Student Recruitment and Widening Participation Officer - Widening Participation

The Widening Participation team is part of the Recruitment and Admissions Department. We are recruiting for two positions based in the Widening Participation Team at Manchester Metropolitan University. One role will do institutionally based at Manchester Metropolitan University, while the second will be a Greater Manchester Higher (GM Higher) Outreach Officer role, focused on delivering the Uni Connect programme across Greater Manchester.

GM Higher is a collaboration of universities, colleges and schools working together to support the government's social mobility goals by increasing higher education participation among underrepresented groups. Through the government-funded Uni Connect programme, GM Higher delivers outreach activities and events that help young people across Greater Manchester explore higher education opportunities and make informed choices about their future.

Both roles are based in the widening participation team, supporting the organisation and delivery of a range of events to support under-represented groups into Higher Education.

Role Details: 

These roles lead on the organisation and delivery of activities for primary, secondary and post16 learners. This will include campus visits, in school workshops and presentations, mentoring and summer schools, as well as events to support targeted learners into and through Higher Education.

This includes activities delivered through the Greater Manchester Higher collaboration, Manchester Met branded interventions and the First Generation Scheme.

You will also support wider functions in Recruitment and Admissions including open days, visit days, and confirmation and clearing. You will be reporting directly to the Widening Participation Manager.

Ideal Candidate: 

• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with confidence engaging a wide range of audiences.  
• Strong organisational skills, able to independently plan, prioritise, and manage a busy schedule of outreach activity.  
• Experience of working independently, taking initiative and managing your own workload effectively.  
• Evidence of managing /working with student ambassadors to deliver projects or events.
• Experience of project planning and project management.
• You should be enthusiastic, motivated and enjoy engaging with young people. 
• You should be committed to widening participation and equality and be able to work effectively as part of a busy team. 
• Ability to network and engage with Internal and External Stakeholders and raise the profile of Higher Education and Manchester Met's Widening Participation programme.
• Willingness to work flexibly across the wider department and working evening and weekends, across the North West, when required.

Please apply by attaching your CV and covering letter. If you would like to be considered for a specific position, please let us know. Otherwise, your application will be considered for both positions.

Interviews will be conducted for both positions as part of the same recruitment process. Interviews will take place on Tues 22nd September and Thursday 24th September.

For an informal discussion of the role please contact Ivan Hay - Widening Participation Manager via email i.hay@mmu.ac.uk 

Manchester Metropolitan University fosters an inclusive culture of belonging that promotes equity and celebrates diversity. We value a diverse workforce for the innovation and diversity of thought it brings and welcome applications from all local and international communities, including Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, and LGBTQ+ individuals.      

We support a range of flexible working arrangements, including hybrid and tailored schedules, which can be discussed with your line manager. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or in your role, please let us know so we can provide appropriate support.      

Our commitment to inclusivity includes mentoring programmes, accessibility resources, and professional development opportunities to empower and support underrepresented groups.      

Manchester Met is a Disability Confident Leader and, under this scheme, aims to offer an interview to disabled people who apply for the role and meet the essential criteria as listed in the Job Description for that vacancy.  

This vacancy is expected to attract a high volume of applications. Therefore, under the Disability Confident Scheme, only disabled people who apply under the scheme and best meet the essential criteria will be offered an interview.