Director of Marketing & Student Recruitment (UN5352)

The University of Northampton is committed to making a positive impact through education, creating opportunities, and driving social change. Since achieving university status in 2005, we’ve built a reputation as an ambitious, inclusive institution, with a focus on widening participation and promoting social mobility.

As outlined in our 2023–2027 Strategic Plan, we are committed to four key priorities: our staff, student experience, teaching and learning, and research, all underpinned by our purpose to deliver social impact. The University also contributes over £300 million annually to the local economy, reinforcing our role as a catalyst for sustainable growth in Northamptonshire.

We are seeking an outstanding individual to join our senior leadership team as Director of Marketing & Student Recruitment. Reporting to the Deputy Vice Chancellor & Chief Operating Officer, Becky Bradshaw, and as a key member of the University Leadership Team, the Director will lead the University’s student recruitment, marketing, and outreach strategy. This is a high-impact leadership role, crucial to shaping the University’s global presence, enhancing its reputation, and achieving its strategic goals.

The role of Director of Marketing & Student Recruitment is key to the University’s future performance, growth, differentiation and purpose. Operating with credibility, experience and confidence, the post holder will define the marketing and student recruitment strategy and lead business areas including:

• Marketing
• Brand development and management
• Home recruitment
• Schools and colleges liaison
• Social media
• Web development

Essential:

• Proven track record in developing and delivering successful marketing and recruitment strategies.
• Senior leadership experience within a complex organisation, managing large, multi-disciplinary teams.
• Demonstrable experience of leading digital and technological change within marketing and recruitment functions.
• Strong strategic planning capability with the ability to translate strategy into operational delivery.
• Skilled in building effective relationships with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders.

Desirable:

• Experience of delivering cost efficiencies without compromising service quality.
• Experience in developing and applying data strategies to drive performance and continuous improvement.

This role sits at the heart of the University’s Marketing and Student Recruitment department — a dynamic team responsible for shaping how we present ourselves to the world and how we attract future students. The department covers a wide range of functions, including marketing, brand and digital communications, UK student recruitment, and schools and colleges engagement.

As the Director, you will drive the development of innovative, inclusive, and insight-led strategies that reflect the University’s values and strategic priorities. Your focus will be on delivering effective, data-driven campaigns and outreach that support our ambition to widen participation, promote social mobility, and attract a diverse and talented student population. This is a high-impact leadership opportunity with reach across the institution and beyond.

Perrett Laver is supporting us with our search and recruitment efforts for this exciting opportunity. If you are ready to lead with purpose, creativity, and impact, we would be delighted to hear from you.

To learn more about this opportunity, please click the 'Apply' button above.

For informal enquiries, please contact Eljoh Balajadia at Eljoh.Balajadia@perrettlaver.com or +44 (0)20 3928 7375.

The closing date for applications is Tuesday 26 August 2025