Student Recruitment Assistant Manager (UG Recruitment and Conversion)

The University

At Durham University we are proud of our people.  A globally outstanding centre of educational excellence, a collegiate community of extraordinary people, a unique and historic setting - Durham is a university like no other.

Across the University we have a huge variety of roles and career opportunities, which together make us a large and successful community, which is a key hub of activity within our region and nationally.  Whether you are at the very start, middle or end of your career, there is a role for you. We believe everyone has their own unique skills to offer.

We would be thrilled if you would consider joining our thriving University.  Further information about the University can be found here

The Role and the Department

The Student Recruitment Assistant Manager (Undergraduate Recruitment and Conversion) supports the Student Recruitment Manager (Undergraduate Recruitment and Conversion) in the delivery of high quality, strategically aligned, flag ship events to undergraduate prospects, applicants and offer holders on behalf of the University. Using a best practice and a continuous improvement approach the team have responsibility for the operational planning and delivery of a minimum of four large scale University-wide Open Days, at least three sizeable Offer Holder Days, regular Discover Durham Tours and a range of digital events that complement on-site delivery.

Using initiative, interpersonal and collaboration skills they use independent judgement and technical skills to deliver and develop events that match the changing strategic needs of recruitment and conversion across the student journey. The post holder delivers a culture of continuous improvement to ensure activity is engaging and targeted to meet the needs of prospective students and key stakeholders/influencers. The post-holder is responsible for creating and delivering a strategy which strengthens Durham's reputation by showcasing key selling points of the University.

The post holder possesses excellent administration skills with attention to detail and is driven to achieve excellent customer service standards. They are experienced in planning and delivering major events and activities and have excellent organisation and communication skills. They use creativity, influence and collaborative skills to communicate with potential students, offer holders, applicants and other key influencers, such as parents, and key stakeholders which include a range of academic, college and professional service staff and external organisations, e.g. event management platform providers and Durham County Council.

The post holder represents the University at events and activities and contributes to wider recruitment and conversion activities delivered across the UK and virtually, for example, school visits and UCAS fairs. Possessing excellent presentation skills and a robust knowledge of the University's academic and wider student support services they support delivery of cross-office activity. They develop robust and positive relationships with key members of the University, through timely, efficient and effective communication channels and reports to a wide range of University staff. Using surveys and event feedback they seek to increase both applications and conversion rates to the University alongside year-on-year improvements to the services delivered. The post holder also co-ordinates the work of Durham Student Ambassadors during event delivery.

Adherence to Health and Safety and Safeguarding regulations and University Policies is a necessary element of this post.

Recruitment and Admissions Services

The Department and our Team

Based in the Student and Academic Services Directorate, Student Recruitment and Admissions (SRA) comprises approximately 100 staff and brings together several teams providing services in events, enquiry management, widening access and participation, outreach, schools liaison, CRM campaigns, data analysis and forecasting, systems development, and admissions.

We are committed to creating a welcoming an inclusive environment where our people feel supported and valued, enabling them to not only succeed but thrive. The opinions and expertise of our teams are welcomed to help shape departmental activities.

SRA provides a critical service to the University in ensuring its financial sustainability, delivering target student numbers and increasing diversity in line with strategic aims and targets. It is the public face of the University in UK schools and colleges, through contact with prospects, enquirers and applicants across the world, and through our events programme. The department includes a range of professionals from a number of specialisms including administrators, decision makers, data analysts and forecasters, IT specialists, designers and marketers, events managers and recruiters. Teams work collaboratively, using the expertise across the department to jointly deliver the optimum service to our internal and external customers. The department is also responsible for adherence to requisite regulations and UCAS contract requirements.

SRA works in collaboration with colleagues across the University, most notably with the Marketing Team (Marketing and Communications) to develop pre-contact and conversion marketing campaigns, the International Office for international student recruitment and Strategic Planning and Insight in managing numbers. It also works alongside academic departments, faculties and colleges in the development of their contributions to recruitment, conversion and admissions activity. SRA also provides domestic market insight and customer relationship management. Current students are closely involved in the delivery of some of our recruitment, conversion, widening access and participation activity.

Holly Chatbot, an AI Assistant developed by Student Recruitment and Admissions with colleagues in Computer and Information Services and an external company (ICS.AI) was shortlisted for the Times Higher Technological or Digital Innovation of the Year 2021 .

Staff leave is not permitted during the week that JCQ results are published (that date in 2024 is week commencing 12 August) and on occasional days through the year when major recruitment events are delivered, such as open days. This post is further restricted around core activity that the post holder is responsible for, such as Open Days, Offer Holder Days and Campus Tours.

Working at Durham

A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University: you will also receive access to the following fantastic benefits:

-    27 Days annual leave per year in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year - a total of 39 days per year.  The University closes between Christmas and New Year

-    No matter how you travel to work, we have you covered.  We have parking across campus, a cycle to work scheme which helps you to buy a bike and discount with local bus and train companies.

-    Lots of support for health and wellbeing including discounted membership for our state of the art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme.

-    On site nursery is available and access to holiday camps for children aged 5-16 throughout the year.

-    Family friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, which are among the most generous in the higher education sector (and likely above and beyond many ...