Schools and Colleges Engagement Officer - Outreach

TN United Kingdom; Chelmsford; Hybrid; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university in the UK is seeking an Outreach Officer to enhance student engagement and support progression to higher education. This role involves developing innovative activities for diverse student groups, including those from care backgrounds. Ideal candidates will possess strong communication skills and a passion for education. The position offers flexible working options and a range of benefits.

Benefits

Generous holiday entitlement

Pension schemes

Training opportunities

Travel-to-work scheme

Relocation package

Qualifications

• Experience working with diverse groups, including primary students and mature learners.
• Informed about pathways to higher education.
• Ability to engage and motivate students and their families.

Responsibilities

• Develop face-to-face and virtual activities for student engagement.
• Support Access and Participation Plan focusing on care leavers and diverse communities.
• Organize and lead group activities.

Skills

Communication

Organizational skills

Creativity

Patience

Proactivity

Education

Degree

Job description

Job Description

About ARU:

ARU is a global university transforming lives through innovative, inclusive, and entrepreneurial education and research. It holds a Gold award for the quality of its education through the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF). ARU's research institutes and faculties bridge scientific, technical, and creative fields, delivering impactful research that addresses pressing issues and benefits communities. Recognized for academic excellence, 16 of its research areas are assessed as world leading. It is the largest provider of Nursing, Midwifery, Health, and Social Care students in East England and a leading university in the UK for degree apprenticeships, collaborating with numerous employers nationwide.

About the role

We are seeking an Outreach Officer to join the Schools and Colleges Engagement team within the Corporate Marketing Directorate. The role involves supporting our Access and Participation Plan and Education Action Plan, with a focus on students who are care leavers or have care experience.

Your main responsibilities include developing face-to-face and virtual activities to engage primary, secondary, and Further Education students both on and off campus. This includes working with students from Gypsy/Roma/Traveller communities, care leavers, students with SEND, and students from military families. All activities aim to raise attainment and support progression to higher education.

To succeed, you should have a degree and experience working with diverse groups, from primary students to mature learners, including their families and educators. You should be informed about pathways to higher education and passionate about helping young and mature students take confident next steps.

Ideal candidates will be innovative, creative, enthusiastic, proactive, patient, and well-organized. Excellent communication skills—interpersonal, written, and oral—are essential, along with the ability to engage and motivate others. You should be capable of building relationships with colleagues, partners, and stakeholders, and comfortable organizing and leading group activities.

The position is based at Chelmsford, Cambridge, or Peterborough campuses, with options for remote work. Regular travel to schools and colleges, occasional travel between campuses, and some outside-office hours work are expected.

Interview dates are tentatively scheduled for Thursday, 12th December (location TBC).

We offer a flexible working culture with benefits such as generous holiday entitlement, pension schemes, training opportunities, a travel-to-work scheme, and a relocation package. Details are available on our website.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of staff and students. All staff and volunteers must share this commitment. ARU will conduct online searches on shortlisted candidates.

We value diversity and welcome applications from all community sections. Applicants must be eligible to work in the UK. We are open to discussing flexible working arrangements.

Note: This vacancy may close early once sufficient applications are received.

For key requirements, please download the Job Description and Person Specification. When applying, demonstrate how your skills and experience meet these criteria.