At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead UK student recruitment across various educational programmes and drive ambitious targets.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking university committed to inclusivity and student success.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous holidays, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive community with excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives while shaping the future of education.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in higher education recruitment and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 58225 - 67468 € per year.
A career opportunity for an ambitious UK student recruitment specialist in Higher Education.
About this role
We are seeking a dynamic leader to drive our UK student recruitment across undergraduate, postgraduate, apprenticeships and skills provision. The Associate Director - UK Recruitment role will lead delivery of ambitious targets for student numbers, income, diversity and conversion - building a strong, sustainable pipeline across school leavers, graduates, apprentices and lifelong learners. The role will shape and deliver a joined-up approach to recruitment, aligned to evolving learner behaviours, employer needs and the opportunities presented by the Lifelong Learning Entitlement. This is a key role in advancing our ambitions for widening participation, regional impact and skills development - positioning the University as a provider of choice for students and employers alike.
Principle accountabilities
- Strategy and Growth
- Undergraduate and Postgraduate Recruitment
- Apprenticeships, Skills and Employer Engagement
- Marketing, Outreach and Recruitment Campaigns
- Regional and Stakeholder Engagement
- Leadership and Team Management
- Performance, Insight and Planning
About you
You are an experienced higher education recruitment leader with a strong track record of delivering growth across undergraduate, postgraduate and/or apprenticeship markets. You understand the UK recruitment landscape - from UCAS and schools engagement to postgraduate conversion, employer partnerships and emerging flexible learning models - and use insight, data and CRM to drive performance. You are a strategic thinker and collaborative leader, confident at building relationships across schools, colleges and employers, while leading teams to deliver against ambitious targets. Analytical, influential and outcomes-focused, you bring the energy and credibility to turn strategy into results, with the ability to manage a high-performing, student-focused recruitment operation.
About us
You will be joining a highly professional, committed and student focused academic community. We are a university where people matter. We value collegiality, inclusivity and shared endeavour, and are fully committed to our students, our staff and our wider communities.
Benefits
- A flexible defined contribution pension scheme via Aviva Master Trust (FlexHE).
- A paid closure period over the Christmas break in addition to our generous holiday allowance with bank holidays too and an occupational sickness scheme.
- On-site gym at our Chichester campus.
- Hybrid working options.
- 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme to support our staff.
- Extensive personal / professional training opportunities throughout the year.
- Cycle to work, Season Ticket Loan and Electric Vehicle schemes.
- Bus travel for staff between our Bognor Regis and Chichester campuses and Chichester city centre.
Contact
Enquiries are welcomed by Olivia McLaughlin; Chief Operating Officer and University Secretary via Executive Officer; Melissa Francis, m.francis@chi.ac.uk.
Closing Date: Monday 1st June 2026
Interview Dates: 8th, 9th or 10th June 2026
Prior to submitting your job application kindly ensure you have considered and can demonstrate your right to work in the UK. All new external appointments are employed by Chichester Staff Services Ltd (CSSL). Internal appointments remain with their existing employer. If you require any support with completing your application, please contact the recruitment team; staffrecruitment@chi.ac.uk.
We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion at every level because we believe a diverse workforce benefits us all.
Associate Director - UK Recruitment employer: University of Chichester
Join a vibrant academic community at the University of Chichester, where we prioritise inclusivity and professional growth. As an Associate Director in UK Recruitment, you will benefit from a flexible working environment, extensive training opportunities, and a supportive culture that values your contributions to student success. With on-site amenities like a gym and a commitment to employee well-being, this role offers a rewarding career path in a dynamic higher education setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director - UK Recruitment
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the higher education sector. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the university's values and recent initiatives. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their goals, especially around diversity and student engagement. We want to see that you’re not just a fit for the role, but also for our community.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and boost your confidence. Focus on articulating your strategic thinking and leadership skills, as these are key for the Associate Director role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team. Keep an eye on our site for updates and new opportunities!
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director - UK Recruitment
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Audience:Before you start writing, take a moment to understand who you're addressing. Tailor your application to reflect the values and goals of the university. Show us that you get what we're about!
Be Specific and Relevant:When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that align with the role. Use examples from your past that demonstrate your ability to drive recruitment and meet targets. We want to see how you can make an impact!
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for higher education and student recruitment shine through. We love candidates who are genuinely excited about shaping the future of students and can convey that passion in their writing.
Proofread Like a Pro:Before hitting send, give your application a thorough read. Typos and errors can distract from your message. We want to see your best work, so take the time to polish it up!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Chichester
✨Know Your Recruitment Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the UK recruitment landscape, especially around UCAS and schools engagement. Understanding the nuances of undergraduate, postgraduate, and apprenticeship markets will show your depth of knowledge and strategic thinking.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading teams and driving performance. Be ready to discuss how you've built relationships across schools, colleges, and employers, as well as how you’ve managed a high-performing recruitment operation.
✨Data-Driven Insights
Demonstrate your ability to use data and CRM systems to drive recruitment performance. Bring specific examples of how you've used insights to shape strategies and achieve ambitious targets in previous roles.
✨Align with Their Values
Research the university's commitment to inclusivity and community. Be prepared to discuss how your values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their mission of widening participation and regional impact.
