At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead recruitment and admissions strategy, ensuring a candidate-centred approach at LSE.
- Company: Join the prestigious London School of Economics and Political Science.
- Benefits: Competitive salary and a rewarding work environment with a focus on diversity.
- Other info: Opportunity for strategic leadership and professional growth in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Shape the future of student recruitment and make a real impact in higher education.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in student recruitment and admissions within higher education.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 90000 € per year.
Our client, London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) is seeking a Director of Recruitment and Admissions to lead its newly established Recruitment and Admissions Division, bringing together Student Marketing, Student Recruitment and Study Abroad, Admissions, Widening Participation, and the Financial Support Office, with end‑to‑end accountability for pre‑enrolment, access, and study abroad services. This integration reflects LSE's ambition to deliver an impactful, candidate-centred approach to student recruitment and admissions, maintaining the School's exceptional academic standards.
Reporting to the Vice President and Pro-Vice Chancellor (Planning and Resources), the Director of Recruitment and Admissions is the senior professional lead for the division. The postholder will be both an internal leader and a visible, external ambassador. This role brings the opportunity to define and lead the next phase of LSE's approach to attracting the world's best students. The role has a strong strategic focus, combined with accountability for high‑quality, efficient operational delivery at scale.
Key responsibilities- Strategic leadership - lead the development and delivery of an integrated, evidence‑based recruitment, admissions and student marketing strategy
- External representation and sector leadership - represent LSE externally at key sector events, industry conferences and professional networks
- Operational excellence and service delivery - be accountable for the effective, timely and fair operation of recruitment and admissions services at scale, maintaining the highest standards of quality
- Systems, data and digital capability - provide strategic leadership for exploring how AI and other digital innovations can be employed for recruitment, student marketing and admissions purposes
- Operations Excellence Programme - act as senior business owner for the OEP target operating model as it applies for Recruitment and Admissions, a School-wide initiative to redesign processes, clarify accountabilities and improve service quality and efficiency across professional services
- Leadership and people management - provide inclusive, values‑led leadership to a large and diverse professional workforce sustaining the high-performance culture
- Planning and organising resources - be accountable for effective financial planning, budget management and resource governance across the division.
- Extensive experience of setting and delivering institution-wide student recruitment and admissions strategy within a large, complex higher education institution
- Deep current understanding of the global and domestic student recruitment environment, including geopolitical, policy, regulatory and market risks and opportunities
- Experience of leading large, integrated marketing, recruitment and admissions functions, with accountability across the full pre-enrolment lifecycle
- Experience of acting as a senior professional authority, advising executive leadership, senior committees and governance bodies on recruitment, admissions and market strategy
- Proven track record of delivering sustainable recruitment, conversion and diversification outcomes at institutional scale, across multiple markets and levels of study
- Ability to set and communicate a compelling strategic vision, aligned to institutional mission, financial sustainability and social purpose
- Highly developed ability to influence, challenge and advise senior leaders, peers and academic stakeholders with credibility and assurance
- Ability to lead through complexity and ambiguity, exercising sound judgement where information is incomplete or risks are finely balanced
- Ability to lead large, diverse senior teams, developing leadership capability, succession and a high‑performance culture
- Advanced capability to interpret market intelligence, performance data and risk, translating insight into strategic decisions and action
- Demonstrable commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, and the ability to embed these principles strategically in recruitment and admissions practice.
A competitive reward package is offered.
How to apply: To apply for this position, click on the Apply Now button below or send your CV and cover letter quoting reference TP 945. For a confidential discussion please contact us. Early applications are preferred with a closing date of 12/06/26.
Director of Recruitment and Admissions in London employer: The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration. As the Director of Recruitment and Admissions, you will lead a diverse team in shaping the future of student recruitment while benefiting from LSE's commitment to professional development and a strong focus on equity, diversity, and inclusion. Located in the heart of London, LSE provides access to a vibrant academic community and numerous networking opportunities, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and impactful careers in higher education.
Contact Detail:
The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Recruitment and Admissions in London
✨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 LSE. You never know who might have the inside scoop on the role!
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for recruitment and admissions! When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or during interviews, make sure to highlight your commitment to creating an inclusive and candidate-centred approach. Let them see your vision for attracting top talent.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Think about how you would handle challenges in recruitment and admissions, especially in a complex environment like LSE. Be ready to share examples of how you've led teams and improved processes in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about the opportunity. Make sure your CV and cover letter are tailored to reflect the skills and experience they’re looking for.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Recruitment and Admissions in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Director of Recruitment and Admissions. Highlight your experience in student recruitment and admissions strategy, and don’t forget to showcase any leadership roles you've held.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Be sure to mention your understanding of the global student recruitment landscape and how you can contribute to LSE's mission.
Showcase Your Strategic Vision:In both your CV and cover letter, demonstrate your ability to set and communicate a strategic vision. We want to see how you can align your goals with LSE’s mission and values, especially around equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter and contributing to an impactful recruitment process.
How to prepare for a job interview at The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of LSE's mission and values, as well as the current trends in student recruitment and admissions. Brush up on recent developments in higher education, especially those affecting recruitment strategies.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare to discuss your experience in leading large teams and driving strategic initiatives. Think of specific examples where you've successfully influenced senior leaders or implemented change in complex environments.
✨Be Data-Driven
Since the role involves a strong focus on data and digital capabilities, be ready to talk about how you've used data to inform decisions in previous roles. Highlight any experience with AI or digital innovations in recruitment processes.
✨Emphasise Diversity and Inclusion
LSE values equity, diversity, and inclusion, so come prepared to discuss how you've embedded these principles in your past work. Share examples of how you've contributed to creating inclusive recruitment practices.
