Location: Canterbury (with travel across Kent, Medway and SE London)

Play a leading role in our mission to recruit and inspire the next generation of students to Canterbury Christ Church University.

This is an exciting opportunity to shape how CCCU connects with future students — from their first encounter with us to their decision to apply. As Recruitment and WP Team Leader, you’ll lead a team delivering activities that both widen access and directly contribute to student number growth.

You’ll use a targeted HITLIST of priority schools and colleges across the South East of England, applying an account management approach to build strong, lasting relationships with teachers, advisers and learners. Your work will ensure CCCU is visible, inspiring, and the first choice for students across our regions.

By combining inclusive outreach with focused recruitment activity, you’ll make a direct impact on applications and support our mission to open higher education to all.

Working closely with academic schools, marketing colleagues, and our events and enquiry conversion teams, you’ll help shape a joined-up approach to recruitment that is data-driven, impactful, and aligned to the University’s values, recruitment goals and Access and Participation Plan (APP).

What you’ll be doing

Leading and motivating a small team of Recruitment and WP Officers and Specialists.
Designing and delivering recruitment and outreach programmes with priority schools and colleges, guided by CCCU’s HITLIST.
Using an account management model to develop and sustain relationships with schools, colleges, and regional networks.
Representing CCCU at UCAS fairs, Higher Education conventions, and bespoke events — ensuring our presence is inspiring and effective.
Supporting academic teams to engage prospective students through subject tasters, workshops, and on-campus experiences.
Driving inclusive engagement with underrepresented groups including care-experienced learners, mature learners, and those from low-participation areas, in line with APP commitments.
Using data and systems (HEAT, CRM, Excel, Qualtrics) to track engagement, evaluate impact, and evidence recruitment outcomes.
Working collaboratively with Product Marketing, Recruitment Events and Enquiry Conversion teams to ensure consistent messaging and a seamless student journey from first contact to application.

What we’re looking for

A degree or equivalent qualification, or significant relevant experience.
Strong knowledge of UK student recruitment and widening participation opportunities and challenges.
Proven experience in student recruitment, outreach, or aspiration-raising activities within higher or further education.
Experience supervising staff or leading small teams.
Excellent communication skills, with confidence presenting to different audiences.
Strong organisational and project management skills, with the ability to balance multiple priorities.
Some data management and evaluation skills (e.g. HEAT, Excel, Power BI, SPSS, CRM).
Access to a car with a full UK Driver’s License (desirable).

Why join us?

At CCCU you’ll be part of a dynamic team driving student recruitment at a pivotal moment for the University. This is more than an outreach role — it’s about inspiring ambition, breaking down barriers, and helping students see CCCU as their future home.

You’ll bring creativity, leadership, and purpose to a role that combines people-focused outreach with results-driven recruitment. In return, we’ll support your growth and provide flexible working arrangements through our Smart Working framework. (Some evening and weekend working will be required due to the nature of recruitment events.)

How to apply

Start date for applications: 26th of September 2025
Closing date for applications: 9th of October 2025
Interviews to be held: To Be Confirmed Shortly after closing.

For more information, please contact Stefan Colley, Interim Director of Student Recruitment and Outreach - stefan.colley@canterbury.ac.uk

Additional Information

Canterbury Christ Church University truly welcomes fresh perspectives and new voices. We want you to bring the real you to work, so we are committed to building a genuinely inclusive working environment where everyone is welcomed and where everyone can have a true sense of belonging. Our spirit of community will help us to eliminate discrimination and will enable us all to thrive in a culture that is underpinned by fairness and justice. We therefore seek people to join us who will proactively support and shape this aim and contribute in their own unique way. If this is you, then we are waiting to hear from you. #yourCCCU

Employment Visa Clarification: According to the UK Government Points Based System, this position does not fulfil the requirements for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker Route application.