Student Recruitment Officer - External Relations - 56262 - Grade 6 in Birmingham

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £33,002 to £35,608 with potential progression once in post to £39,906. Grade: 6 Full Time, Permanent. UK travel may be required for this role.

Role Summary

The Student Recruitment Officer plays a pivotal role in driving student recruitment and enhancing the University’s reputation. Working with colleagues across the University, the postholder is responsible for the delivery and evaluation of student recruitment activities to attract and convert prospective students across undergraduate, postgraduate and professional education markets, supporting the University to build a high quality and diverse student population and achieve its growth ambitions for 2030 and beyond.

Main Duties

• Deliver a range of student recruitment activities and campaigns, including large scale on-campus and online events, to help meet recruitment targets across all markets, monitoring budgets and performance.
• Work closely with colleagues across student recruitment, marketing, admissions, colleges, the wider External Relations division, and across the institution to ensure a coordinated and unified approach.
• Provide flexibility, shifting focus across products and audience groups in line with strategic priorities.
• Plan and manage recruitment activities and events on/off campus and online, including logistics, venues, staffing, security, freight, catering, and accommodation.
• Represent and promote the University to engage and convert prospective students, including delivering presentations to schools/colleges, attending Higher Education events and ensuring a high quality experience at Open Days and other events.
• Collaborate with teams across the University to develop and deliver subject‑specific activities in line with recruitment strategies.
• Train and brief staff, student ambassadors and event teams supporting recruitment activity.
• Support wider activities such as Confirmation and Clearing, scholarship programmes delivery and administration, and subject interviews.
• Act as the operational contact for schools, colleges, employers, professional bodies, partner organisations and recruitment service providers, escalating issues as needed.
• Ensure accurate capture and maintenance of contact, event and lead data to support CRM‑driven follow‑up and evaluation.
• Provide expert advice to these audiences on qualifications and student recruitment‑related activities.

Market Insight and Evaluation

• Contribute to market analysis and provide recommendations.
• Monitor and regularly evaluate performance against targets, driving innovation in student recruitment activities.

Leadership and Management

• Where relevant, hold line management responsibility for staff, ensuring effective workload planning, clear objectives, and professional development.
• Deputise in a leadership capacity as needed.
• Act as brand champion, representing and promoting the University’s values and identity in all interactions.
• Provide additional support to recruitment activities, events, campaigns as specified.
• Will work occasional evenings, weekends, and travel as required.
• Promote a supportive and inclusive team culture, maintaining confidentiality and complying with GDPR, CMA, Safeguarding, OfS, and other regulations.
• Promote equality, acting as a role model and fostering inclusive culture.
• Support the University's sustainability agenda through resource‑efficient working.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications, Experience

• Educated to degree level (or equivalent) in a related field, with desire to develop career in this area; where no equivalent qualification, significant practical experience and expertise required.
• Previous experience in a relevant role; large, complex organisation experience desirable.
• Excellent presentation and communication skills, engaging large audiences and writing clear, concise reports.
• Demonstrable project management skills, experience organising and delivering in‑person and online events.
• Experience using CRM systems and digital engagement tools, experience of Microsoft Dynamics, Gecko or similar desirable.
• Proven experience in managing and influencing relationships with colleagues at all levels and external partners.
• Creative problem‑solver, proactive and resilient.
• Analytical skills, ability to interpret data and market research, making recommendations.
• Highly organised, strong administrative skills, attention to detail under tight deadlines.
• Experience monitoring budgets.
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office.
• Ability to work flexibly and independently, managing multiple priorities.

Other Requirements

• Commitment to demonstrating behaviours aligned with the University and External Relations framework.
• Willing and able to travel extensively across the UK, including evenings, weekends, and overnight stays as required.
• Valid UK driving licence and/or ability to travel independently often during unsociable hours.
• DBS clearance required.
• Knowledge of the Equality Act 2010 and how to ensure equitable treatment of protected characteristics.

DBS Required

The University is committed to safeguarding; all pre‑employment checks will be undertaken before appointment. All successful applicants will receive a satisfactory DBS clearance prior to appointment.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements and a generous package of benefits, including 40 days paid holiday, one paid day for volunteering per year, occupational sick pay, pension scheme and subsidised day nurseries.