UniConnect Outreach Officer, Leeds

About the Role

Fixed Term till July 2027. Leeds Conservatoire is looking for a UniConnect Outreach Officer. This role is working on and funded by the government funded Uni Connect programme (UC) which is delivered in the West Yorkshire region by Go Higher West Yorkshire (GHWY). Its aim is to reduce inequalities in access to higher education by providing impartial information, advice and guidance to learners who are less likely to progress to university or higher education because of their background or circumstances. Located in the heart of Leeds City Centre at Quarry Hill, Leeds, the conservatoire is situated close to major cultural venues such as Leeds Playhouse and Northern Ballet, providing students with excellent opportunities to engage with the city's thriving arts scene.

As part of this role, you will:

• Spend up to two days per week based at, or supporting, designated schools and colleges across West Yorkshire (specific locations and working days to be confirmed).
• Spend the remaining three days per week delivering wider Uni Connect activities while acting as an ambassador for Leeds Conservatoire, promoting opportunities and supporting learners across the region.

We encourage you to apply as soon as possible, as this vacancy may close before the advertised closing date.

What You Will Do

• Plan, coordinate, deliver and evaluate Uni Connect outreach activities for eligible learners in allocated schools and colleges.
• Act as the main contact for the programme within Leeds Conservatoire and partner schools/colleges, building strong relationships with staff, learners, parents/carers and partner organisations.
• Collaborate with academic and professional services colleagues to successfully deliver outreach and widening participation initiatives.
• Monitor, evaluate and report on programme activity, maintaining accurate records (including HEAT) and contributing to agreed targets and the Access and Participation Plan.
• Attend Uni Connect meetings and CPD sessions, sharing best practice and contributing to continuous improvement.
• Travel regularly across West Yorkshire and work flexibly, including occasional evenings and weekends, to support programme delivery.

About You

• Degree-level qualification (or equivalent experience) and experience of delivering outreach, widening participation, student recruitment or student support activities.
• Knowledge of the higher education sector, ideally including music and performing arts, with an understanding of the barriers faced by underrepresented learners.
• Experience of planning, delivering and evaluating projects, events or programmes, with the ability to monitor outcomes and meet targets.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the confidence to engage learners, parents/carers, schools, colleges and external partners.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to work independently, manage competing priorities and maintain accurate records with attention to detail.

Benefits

The group offers a range of excellent benefits, including:

• Annual leave: Curriculum and Management: 44 days plus bank holidays; Curriculum support and business support: 39 days plus bank holidays.
• Pension schemes with generous employer contributions: Teachers Pension Scheme, Local Government Pension Scheme, Peoples Pension Scheme.
• CPD opportunities: Annual staff conference plus 2 additional staff development days. Qualifications including PGCE, Apprenticeships, Leadership and Management courses.
• Employee wellbeing initiatives: Family Friendly Policies, discounted onsite spa (Printworks) and gym (Park Lane).
• Travel and commuting: Discounted travel available through Metro card, Northern Rail, First Bus, Arriva Bus and Cycle to work schemes.
• Flexible and hybrid working opportunities: Please speak to the recruiting manager regarding flexible opportunities as these differ between roles.

SAFEGUARDING

At Luminate Education Group we are committed to the safeguarding and welfare of all our students including children, young people, and vulnerable adults. We expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We follow the Safer Recruitment requirements and best practice as set out within Keeping Children Safe in Education statutory guidance. All successful applicants will be required to complete mandatory pre-employment checks which include an enhanced DBS check, online checks and must have two satisfactory references. Please be aware that it is a criminal offence to apply for this post if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity in connection to children.

EQUALITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) in recruitment is key to our Groups values. We are dedicated to fostering a workplace that embraces equality, diversity and inclusion in all its forms, where every candidate is treated with fairness, respect, and equity. Our recruitment processes are designed to ensure equal opportunities, remove bias, and promote a diverse talent pool. We continually assess and improve our practices to ensure that every individual, regardless of background, has an equal chance to succeed. By championing EDI, we aim to create a workforce that reflects the richness of our communities and drives innovation through diverse perspectives.

RECRUITMENT AGENCIES

We kindly request that recruitment agencies do not forward any unsolicited CVs in relation to any of our advertised roles or speculatively. If we require support with any of our vacancies we will get in touch with agencies directly. We do not recognise submissions of unsolicited or speculative CV applications from recruitment agencies. We shall not be liable for any fee/commission in the event we employ a candidate that may have been submitted as an unsolicited/speculative application from an uninstructed recruitment agency.