Head of Admissions and Access

Queen's University Belfast is seeking a committed and motivated Head of Admissions and Access to lead our efforts in student recruitment, admissions, and widening participation.

The Head of Admissions and Access will provide strategic leadership and direction to the Admissions and Access Service to support the University’s ambitious recruitment targets and delivery of an outstanding experience for potential applicants and applicants.

The Service provides a centralised application service for all full-time undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes for students from around the world (Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, Great Britain, EU and International). It comprises fifty one staff across three teams; Undergraduate and Postgraduate Home and EU Admissions, International Admissions, and Data and Systems.

The Academic Services Directorate has a pivotal role to play in providing proactive and professional services to support the achievement of the University’s challenging ambitions as set out in its Strategy 2030.The Head of Admission and Access is a member of the Academic Services Senior Leadership Team and helps lead and shape the strategic direction of the Directorate.

This is a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact by driving strategic initiatives that enhance access, diversity, and inclusion. As a key leader, you will manage a dedicated team, collaborate across departments, and ensure we attract and support students from all backgrounds.

About the person:

The Head of Admissions and Access role requires a highly experienced professional with substantial leadership experience in Higher Education Marketing, Recruitment, or Admissions environment. They will have expertise in managing complex admissions processes, ensuring compliance with regulations, and maintaining business continuity and the ability to provide long-term strategic direction, manage change, and drive digital innovation to enhance operational effectiveness and user experience.

The successful candidate will possess:

• Honours degree (or equivalent qualification).
• Substantial relevant professional experience in a senior leadership/management role in a Higher Education, Marketing or Admissions environment.
• Experience of leading, developing and managing a high-performing professional team to achieve targets and deliver excellent customer service.
• Experience of budgetary control and financial planning for operational delivery.
• Extensive experience and success in embracing and promoting change to achieve objectives and improve performance. This should include leading change in business processes, and the use of information technology and systems with a view to enhancing the user experience, management information and associated records and reporting.
• A comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the rapidly changing operation and culture of HE and of developments which impact on UG and PG admissions, including application systems, technology developments, legislation, government policies and regulatory frameworks.

To be successful at shortlisting stage, please ensure you clearly evidence in your application how you meet the essential and, where applicable, desirable criteria listed in the Candidate Information document linked on our website.

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