from first point of contact to audition/enrolment for all applicants. Oversee the implementation of successful audition processes both in-house, online and regionally. Set and uphold exceptional and personable customer service standards for students engaging with their admissions processes.

• Degree in education, business administration, or related field.
• Proven experience in educational or arts management, preferably in similar role.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate others.
• Excellent organisational and problem-solving abilities.
• Sound knowledge of safeguarding policies and procedures.
• Effective communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to remain calm and composed in high-pressure scenarios.
• Familiarity with relevant regulations and compliance standards in the higher education sector.
• Demonstrable experience of significant budget management and planning sustainably for the future.
• The ability to think and act strategically and to work both consultatively and at pace where required.
• Demonstrable ability to get results through consensus across a wide range of stakeholders.
• A proven track record of developing and translating strategic plans and decisions into operational practice.
• Commitment to promoting positivity, equity and inclusion within the school community.
• Understanding of data privacy standards; deep understanding of business principles and practices.
• Organisational skills; planning skills; analytical skills; critical thinking skills.
• Computer skills.

If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for this reputable organisation, please do not hesitate to apply.