Student Lifecycle Operations Officer

£30,577 to £32,455 per annum (for exceptional performers, there is scope for further progression up to £37,323.25 per annum)

Onsite

This role will be based on site, primarily in the named location.

We have one simple promise – to make a positive impact. Through our ground-breaking research, teaching excellence and commitment to sustainable living, we are changing lives for the better.

The University of Derby is a modern university with a modern outlook. Everything we do is driven by delivering excellence and opportunities for our students, our staff and our region.

We have some of the best university facilities in the UK and achieve outstanding results for our teaching and research and have been awarded Gold in the prestigious Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023 – making it one of the top universities in the country recognised for its outstanding student experience and student outcomes.

Financially strong and seriously ambitious we offer our employees an inclusive culture that centres itself around staff wellbeing, where you can be confident you will receive all the help and encouragement you need to build a rewarding career with lots of opportunities to enhance your skills.

The Registry supports the whole student journey, from initial enquiry and admission through to final award and beyond. We work as an integrated, student-focused service, using our expertise, insight and technology to deliver excellent services and support student success. Our teams work collaboratively across the University, fostering an inclusive, high-performing culture that promotes wellbeing, development and opportunity for all.

We are looking for a proactive and organised Student Lifecycle Operations Officer to join the University of Derby during an exciting period of organisational transformation.

This flexible fixed-term role will provide professional administrative, operational, recruitment and student-facing support across Registry. Working collaboratively with colleagues across the University, you will help deliver an excellent experience for prospective and current students, staff and external stakeholders throughout the student lifecycle, from recruitment and enrolment through to progression, completion and graduation.

You will support a varied range of activities including student recruitment, admissions, communications, events, student administration, data management, customer service and project work. This will include responding to enquiries, maintaining accurate records, supporting University events such as Open Days, Clearing and graduation, and contributing to service improvements that enhance efficiency and the student experience.

We are seeking someone with strong communication and organisational skills, excellent attention to detail and a commitment to delivering high-quality customer service. You will be confident working with systems and data, able to manage competing priorities, and comfortable building effective relationships across teams. Experience in administration, customer service, student support, recruitment or operational delivery would be particularly valuable.

This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to key University services, support transformation activity and play an important role in delivering a joined-up, professional and student-focused service across Registry.

The ideal candidate will be a confident, organised and customer-focused professional with experience of working in an administrative, operational, recruitment, student support or customer service environment. You will be able to manage a varied workload, respond effectively to enquiries, maintain accurate records and support a range of student lifecycle activities, including recruitment, enrolment, student administration, events and graduation.

You will need excellent written and verbal communication skills, strong attention to detail and the ability to build positive working relationships with students, prospective students, colleagues and external stakeholders. Strong digital skills are essential, including confidence using Microsoft Office and business systems, alongside the ability to work with data, interpret information and present findings clearly. You should be able to prioritise competing demands, work independently using initiative, and recognise when issues need to be escalated.

The non-negotiable requirements for this role are: education to HND level or equivalent relevant professional experience; GCSE English and Mathematics at Grade C/4 or above, or equivalent; experience in administration, customer service, recruitment, student support or operational delivery; the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines; confidence using databases or information systems; a commitment to accuracy, confidentiality and data.

• Provide professional administrative support across Registry and External Relations functions, ensuring activities are delivered accurately, efficiently and within agreed timescales.
• Act as a point of contact for students, prospective students, staff and external stakeholders, responding to enquiries and providing advice, information and guidance.
• Support recruitment, conversion and student engagement activities throughout the student journey.
• Assist with the planning, organisation and delivery of University events, including Open Days, Applicant Visit Days, enrolment activities, Clearing, graduation ceremonies, recruitment fairs and outreach events.
• Prepare, maintain and update records, systems and databases, ensuring accuracy, integrity and compliance with relevant regulations and policies.
• Compile, analyse and present data and management information to support operational activities and decision-making.
• Support communication activities through a variety of channels, including email, web content, CRM systems and printed materials.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across academic and professional service departments to ensure a joined-up approach to service delivery.
• Contribute to the development, review and continuous improvement of processes, procedures and services, identifying opportunities to improve efficiency and customer experience.
• Support the implementation and monitoring of projects and operational initiatives, including the preparation of reports, updates and documentation.
• Maintain a good understanding of relevant University regulations, policies and procedures and apply them appropriately when providing advice and support.
• Ensure compliance with data protection, information security, equality, diversity and inclusion, and health and safety requirements.
• Develop effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders to support the achievement of departmental and University objectives.
• Undertake any other duties commensurate with the level of responsibility of the post.
• Educated to HND level, or able to demonstrate equivalent relevant professional experience
• GCSE English and Mathematics (or equivalent) at Grade C/4 or above

Experience

• Experience of working in an administrative, customer service, recruitment, student support or operational environment
• Experience of managing multiple priorities and delivering work to deadlines
• Experience of working with databases and information systems
• Experience of handling enquiries and providing advice, information and guidance to a range of stakeholders
• Experience of working effectively as part of a team and across organisational boundaries
• Experience of using data and management information to support operational activities and decision-making

Skills, knowledge & abilities

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, both written and verbal
• Good digital communication skills, including the ability to create appropriate and engaging content for social media and other digital channels
• Strong customer service orientation with a commitment to delivering an excellent user experience
• Ability to build positive and productive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to plan, prioritise and manage competing demands
• Ability to interpret information, exercise judgement and resolve problems appropriately
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail
• Ability to work independently, using initiative whilst recognising when escalation is required
• Strong digital skills, including Microsoft Office applications and business systems
• Ability to analyse information and present findings clearly and effectively
• Flexible and adaptable approach to changing priorities and operational requirements
• Understanding of confidentiality, data protection and information governance requirements
• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and delivering a high-quality service

Business requirements

• Ability to work outside of normal working hours (including some evenings and weekends), to support the business during key University events, such as Graduation, Clearing and Open Days

Qualifications

• Professional qualification relevant to administration, customer service, marketing, student support or project management

Experience

• Experience of working within Higher Education
• Experience of using CRM, student records or other enterprise management systems
• Experience of supporting events, recruitment campaigns or student-facing activities
• Experience of producing communications and content for digital channels
• Experience of training, mentoring or supporting colleagues

Skills, knowledge and abilities

• Knowledge of the Higher Education sector and student lifecycle
• Understanding of student recruitment, admissions, registry or student administration processes
• Generous annual leave entitlement of 38 days inclusive of bank holidays and concessionary days (pro rata)
• Suite of holistic wellbeing benefits and support including family-friendly policies, generous sick pay provision and comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme
• Access to a variety of staff discounts at high street retailers
• Discounted onsite gym
• Cycle to Work scheme
• A flexible working environment
• A commitment to personal and professional development

For further information and informal enquiries regarding the role, please contact Emma Baddiley, Student Hub and Registry Operations Manager via E.Baddiley@derby.ac.uk

For enquiries regarding your application and for sponsorship eligibility, please contact the recruitment team via recruitment@derby.ac.uk .

The University is unable to sponsor the employment of international workers under the Skilled Worker route for this role; however, applications are welcome from candidates who are able to demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK.

Equity, diversity and inclusion

The University of Derby is committed to fostering an open, inclusive and diverse community where everyone is treated with dignity, fairness and respect. We are committed to advancing equity, diversity and inclusion regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief (or none), sex or sexual orientation.

As a Disability Confident employer, we are committed to inclusive recruitment and welcome requests for adjustments throughout the recruitment process. Applicants may choose their preferred title, including 'Mx', and may share preferred pronouns if they wish. We also use anonymised shortlisting to help reduce the potential impact of unconscious bias. For more information on equity,diversityand inclusion at the University of Derby, pleasevisitour website .

We are also committed to promoting academic freedom and freedom of speech and expression within the law, in line with our Code of Practice , and value diversity of thought alongside diversity of backgrounds and experiences.

However you identify, we welcome applications from people whose experiences, perspectives and talents will contribute to our inclusive, supportive and intellectually vibrant community.

Environmental Sustainability

At the University of Derby, we are passionate about embedding sustainability into everything that we do. We aim to bring environmental sustainability into all aspects of the University, including teaching, research and operational activities. In line with the University's strategic framework, we expect all our staff to embed sustainability into their working practices and support the University's objective to reach net zero carbon by 2050.

The University of Derby is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our staff, students and children. At the University of Derby, safeguarding is everybody's concern.

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