At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead student recruitment and outreach strategies at a world-renowned university.
- Company: Imperial College London, a global leader in science and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 41 days annual leave, flexible working, and wellness resources.
- Other info: Join a vibrant community dedicated to equality and innovation.
- Why this job: Shape the future of education and make a real impact on diverse student communities.
- Qualifications: Experience in student recruitment and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Job number: ACA00506
Faculties: Academic Services
Departments: Marketing, Outreach, Recruitment and Admissions
Salary or Salary range: Competitive
Location/campus: South Kensington and White City Campus - Hybrid
Contract type: Full time - Open ended
Posting End Date: 3 Jul 2026
About the role:
Founded in 1907, Imperial is one of the world’s leading universities for science, engineering, medicine and business, renowned for the excellence of its research, education and innovation and for its global reach and impact. Throughout our history, we have sought not only to be a world-leading university, but a world-changing one, using discovery, innovation and entrepreneurship to tackle the greatest challenges facing humanity.
Our strategy, Science for Humanity, is ambitious and positions Imperial as a force for good in the world. It sets out how we will shape the future through the power of science, technology and talent, and how we will attract, nurture and champion the best local, national and global talent wherever it is found.
People are at the heart of Imperial’s success. Through Imperial Together, we are creating an inclusive environment in which everyone can fulfil their potential, guided by our values of Respect, Collaboration, Excellence, Innovation and Integrity.
We are now seeking to appoint a Director of Student Recruitment and Outreach to provide strategic leadership for Imperial’s UK and international student recruitment, widening participation, outreach and recruitment events activity at a particularly important moment of growth for the university.
What you would be doing:
Reporting to the Chief Marketing and Recruitment Officer, the Director of Student Recruitment and Outreach will lead the development and delivery of an integrated recruitment and outreach strategy that supports Imperial’s ambitions around global reach, diversification, access and long-term sustainability. The role provides leadership across UK Recruitment and Outreach, International Student Recruitment and Recruitment Events, ensuring a joined-up and candidate-focused approach across all areas of engagement.
This is a highly visible leadership role within one of the world’s most internationally recognised universities. Working closely with colleagues across the university, the postholder will play a central role in shaping how Imperial attracts and engages exceptional students from across the UK and around the world.
The role combines strategic leadership with operational delivery. You will lead ambitious, insight-led recruitment and outreach activity across domestic and international markets, helping Imperial to widen participation, strengthen market diversification and deliver an exceptional pre-enrolment journey for prospective students. You will also work closely with colleagues across the institution to ensure recruitment activity is aligned with Imperial’s broader strategic priorities, student experience ambitions and evolving global context.
A central focus of the role will be advancing Imperial’s commitment to access, participation and social mobility. The successful candidate will lead outreach strategies and partnerships that support talented students from underrepresented and disadvantaged backgrounds to engage with Imperial, while ensuring robust evaluation, continuous improvement and strong alignment with institutional and regulatory priorities.
What we are looking for:
The Director of Student Recruitment and Outreach will also play an important role in horizon scanning, market insight and strategic planning, helping Imperial respond effectively to changing geopolitical, regulatory and recruitment trends internationally. The role therefore requires an individual who combines sophisticated recruitment expertise with strong organisational leadership, stakeholder engagement skills and a genuine enthusiasm for innovation and continuous improvement.
We are seeking an accomplished and collaborative leader with substantial experience of student recruitment leadership within a large and complex organisation, ideally within a research-intensive higher education environment. You will bring strong expertise in international recruitment, widening participation and diversification strategies, alongside the credibility and presence to influence at senior level across a globally respected institution.
This is an outstanding opportunity to shape the future direction of student recruitment and outreach at a world-leading university with global ambition, reach and impact.
What we can offer you:
- The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to use science for humanity.
- Benefit from a sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 41 days’ annual leave and generous pension schemes).
- Access to a range of workplace benefits including a flexible working policy from day one, generous family leave packages, on-site leisure facilities and cycle-to-work scheme.
- Interest-free season ticket loan schemes for travel.
- Be part of a diverse, inclusive and collaborative work culture with various staff networks and resources to support your personal and professional wellbeing.
For a confidential discussion, please contact:
The closing date for applications is 3rd July 2026.
We are committed to equality of opportunity, to eliminating discrimination and to creating an inclusive working environment for all. We therefore encourage candidates to apply irrespective of age, disability, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion and belief, gender reassignment, sex, or sexual orientation. We are an Athena SWAN Silver Award winner, a Disability Confident Leader and a Stonewall Diversity Champion.
Please note that job descriptions are not exhaustive, and you may be asked to take on additional duties that align with the key responsibilities mentioned above.
We reserve the right to close the advert prior to the closing date stated, should we receive a high volume of applications. It is therefore advisable that you submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
If you encounter any technical issues while applying online, please don't hesitate to email us at support.jobs@imperial.ac.uk. We're here to help.
About Imperial:
Welcome to Imperial, a global top-ten university where scientific imagination leads to world-changing impact. Join us and be part of something bigger. From global health to climate change, AI to business leadership, here at Imperial we navigate some of the world’s toughest challenges. Whatever your role, your contribution will have a lasting impact.
As a member of our vibrant community of 22,000 students and 8,000 staff, you’ll collaborate with passionate minds across nine London campuses and a global network. This is your chance to help shape the future. We hope you’ll join us at Imperial College London.
Our Culture:
We work towards equality of opportunity, to eliminating discrimination, and to creating an inclusive working environment for all. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, communities and industries, and are committed to employing a team that has diverse skills, experiences and abilities. You can read more about our commitment on our web pages.
Proud signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant. We welcome applications from the Armed Forces community.
Our values are at the root of everything we do, and everyone in our community is expected to demonstrate respect, collaboration, excellence, integrity, and innovation.
Director of Student Recruitment and Outreach employer: SONICOM
Imperial College London is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that prioritises collaboration, respect, and innovation. With a competitive salary package, generous leave, and a commitment to employee wellbeing, staff have access to numerous growth opportunities within a globally recognised institution dedicated to using science for humanity. Located in the heart of London, employees benefit from a dynamic environment that fosters professional development and engagement with diverse communities.
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We think you need these skills to ace Director of Student Recruitment and Outreach
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