Head of International Student Recruitment and Assistant DirectorCANDIDATE BROCHURE JANUARY 2019

The University of Exeter combines world-class

teaching with world-class research – it is a member

of the prestigious Russell Group of research-

intensive universities and has achieved a Gold rating

in the Teaching Excellence Framework Award

2017. With over 22,000 students and 4,600 staff

from 180 different countries, the University has

been rated WhatUni 2017 International Student

Choice. The University’s research focuses on

some of the most fundamental issues facing

humankind today, with 98% of its research rated

as being of international quality in the 2014

Research Excellence Framework. The University’s

Professional Services and Academic College

work closely together to ensure that it achieves

its strategy and vision. Collaboration, alongside

challenge, characterise its working environment.

One of Exeter’s core ambitions is to establish itself

as a Global 100 institution. The University is at a

critical juncture in its plans for international and

postgraduate student recruitment, aiming to grow

these communities whilst maintaining and enhancing

Exeter’s enviable reputation for an outstanding

student experience.

The Head of International Student Recruitment

and Assistant Director will lead the International

Student Recruitment Team at Exeter. The

post-holder will be the key institutional expert

on international recruitment from both a strategic

and tactical perspective and will thereby advise

the most senior members of the University

leadership team, including the Provost, Deputy

Vice-Chancellor Education, Director of Marketing

and Corporate Affairs and the Pro-Vice Chancellors

heading up each college. The post-holder will

seek to increase international student numbers,

develop new markets for Exeter and enhance the

University’s global reputation. Existing knowledge

and networks will need to be deployed to drive

forward these ambitions, developing stakeholder

relationships and enhancing the institution’s global

reach across international recruitment communities.

Candidates are expected to have substantial

experience in an international student recruitment

context within Higher Education. In addition to a

bachelor’s degree, a higher degree or marketing

qualification is laudable. Candidates will relish the

opportunity to work on their own initiative and

as a key advisor to a senior team, and crucially, be

able to demonstrate the ability to manage a team

of recruitment professionals, providing drive and

motivation during a significant period of change.

The successful candidate will demonstrate an

outstanding aptitude for networking, market

development, presentation and interpersonal

skills, alongside proven research and statistical

analysis capability.

Executive Summary

About the University

The University of Exeter combines world-class research with excellent student

satisfaction at its campuses in Exeter and Cornwall. It is a member of the

prestigious Russell Group of leading research-intensive universities. Formed in

1955, the University has over 22,000 students from 180 different countries.

Its success is built on a strong partnership with its students and a clear focus

on high performance.

Exeter was named The Times and The Sunday Times Sports University of the Year

2015-16, acknowledging the University as the best in the country in academic

and athletic achievement across a wide range of sports. It is ranked 12th in

the UK and 1st in South West England (The Times and The Sunday Times Good

University Guide 2019). It is also ranked amongst the world’s top 150 universities

in the QS and Times Higher Education rankings.

Notable breakthroughs to come out of Exeter’s research include the

identification and treatment of new forms of diabetes and the creation of the

world’s most transparent, lightweight and flexible conductor of electricity –

a new graphene-based material. The University’s research focuses on some

of the most fundamental issues facing humankind today, while investment

is increasing in research infrastructure in order to continue furthering the

institution’s reputation.

Development of the new £52.5 million Living Systems research centre is now

complete. It will focus on disease prevention through predictive biology and will

eventually house 200 scientists. It follows a major refurbishment project, which

saw the creation of world-class research and teaching facilities for Biosciences.

The Penryn Campus has benefited from the Environment and Sustainability

Institute; a £30 million interdisciplinary centre that leads cutting-edge research

into the consequences of environmental change and the mitigation and

management of its effects, while the Exchange building provides a lecture

theatre, library facilities and spaces for small group discussions and exhibitions.

Exeter operates on the view that embedding the views of students into its

operation as a University is critical to the delivery of high-quality student

experiences. The Student Experience Advisory Board provides the opportunity

for the University and the two representative student bodies to work together

on medium to long-term student priorities which contribute to the continuous

enhancement of the student experience on all campuses.

The most visible expression of this partnership is the Forum, a £50 million

student services building which provides a centrepiece for the Streatham

Campus and which opens onto an attractive piazza. It houses a purpose-built

student services centre, 400-seat lecture theatre, a shop, bank and café. Other

facilities on the Streatham Campus include the INTO building which provides

flexible teaching spaces, a lecture theatre and a learning resource centre for

international students to improve their English.

www.exeter.ac.uk

Location

The University of Exeter is named as one of the most beautiful campuses in

Britain (Business Insider UK 2016), with access to outstanding facilities and

educational resources.

Exeter itself is a small city with an outstandingly vibrant and attractive landscape

and interesting history. Pre-dating the arrival of the Romans in AD 50, Exeter’s

history is rich and long. This is reflected in its fascinating visitor attractions

including its unique Underground Passages, Red Coat Guided Tours, magnificent

Cathedral, imposing Roman wall and beautiful Quayside. Exeter is also home to

the award-winning Royal Albert Memorial Museum where visitors can explore

the city’s 2,000-year history under one roof.

Exeter has a strong sense of individuality; its varied cultural scene is embraced by

proud locals, and the diverse mix of eateries means it is renowned as one of the

foodie capitals of the South West.

When it comes to culture, Exeter is renowned in the south west for its

independent arts scene. It is also firmly on the map as a destination for top

sporting events and music. A good mix of independent venues such as the Exeter

Phoenix, and large venues such as nearby Powderham Castle play host to a

packed calendar of events and festivals throughout the year.

The city’s location is within the heart of Devon, surrounded by miles of

countryside and close to the World Heritage Jurassic Coast, ensuring that there

are plenty of opportunities for adventure. The city serves as the perfect place

to be adventurous, as well as to simply relax and relish the stunning scenery.

For more information, the University provides further detail on living in the

South West here.

Visit Exeter also provides extensive information about the life, culture and

activities taking place in the city and region which you can explore here.

Schools

There is excellent provision in and around Exeter across primary,

secondary, and further education. Exeter College is rated

Outstanding by OFSTED and provides secondary, further and

university level qualifications.

For more information on the range of schools in the area, you can

visit Devon County Council pages here.

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities

Post Head of International Student

Recruitment and Assistant Director

College xxxxxx

Reporting to Director of Communications and

Corporate Affairs

Summary of post

The Head of International Student Recruitment and

Assistant Director provides expert strategic and tactical

advice to the University’s most senior committees and

officers in relation to international student recruitment.

The post-holder is accountable to the Director of

Communications and Corporate Affairs who has

ultimate responsibility for delivery of the Student

Recruitment Strategy. The role has line management

responsibility for the International Student Recruitment

team and particular responsibility for developing and

directing Regional Managers.

Main Responsibilities

Responsibilities will include but may not be

limited to:

serving as the institutional expert on innovative and

market-leading international student recruitment

tactics;

engaging with staff at all levels, empower decision

making and work with managers to enable and

ensure successful strategic and tactical operations;

leading the team responsible for engaging

prospective students through a complex portfolio

of in-country events and visits, and having oversight

of bespoke recruitment activities, familiarisation

visits and partner liaison activity on campus;

understanding and meeting the needs of distinct

audiences and influencers, and be able to broker

and negotiate partnerships, articulation agreements

and sponsor agreements globally;

building and extending the University’s reputation

externally with national and international agencies,

ministries of education, sponsors and other

external stakeholders;

liaising, through internal collaboration and

co-ordination, with academic and discipline-based

staff at all levels in Colleges;

working closely with the Assistant Director:

Student Access, Recruitment and Admissions to

align all elements of the international applicant

journey and with the Doctoral College in relation

to research student recruitment;

collaborating with colleagues in Strategic

Marketing to play a lead role in developing

innovative strategies for generation, nurturing,

communication and conversion;

leading cross-functional student recruitment-

related projects or working groups;

providing expert and authoritative international

market expertise to shape the development

and implementation of the institutional Student

Recruitment Strategy;

leading on the development, co-ordination

and implementation of delivery plans for

international student recruitment, focusing

on the strategies and tactics required to

meet or exceed taught student number

targets; supporting the Doctoral College with

postgraduate research student recruitment;

driving growth by setting goals and targets

for countries and/or regions as well as for

individuals, devising ways of relating these to

institutional, campus, College and discipline

intake number plans; ensuring that senior

officers and committees are briefed in-cycle

on innovation or adjustments required to

respond to market opportunities or threats

as they emerge;

developing alignment between institutional and

College approaches to international student

recruitment, providing discipline-specific

advice to College Executive teams in support

of international number growth; devising

new approaches to developing academic staff

involved in recruitment;

driving forward agent relationships and

developing innovative strategies to engage

and incentivize them; managing agent

contracts and negotiating new ones, ensuring

that recruitment goals and compliance

perspectives inform all decisions to continue

or terminate contracts;

collaborating with the Head of International

Strategic Marketing to support the INTO/

Exeter relationship; supporting the Director

of Marketing and Corporate Communications

with its development;

working with the Head of International

Strategic Marketing to ensure an effective

communications strategy for external

stakeholders, sponsors, agents, advisers

and influencers (including parents);

managing, motivating and incentivising staff to

reach recruitment goals whilst managing risk;

line-managing the Regional Managers and the

International Recruitment Operations Manager,

leading team meetings and ensuring that

institutional, Service and ISR priorities

are clearly articulated and understood within

the team;

managing the International Student Recruitment

budget to maximize impact and efficiency,

devolving day to day responsibility as

appropriate;

working collaboratively with all Assistant

Directors in Communications and Marketing

Services to deliver an integrated prospective

student and applicant experience; leading

projects and working groups as requested;

Main Responsibilities Contd.

supporting colleagues in Strategic Marketing

to implement creative and cutting-edge

techniques to lead generation, nurture,

communication and conversion;

leading on external issues affecting demand

such as changes in government policy at home

and abroad, country demographics, sponsor

circumstances and competitor behavior;

making appropriate recommendations to senior

committees;

representing the University at external events

in the UK and internationally; liaising with

relevant sector associations and groups such

as UUKi, British Council, BUILA, the Russell

Group, UKCISA, IACAC, CIS, government

departments such as FCO and relevant

funding bodies; undertaking some international

recruitment travel with a particular focus

on evaluation of new markets, initiatives or

networking opportunities;

working with the Assistant Director Student

Access, Recruitment and Admissions to

provide continuous improvement in admissions

procedures for international applicants;

providing expert advice to the Admissions

Team and Admissions Policy Group relating

to international qualification frameworks,

equivalences and articulation routes;

and writing corporate level policies, standards

and guidance as they relate to international

student recruitment.

Essential Criteria:

educated to degree level or equivalent relevant experience;

working at a senior level, in a strategic or leadership student recruitment or marketing role, preferably in a Higher Education Environment;

collaborative working at a senior level – working with internal and external stakeholders, partners and providers to enhance service delivery and development through influence and relationship management;

leading a team to deliver strategic and operational functions and complex corporate goals;

performance management and evidence of making an impact through staff coaching and development;

understanding and experience of providing and delivering exceptional recruitment services and of developing and implementing marketing strategies;

outstanding student recruitment knowledge relating across a range of distinct regions or markets;

excellent leadership and management skills, with significant experience of negotiation and of influencing challenging organisational and people issues;

an understanding of the current challenges and opportunities within the UK and international Higher Education environment, including issues relevant to students;

an understanding of the complexity and diversity of the University context and an ability to adapt their style and approach accordingly;

excellent communication skills and an ability to influence others positively;

proven problem-solving ability and leadership skills;

and the ability to take both a broad overview of strategic issues and to also focus on the operational solutions;

outstanding people and resources management. Ability to develop an effective team working culture;

excellent time management and organisational abilities;

excellent planning skills and remaining calm under pressure;

excellent written and oral communication skills;

ability to effectively engage both internal and external stakeholders at different levels;

commitment to staff development and training.

customer focused and people-friendly approach;

ability to work independently using own initiative and discretion;

ability to present a professional image of the University at all times.

Desirable:

Higher degree, MBA or professional qualification/membership (MCMI etc);

experience of higher education admissions

policies and procedures.

Person SpecificationThe successful candidate will be expected to demonstrate evidence of the following skills, capabilities and experience.

Appointment Process and How to Apply

The University of Exeter is being assisted in this

appointment process by the executive search firm

Society.

Applications should consist of a CV, ideally

accompanied by a brief covering letter addressing

the criteria in the Person Specification. To upload

these documents via Society’s website, click here.

For an informal discussion, please contact Mahfuza

Haque on +44 (0) 203 653 0471 or via email

mahfuza.haque@society-search.com

The deadline for receipt of applications is

midday on Monday, 18 February 2019.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview

in March 2019.

An appointment will be made subject to receipt of

satisfactory references. The appointed candidate

will be offered a salary that is commensurate

with their experience and the seniority of their

new role.

Additional Information Relating to the Post

Circumstances

The post requires travel overseas regularly and

possibly at short notice without restriction, as

well as some weekend work and extended hours

during peak periods. Time off in lieu and working

from home arrangements will be applied under the

relevant international or UK travel policy and these

are available on request. Typically, overseas travel

may account for two to six weeks per year, with

visits of up to two weeks in duration. However,

these remain guidelines and willingness to travel

and be away from the UK for substantial periods

is a business requirement of the role. Length of

absence is subject to change for business, security

and professional development reasons. The

University conducts thorough risk assessments

in relation to overseas travel and whilst personal

preferences will be taken into account in relation to

schedules and security, post-holders must fulfil all

reasonable requirements in relation to travel to a

particular location.

Salary

Salary will be at a level commensurate with the

responsibilities of this senior role and will depend

on skills and experience.

An increment will be payable on 1 August each

year until the top of the scale is reached (subject

to being in post for six months and satisfactory

performance). The scale will be subject to a cost

of living review each year.

Hours of work

Hours of work will be 36.5 hours per week

(full-time) or flexible working as agreed; staff at this

level may be required to work additional hours to

meet the requirements of the role.

Annual Leave

The annual leave entitlement for full-time

appointments is 41 days per calendar year

(pro rata for part-time appointments). For

further information see the University’s website

www.admin.ex.ac.uk/personnel/leave.shtml

Probationary Period

The appointment will normally be subject to a

probationary period of one year.

References and Medical Clearance

All appointments are subject to satisfactory

reference and medical checks and individuals will

be required to complete a medical assessment

form before appointment is confirmed. Applicants

should note that the University normally contacts

referees for short-listed applicants without further

advice to applicants. When advising of referees,

if they are resident overseas, please ensure

you supply fax numbers and/or email addresses

enabling the University to contact them (if

necessary) without delay.

Right to Work in the United Kingdom

Exeter welcomes all applicants and the diversity they

bring. However, the nature of this role, the salary and

the qualifications required, mean that immigration

legislation will not allow the University to apply for

a sponsorship certificate for this post. They strongly

recommend that applicants who are non-EEA nationals

consult the Right to Work rules on the Home Office

website at: www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk

In particular, you are encouraged to undertake a

self-assessment of your eligibility to work in the UK

using the link to www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/

pointscalculator

Terms and Conditions

The Terms and Conditions of Employment can be

viewed on line by visiting www.exeter.ac.uk/staff/

employment/conditions/terms

Pensions

Membership of the Universities’ Superannuation

Scheme (USS) is automatic provided that you

meet the qualifying criteria for membership.

For details on the scheme please go to the

https://forthefuture.uss.co.uk

Staff automatically become members and employee

contributions will be taken from your pay unless you

opt out in accordance with the current rules of the

scheme. More information about the USS scheme can

be found at www.uss.co.uk/members. The University,

as your employer, contributes such sums as will be

required to maintain the full benefits of the scheme.

You may opt out of the scheme and if you wish to

do so, you should contact the Pensions and Reward

Advisor, Mrs Alison Rose (01392 723088 /

a.j.rose@exeter.ac.uk) for further information.

Relocation

You may be able to claim relocation expenses in

accordance with the University’s Relocation Assistance

Scheme. The maximum allowance that you can

reclaim under the Relocation Assistance Scheme, if

eligible, is 10% of the salary.

Short-listing Information

The University will acknowledge your application by

email. The University of Exeter recognises the time

and effort taken to apply for a position and will contact

you by email to inform you of results of shortlisting.

Data Protection Act (1998)

The information contained within your application

is being requested to enable the University to make

employment decisions and meet statutory obligations.

Any information provided to the University in this

context will be treated confidentially and used only

by manager(s), members of the University, Human

Resources, Superannuation and Payroll during the

course of your employment. Where the application

relates to a post which is externally funded, this

information may be passed onto the relevant

funding body.

People ServicesNorthcote House, The Queen’s DriveExeter EX4 4QJ

2019

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