Team Leader International Admissions in Edinburgh

Venesky-Brown’s client, a public sector organisation in Edinburgh, is currently looking to recruit a Team Leader International Admissions and Compliance salary £39,679-£42,122 per annum.

This role will be based onsite in Edinburgh.

Responsibilities:

- To lead the International Admissions and Compliance team, supervising and monitoring admissions staff.

- To oversee the international admissions, visa and compliance system and providing international students and clients with a high-quality, streamlined and responsive admissions experience from first point of enquiry through to enrolment.

- To offer specialist advice and support to international students and applicants on immigration, application, course progression and welfare issues.

- To work across the organisation to develop and design application systems and processes to effectively support Student Sponsor compliance responsibilities, Fee Status Regulations and other international student issues.

- Acting as first point of response for international applicant complaints

- To maintain an up-to-date knowledge of developments which affect the area of work by monitoring information sources such as UKVI Home Office, UKCISA and the British Council, and attending UKCISA training courses as required; and contribute to staff development programmes relating to current international issues, Student Visa compliance (e.g. attendance monitoring) and cultural awareness.

- To ensure that International Admissions processes are in line with UKVI immigration rules.

- To undertake thorough assessment of student applications including video interviews and careful questioning of applicants, and scrutiny of supporting documents, to make recommendations to the International Business Manager as to whether to sponsor students under Student Visa or short-term study visa route, or whether to decline an application.

- To ensure robust and up-to-date student information storage systems in line with Student Visa sponsorship obligations.

- To monitor student attendance and follow up on attendance issues with students and academic staff as necessary in line with our Student Visa Sponsor obligations.

- To oversee financial processes regarding the payment of international tuition fees, international refunds and agent commission payments and provide the International Business Manager with financial updates pertaining to revenue generation from these activities.

- To plan and deliver a comprehensive induction programme for new students in August and January in conjunction with the wider International team.

- To act as the International Team’s lead on determinations around Fee Status Assessment and work closely with Student Records on matters relating to Fee Status.

- To maintain and update policies and procedures pertaining to international admissions and compliance and to lead on the continued development of student-centric international admissions processes in line with UKVI regulations, policies and UKCISA guidance.

- To advise and inform the International Business Manager and Senior Management on updates to and compliance with UK immigration law and policy.

- To manage the annual BAC process and Student Visa Sponsor licence renewal.

- To report on trends and issues to aid planning of service provision

- To collaborate effectively with relevant staff including Faculty staff, Student Experience Teams, MIS teams and Finance.

- To participate in recruitment, selection, induction, training, support and supervision of team staff

- Carry out any other duties as required.

Essential Skills:

- Educated to SCQF level 8 or above (e.g. HND level)

- Recent experience of working with international clients / non-native speakers in a frontline support environment

- Experience understanding cultural differences and working internationally, including engaging with people where English is not their first language

- Experience in managing Student Visa Sponsor licence compliance

- Experience in international admissions in an FE/HE environment

- Experience of writing information materials, ideally for non-native speakers

- Working knowledge of UKVI legislation and managing Student Visa Sponsor Licence compliance

- Excellent communication skills both verbal and written

- Excellent organisation / project management skills

- Cultural awareness

- A keen problem solver who has ability to think creatively, quickly and effectively

- Accuracy and attention to detail

- Report writing skills

- Strong numeracy skills

- Strong IT skills including a working knowledge of Microsoft Office

- Ability to deal with sensitive matters with tact and diplomacy

- May be required to work at any organisational locations.

- Annual leave restrictions will apply during the peak period for international projects (June – August).

- A flexible approach to working hours is required, and some weekend and evening work will be necessary.

- Occasional UK and international travel may be required in the course of this role.

- The post holder should be flexible and responsive to change, as tasks may change as the activity of the team evolves and develops.

Desirable Skills:

- Professional qualification in appropriate discipline

- Good knowledge of the FE, HE and/or ELT Sector in Scotland, the UK and internationally

- Knowledge of British Council accreditation criteria

- Knowledge of UK visas / immigration legislation

- A working knowledge of one or more foreign languages (Spanish or Chinese of particular interest)

- Experience in a leadership position

- Experience of project management

- Experience of managing groups

- Experience of working in an education context

If you would like to hear more about this opportunity please get in touch.