Regional Student Recruitment and Access Officer (South Coast)

Contractual hours: 35

Region: South

Job category/type: Professional and Managerial

Job description

Fixed Term: mid-June 2026 - end August 2027

Due to the complexity of the Skilled Worker Visa route and eligibility criteria, applicants requiring sponsorship are recommended to check their eligibility on the Home Office website. We cannot provide advice to candidates at the application stage and will only discuss visa routes with candidates who are invited to interview. There is further information about this on the UK Visas and Immigration Website UK Visas and Immigration Website.

Are you knowledgeable and passionate about Higher Education, the benefits it can bring and want to inspire young people to reach their potential? Are you able to regularly work with schools and colleges based across the South Coast (Hampshire, Sussex and Dorset)? 

Join the University of Reading’s UK Student Recruitment and Outreach team to support prospective students and applicants in the South Coast region.

You will be responsible for the delivery and further development of a strategic programme of outreach, recruitment and conversion (post-application) activity designed to respond to the specific context of HE progression in the region. In doing so, your activities will directly increase applications and acceptances to the University of Reading from this area, particularly from groups that are under-represented at the university. 

You will have:  

• A first degree or equivalent 
• Experience of working within a student recruitment or outreach role, or similar 
• Evidence of working with a wide range of people  
• In-depth knowledge of the UK higher education sector and the student recruitment cycle, including post- application timelines 
• Ability to work independently and work to objectives with minimal supervision  
• Demonstrable understanding and knowledge of UK secondary and tertiary education sector 
• Experience working with external stakeholders and developing relationships.   

This role will require frequent travel across the South Coast (specifically Hampshire, Sussex and Dorset) with target schools stretching from Weymouth to Bexhill. You will be part of the UK Student Recruitment and Outreach team and will need to maintain regular contact with colleagues based full-time in Reading. You will also occasionally work from our Reading campuses as required, for example for team planning days, on-campus visits and Open Days. 

The University is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and as such safeguarding checks will be undertaken. 

Safeguarding Requirements and Responsibilities 

• To undertake safeguarding training and follow the University’s Safeguarding Children & Adults at Risk Policy at all times.  
• To consider Safeguarding in Risk Assessment processes for events and activities you deliver.  
• To report any disclosures or concerns using the Safeguarding Incident Form and submit this to the UK Student Recruitment and Outreach team Designated Safeguarding Officer.  

An Enhanced DBS with a child barred list check is required for this position. This role is a regulated activity. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974.  

Please see these links for information on Safeguarding and  Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Procedure, including Recruiting ex-offenders principles. 

We welcome applications from both external and internal candidates. As part of the University’s ongoing commitment to professional development, this role can be considered on a seconded basis for existing staff members. Internal candidates should discuss this with their line manager prior to applying.

Closing date: 23:59 7th June 2026

Interviews will be held: 15th June 2026

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