SENIOR STUDENT RECRUITMENT AND OUTREACH OFFICER (HOME)

Buckinghamshire New University; Sunderland; Hybrid; GBP 33,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

A forward-thinking university in High Wycombe is seeking a Recruitment Coordinator to enhance recruitment and outreach activities. The ideal candidate will manage recruitment plans, engage with schools, and present at events. Essential skills include strong communication, experience in student recruitment, and the ability to analyze data. This role offers hybrid working, a generous holiday entitlement, and opportunities for professional development, making it a rewarding environment for the right individual.

Benefits

Generous holiday entitlement (30 days plus bank holidays)

Hybrid working opportunities

Training and development support

Contributory pension scheme

Discounted gym membership

Qualifications

• Experience of devising and delivering presentations for students.
• Knowledge of policy issues facing the UK Higher Education sector.
• Experience of planning and coordinating events.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement student recruitment plans across the UK.
• Design and deliver engaging presentations for prospective students.
• Promote the University at events by organizing and delivering activities.

Skills

Excellent oral and written communication skills

Experience of delivering student recruitment/outreach activities

Data analysis and evaluation

Ability to work to tight deadlines

Networking and building professional relationships

Education

Degree or equivalent experience in education

Tools

Microsoft Office

Evaluation software

Job description

Job Details

Location: High Wycombe

Contract Type: Permanent

Salary Range: £33,951 - £37,694

Hours per week: 37

Closing Date: 04/01/2026

Reference Number: 1949

About Buckinghamshire New University

Buckinghamshire New University is an ambitious, modern university that is always open to fresh ideas and thinking. We believe in the transformative power of education, and in doing the right thing by our students, people and local community. That is why our BNU community is a special place to work and study, and where people who want to make a difference can contribute and succeed.

Our University’s DRIVE values are at the heart of all we do. We are united in being dynamic, responsible, inclusive, visionary and empowering to ensure that we provide the best experience to our learners and offer excellent service to our partners and colleagues. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, communities and industries and we are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments you require.

Role Summary

To deliver and assist in the coordination of first‑class recruitment and outreach for the University’s applicants, offering official and professional advice directly to applicants, while ensuring the quality of service is constantly improving. This key post supports the Recruitment and Outreach Manager in all processes involved in the applicant journey from enquiry to enrolment.

The role involves delivering and coordinating recruitment and outreach activities including monitoring, tracking and analysing participant data, monitoring feedback on activities, and building relationships with schools and colleges externally in academic areas.

Main Duties & Responsibilities of the Role

• Developing and implementing student recruitment plans for specified target markets across the UK
• Designing and delivering engaging presentations and workshops for prospective students, applicants and teachers
• Promoting the University offer at events by organising, delivering and evaluating a range of activities
• Creating online and offline content to increase active audience size
• Overseeing the development of relationships with new target schools and colleges and managing an effective network of contacts
• Analysing monitoring and evaluation data to highlight current trends
• Promoting BNU across the sector and upselling low‑impact activities to sustained projects
• Supervising new recruitment initiatives and trials to test best practice for increasing applications
• Undertaking safeguarding responsibilities and risk assessments for campus activities
• Networking with colleagues at other HEIs regarding best practice with respect to student recruitment
• Researching emerging trends and developments in secondary and vocational education and co‑developing activities and resources in response
• Providing professional advice to the academic teams on their schools and outreach activities
• Working with the Head of Home Recruitment and Widening Participation Outreach to assess target schools and colleges providing information about key institutions for academic colleagues
• Undertake any other responsibilities as required by the Head of Home Recruitment and Widening Participation Outreach

What We Offer

• A generous holiday entitlement (30 days per annum, plus bank holidays & closure days)
• Hybrid working (depending on business needs)
• Training & development support opportunities
• Contributory pension scheme
• Discounted gym membership for our on‑site gym
• A range of staff discounts with major retailers

Application Information

If you have the qualities and attributes representative of the University’s values and ambition, we would be delighted to hear from you. For further information about this role, please contact Rhys Thomas. All applications are to be made in full and online.

BNU is proud to have a diverse community and a strong track record of diversity, equity and inclusion. Our aim is to continue to build an environment where everyone thrives and can be themselves. We therefore ensure that our interview/shortlisting Chairs complete the relevant e‑learning and/or inclusive recruitment training.

We particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in BNUS workforce, including people from global majority backgrounds, disabled people and LGBTQI+ people, particularly in more senior roles.

Closing Date: 4 January 2026 | Interview Date: w/c 12 January 2026

If you are successful in securing an interview for the role, you will be required to provide proof of eligibility to work in the UK.

BNU is a Disability Confident employer and you will be given the opportunity to declare a disability as part of the application process.

Person Specification – Essential Criteria Only

Education, Qualifications & Training

• Degree or equivalent experience in education – A

Knowledge & Experience

• Experience of delivering student recruitment/outreach activities in a higher education context – A/I
• Experience of devising and delivering presentations, workshops and sessions for secondary and college students – A/I/T
• Knowledge of policy issues facing the UK Higher Education sector – I
• Knowledge of national agendas in relation to recruitment of students (including from non‑traditional backgrounds) – A/I
• Knowledge of undergraduate admissions cycle – A/I
• Experience of planning and coordinating events – A/I
• Experience of data analysis and evaluation – A/I
• Experience of safeguarding – A/I
• Experience of networking and building professional relationships – A/I

Skills

• Excellent oral and written communication skills – A/I
• Excellent presentation skills – A/I
• Familiarity with standard Microsoft Office packages and an ability to use evaluation software – A/I
• Ability to work to tight deadlines and under pressure – A/I
• Excellent attention to detail – A/I
• Ability to engage and build relationships and key contacts (prospective students, teachers, parents, careers advisers and agents) – A/I
• Ability to deliver and receive feedback effectively – A/I
• Ability to use initiative to solve everyday problems – A/I
• Ability to be creative and innovative – A/I
• Ability to work under pressure – A/I

Special Requirements

• DBS Clearance – A
• Willingness and ability to travel to off‑site locations – A/I
• Willingness to work evenings and weekends – A/I
• Full, clean UK driving licence – A/I

Behavioural Indicators

The BNU Behaviours Framework (BBF) sets out the key behaviours that exemplify the DRIVE values and ethos of the University. The nine categories provide a clear steer on behavioural expectations that support a step change in performance and culture.

Delivering excellent service – Providing the best quality service to external and internal customers, students and stakeholders; building genuine and open long‑term relationships to drive up customer service standards.

Developing self and others – Showing commitment to own ongoing professional development; supporting and encouraging others to develop professional knowledge, skills and behaviours to reach their full potential.

Working together – Working co‑operatively with others to achieve objectives, recognising and valuing the different contributions people bring to this process.