Outreach and Schools Liaison Coordinator in Oxford

The College
Brasenose College is one of the constituent colleges of the University of Oxford and a registered charity that furthers education, learning and research for the public benefit. During the academic year, there are approximately 365 undergraduates and 250 graduates in residence studying for first degrees and higher degrees. It is one of Oxford’s most popular Colleges and prioritises academic excellence within a very friendly and supportive environment.

The College Office
The College Office is responsible for student administration within Brasenose. It performs a wide range of tasks including student administration (student enrolment, course changes and transcript production), examinations (including both University exams and internal college exams, known as collections), schools outreach, and admissions (including organising interviews for prospective undergraduates). The office is situated in the heart of the College and consists of the Senior Tutor, the Academic Registrar, the Deputy Academic Registrar, the Admissions Officer, the Head of Access & Transition, the Outreach & Schools Liaison Coordinator, and the Academic Assistant. The post holder will report formally to the Head of Access and Transition.

Purpose and objectives of the post
The Outreach and Schools Liaison Coordinator will work with the Head of Access & Transition to ensure the effective delivery of established outreach activities and to identify and implement new opportunities to further the College’s core academic objectives. Principal areas of responsibility will be the organisation of outreach/access events (involving direct contact with prospective students, parents/supporters, and teachers) for Brasenose College and the University. They will also work with the Admissions Officer during the annual undergraduate admissions round.

Main Work Duties
Brasenose College outreach

• Lead on the delivery of the Brasenose outreach programme for Northern Ireland including: maintaining and developing trusted relationship with school representatives from across the country;
• Delivering a programme of in person and online events;
• Organising the yearly Northern Ireland residential at Brasenose;
• Representing the University at the Northern Ireland Oxbridge conference;
• Maintaining and developing relationships with Northern Irish alumni, including prospective and/or current donors;
• Evaluating the success of our current activities in Northern Ireland and identifying areas for improvement.

Inbound school visits to Brasenose. Outbound visits to schools and colleges predominantly in the College’s link regions but also other schools where the College develops collaborative relationships. Visits to the link regions (including Northern Ireland) currently take up roughly five weeks per year. Organising interview workshops in conjunction with the Head of Access and Transition. Delivering a wide variety of online outreach sessions including talks for schools, webinars, and online careers fairs. Continuous reevaluation of presentations and materials used during the delivery of our outreach programmes. Support the Head of Access and Retention with the delivery of the three major University of Oxford Open Days and the Brasenose Offer Holder Residential. Forge an effective working relationship with the elected JCR Access and Admissions representative and organise the recruitment and selection of student volunteers and casual workers. Devise and deliver Study Days and other subject‑specific events with College tutors. Collaborate with the Cambridge Colleges involved in outreach in our link regions.

University of Oxford outreach

• Contributing to events in Oxford organised by University Departments or the Undergraduate Admissions Office.
• Working with Oxford charities and student‑run initiatives including, for example, the Oxford African and Caribbean Society and Target Oxbridge.
• Represent the College and University at UCAS/HE fairs, Careers Fairs, and other national events.
• Attend the University’s Outreach Forum.

Social media

• Film and edit videos for the College’s social media channels.
• Curate and publish content on the College’s social media accounts.
• In collaboration with the Head of Access and Transition, review and update the College’s prospectus and the applicant-facing pages of the College website.

Admissions
Provide support to the Admissions Officer during the busiest part of the annual undergraduate admissions round (October – December) and during confirmation week (August).

Miscellaneous
Attend the Brasenose Admissions Committee. Take on other duties as may be required from time to time by the Senior Tutor.

Person Specification
Essential

• Undergraduate degree, or equivalent professional experience.
• Ability to work independently, away from College, and without supervision.
• Ability to work flexibly and logically, including the ability to prioritise tasks and meet deadlines.
• Knowledge of UK higher education and the UK school system.
• Excellent interpersonal skills; capacity to build relationships with people within and outside of College, including students.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive and personal information about applicants and students in a professional manner.
• Excellent IT skills including full competence in the Microsoft Office suite and willingness to learn new systems as required.
• Enthusiasm for and commitment to access and widening participation.
• Commitment to Brasenose’s values and educational aims.
• Full UK Driving Licence (or equivalent) valid for use in the UK.

Desirable

• STEM undergraduate degree or good scientific and/or mathematical knowledge otherwise demonstrated.
• Previous experience in outreach and access to higher education, whether as a volunteer or professional.
• Knowledge of the University of Oxford, including the college system and the admissions processes.
• Experience of public speaking.
• Event organisation experience.
• Social media and digital communications experience.
• Video editing skills.
• Graphic design skills.

Terms & Conditions of Employment
Appointment
This is a permanent post. The first three months of your employment will be a probationary period. Either party may bring your employment to an end during your probationary period at any time without notice in your first month of employment and one week's written notice to the other party thereafter, which we may at our discretion pay in lieu. We may, at our discretion, extend the probationary period. The appointment will be conditional on verification of the successful candidate’s right to work in the UK and subject to the receipt of satisfactory references and medical clearance.

Salary
Equivalent to Grade 6 of the Brasenose College Pay Scale, currently £35,681 – 41,636 per annum, depending on previous related experience.

Hours of Working
Full time 35 hours each week. Standard hours for the College Office are roughly 9 am until 5 pm, with an hour taken for lunch, Monday to Friday. The post holder, however, will be expected to work such hours as are reasonably required to carry out their duties. Time off in lieu will be given for periods of travel.

Benefits

• Pension - Eligibility to the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS). The successful candidate will be entered into this scheme automatically on joining, but ongoing membership of the scheme is optional.
• Salary Exchange Scheme - Staff who join USS will also be enrolled into the Salary Exchange Pension Contributions Scheme on or around three months after joining Brasenose staff.
• Annual leave – The paid holiday entitlement for a full‑time contract is six working weeks (30 days) annual leave (5 days is to be taken over Christmas break when College is closed) plus 8 Statutory Bank Holidays. Annual Leave shall be taken at mutually convenient times agreed in advance with Academic Registrar. Bank Holidays which fall within the full terms of the University of Oxford are normally worked, for which compensatory time‑off in lieu will be given. The holiday year begins on 1 January and ends 31 December. For part years of service your entitlement will be calculated as 1/12th of the annual entitlement for each completed month.
• Meals - Employees are entitled to take lunch free of charge when the kitchen is open.
• Welfare Support – Employee Assistance Programme – a free confidential telephone helpline and online medical guidance. Free annual flu jab.
• Travel Pass Loan - a discounted travel scheme is available with monthly deductions from salary.
• Cycle to Work Scheme/Bike Loan – monthly deductions from salary.
• Sports Facilities – Access to the University Sports club.

Other Information
No smoking is allowed in any part of the College.