At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative outreach programmes to inspire and support underrepresented students.
- Company: Edinburgh Napier University, a modern institution with a strong industry focus.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, 41 days leave, and generous pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives and help shape the future of education.
- Qualifications: Experience in education, excellent communication skills, and ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Other info: Join a supportive environment committed to diversity and community impact.
The predicted salary is between 31700 - 40000 £ per year.
Edinburgh Napier University is a leading, modern university with a reputation and impact that stretches far beyond our shores. We are an inclusive University with strong links to industry and are clear that it is our applied focus that sets us apart. Our strategy is set around four key pillars of growing our academic reputation, delivering an excellent personalised student experience, internationalising our work; and building innovation, enterprise and citizenship.
Are you passionate about breaking down barriers to higher education? Do you thrive on inspiring young people and building meaningful partnerships? Join Edinburgh Napier University as a Senior Outreach Officer (Widening Participation) and play a key role in shaping the next generation of students.
How will you make a difference? As a Senior Outreach Officer, you will be at the forefront of delivering and evolving our widening participation (WP) and outreach programmes. You will design and lead impactful initiatives that raise aspirations, increase access, and support students from underrepresented backgrounds on their journey to university. From delivering engaging workshops across the UK to developing flagship WP programmes, your work will directly influence students' futures; including adult returns, mature and young students helping them see university as an achievable goal.
You will:
- Lead the development and delivery of innovative widening participation initiatives aligned with university strategy
- Manage and support staff, including the Community Engagement Officer and student ambassadors
- Build strong partnerships with schools, colleges, and external organisations (including national WP initiatives such as LEAPS)
- Collaborate with academic schools to deliver subject-specific outreach activities
- Support key access groups, including students from low-progression backgrounds, refugees, care-experienced learners, and those with military connections
- Use data and insight to evaluate impact, inform strategy, and continuously improve outreach activity
- Contribute to university-wide recruitment, outreach events, and WP strategy development
This is a highly rewarding opportunity to combine strategic thinking with hands-on delivery making a tangible impact across communities.
Who we are looking for:
- Experience in student recruitment, widening participation, education, or a related field
- Proven ability to plan and deliver engaging workshops or outreach activities
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
- Experience analysing or using data to inform decisions
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
- Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel within Scotland
- Experience working with young people in an educational setting
- Knowledge of the Scottish education system or widening participation landscape
- Line management or supervisory experience
- Experience in higher or further education
- PVG Membership (or willingness to apply)
Benefits we offer:
- Salary: £37,694 - £46,049 per annum (Grade 5) plus excellent benefits
- We offer a great working environment where we support ambition, recognise achievement, and offer an attractive benefits package.
- Hybrid working and flexible working opportunities
- Minimum of 41 days annual leave (including 10 fixed holidays)
- A generous pension scheme (employer contribution of 17.6%)
- Nationally agreed pay increases each year
- Various learning and development opportunities
- Discounted access to onsite and local gym facilities and a wide range of other staff discounts
Additional information:
- Interviews: Mid-April (To be confirmed)
- On this occasion, the University will not consider applicants requiring sponsorship or visa support for this role. International applicants will therefore only be able to take up this role if they can demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK.
- Edinburgh Napier is committed to creating an environment where everyone feels proud, confident, challenged and supported and are holders of Disability Confident, Carer Positive and Stonewall Diversity Champion status.
Senior Outreach Officer employer: Edinburgh Napier University
Contact Detail:
Edinburgh Napier University Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Outreach Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the education sector. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to current or former employees at Edinburgh Napier University. Building relationships can open doors that applications alone can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for widening participation! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your experiences and ideas on how to inspire young people. Make it clear that you’re not just looking for a job; you want to make a real difference in students' lives.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the university's outreach initiatives. Familiarise yourself with their current programmes and think of ways you could contribute. This shows you're genuinely interested and ready to hit the ground running!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it gives you a chance to showcase your enthusiasm for the role right from the start. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to join a fantastic team at Edinburgh Napier University!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Outreach Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Senior Outreach Officer. We want to see how your skills in student recruitment and outreach can make a real difference at Edinburgh Napier University.
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for breaking down barriers to higher education shine through! We love candidates who are genuinely excited about inspiring young people and building partnerships, so don’t hold back on sharing your motivation.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your achievements and how they relate to the job description.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity at Edinburgh Napier University.
How to prepare for a job interview at Edinburgh Napier University
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the key pillars of Edinburgh Napier University's strategy. Familiarise yourself with their approach to widening participation and how your experience aligns with their goals. This will show that you're genuinely interested in the role and can contribute meaningfully.
✨Showcase Your Passion
As a Senior Outreach Officer, your passion for breaking down barriers to higher education is crucial. Prepare examples of how you've inspired young people or built partnerships in the past. Share stories that highlight your commitment to making education accessible for all.
✨Engage with Data
Since the role involves using data to inform strategies, be ready to discuss how you've used data in previous roles. Bring examples of how you've evaluated outreach activities and made improvements based on insights. This will demonstrate your analytical skills and strategic thinking.
✨Prepare for Collaboration
Collaboration is key in this role, so think about how you've worked with others in the past. Be prepared to discuss your experience managing teams or working with external organisations. Highlight your communication skills and how you build strong relationships to achieve common goals.