Interim Director of Student Recruitment (International)

Director of Student Recruitment (International)

Location: London

Duration: 6 months

Salary/rate: Competitive

Our client is a world-leading, global top 10 university. It comprises 11 faculties and multiple central professional service divisions, employing over 17,000 staff to deliver research and teaching excellence.

The Student Recruitment and Admissions (SRA) division plays a critical role in University’s strategic plan by attracting the brightest students worldwide and managing the end-to-end recruitment and admissions process. This central division serves a vast customer base each year – handling hundreds of thousands of applications from prospective undergraduate and postgraduate students, collaborating with all faculties and other central services to enrol over 50,000 students at the university each year.

The Director of Student Recruitment provides strategic leadership for the university’s student recruitment activity across all regions and levels of study. This role is responsible for developing and delivering a dynamic, data-informed global recruitment strategy that supports their institutional priorities, including market de-risking and diversification.

Main purpose of the job

The Director of Student Recruitment provides strategic leadership for the university’s student recruitment activity across all regions and levels of study. This role is responsible for developing and delivering a dynamic, data-informed global recruitment strategy that supports the university’s institutional priorities, including market de-risking and diversification.

You will be responsible for:

* Developing and implementing a comprehensive student recruitment strategy, with a specific emphasis on international recruitment, aligned with the university’s institutional priorities.

* Leading the creation, execution, and evaluation of annual market-specific recruitment plans, incorporating awareness activities, lead generation, and conversion initiatives.

* Establishing and monitoring performance metrics, delivering regular insights and reports to the Executive Director and relevant university committees.

* Overseeing the strategy and management of agents and recruitment partners, including contracts, relationship development, and commission frameworks.

* Leading strategic engagement activities and visits in priority UK and international markets to enhance the university’s visibility and recruitment outcomes.

* Working in close partnership with professional services teams – particularly Student Recruitment and Admissions, External Engagement, Global Engagement, and Advancement – to develop innovative recruitment initiatives and strategic partnerships.

* Collaborating with senior Faculty colleagues to ensure recruitment plans are aligned with academic priorities and programme development.

You will have:

* Substantial senior level experience in student recruitment, with a successful track record in a comprehensive university environment.

* In-depth knowledge of student recruitment markets both nationally and internationally and a demonstrable track record in devising and implementing successful recruitment strategies for complex institutions.

* Ability to lead, motivate, and develop a team of recruitment professionals.

* Extensive knowledge of the contemporary UK Higher Education landscape and an understanding of the issues facing Higher Education.

* Excellent change and resource management skills, including the ability to think innovatively in solving problems.

* Capable strategic thinker and able to implement effectively.

* Exceptional communication skills, the ability to work collaboratively and foster good working relationships at a senior level in a complex organisation.

* The ability and experience to represent a world class institution externally at senior level.