JOB DESCRIPTION 1. ROLE TITLE: Schools and Colleges Liaison Assistant 2. HRMS REFERENCE CODE: HRMS/13077 3. ROLE CODE: FINADMIN02 4. DEPARTMENT: Marketing Recruitment and Admissions 5. ORGANISATION CHART: Director Departmental Administrator Deputy Director Market Intelligence Deputy Director Officer Marketing Communications Manager Snr Asst Registrar Snr Asstt Registrar Nursing Admissions Ugrad Admissions Outreach Manager Conversion Manager Digital marketing Web Project Manager Officer Nursing & Midw ifery Ugrad Admissions Postgraduate Graphic Designer (1) Admissions Marketing & Rec Content Graphic Designer (2) Chester Warrington Admin Assistant Web Developer P-time/FD Admissions Ugrad Admissions Marketing Asst Widening Particpation Admin Assistant Warrington Web Assistant Admin Assistant 1 Clerical Assistant Officer (0.6) Schools Liaison Nursing & Midw ifery Ugrad Admissions Admissions WP Diversity Officer Marketing Assistant Marketing Assistant Clerical Chester Chester Assistant Widening Particpation Admin Assistant 1 Admin Assistant 3 Officer (Chstr) Post Reg Nursing Post Reg Nursing Widening Particpation Admin Assistant 2 Officer (Warr) Post Reg Nursing Admi Assistant Clerical Assistant WP Nursing & Midw ifery Admissions 6. JOB PURPOSE: The role holder will support the Outreach Manager in overseeing the University s relationships with schools and colleges within our local sub-region, as well as on a national level. This will include developing the University s current network of local partner institutions, whilst also developing new relationships with external providers, both regionally and nationally. The role holder will be required to provide high quality and accurate information, advice and guidance relating to courses at the University of Chester, and the Higher Education sector in general. The Outreach Office works closely with prospective students, their parents or guardians, teachers, careers advisers and other key influencers, and the wider community. The role holder will work with a range of targeted schools and colleges within the sub region in order to increase applications from these institutions as well as developing an awareness of the University across the region.
7. BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Marketing, Recruitment and Admissions (MRA) is a central administrative department that services the whole University in support of recruitment to all academic programmes. It maintains all aspects of the University s marketing and recruitment strategy, from marketing courses, to initial contact and prospectus request, through admission and registration. MRA is the focal point for the University s widening access and progression activities. Schools and Colleges Liaison is now a fundamental part of the marketing and recruitment strategy across the higher education sector. The increasing percentage of applicants who come to us from within our own sub-region means that liaison between the University and the 14-19 sector, and the co-ordination of informationbased events and activities, is now central to our ability to recruit students. An increasing commitment to educational inclusion by funding bodies and post-16 providers means that liaison between the University and the post-16 sector is becoming increasingly important, and forms a central theme within the remit of the department. This post will be based at the University s Chester campus and the post holder will be required to undertake a successful enhanced level DBS check and hold a full, clean drivers licence. 8. WORK PERFORMED AND/OR KEY RESULT AREAS: 8.1 Communicating Effectively Extensive communication is required with people both inside and outside the University (such as University and departmental colleagues, prospective students and their parents/guardians/advisers, head teachers, sixth form advisers, careers advisers, event organisers, and other influencers). Communicates in person, by telephone and in writing to inform, advise, and guide prospective students from across a diverse range of backgrounds. The role holder must know how to best approach the level and content of communications for the most appropriate level of advice and guidance. Supports the Outreach Manager in maintaining key contacts with important decision makers based within educational institutions from across the region. Expected to present and communicate to a wide variety of audiences, ranging from prospective students, to parents and careers advisors. All of this will be with the remit of developing awareness of the University, our courses, and issues affecting the Higher Education sector, including student finance. 8.2 Leadership and Working Collaboratively Provides support to the Outreach Manager with regards to all schools and colleges liaison activity. Liaises with the WP team to ensure that all school/college and partner institution contacts are co-ordinated. Has regular contact with teaching and non-teaching staff, Careers, and Student Support and Guidance, as well as with individual Faculty-appointed representatives. Works closely with colleagues in Marketing, Recruitment and Admissions to support the effective development of University marketing and communications operations in support of student recruitment objectives.
8.3 Liaison and Networking Supports the Outreach Office in delivering a programme of information, advice and guidance (IAG) opportunities for young people in the local community. The role holder will be required to join, and remain active in, the Higher Education Liaison Officers Association (HELOA) in order to develop opportunities with colleagues based at Higher Education Institutions across the regional, and national, networks. Supports the organisation of, and participates in, recruitment activities both on and off campus, organised by the University and by external agencies e.g. school/college higher education fairs. Works closely with academic staff in order to provide a range of outreach activities for the University s feeder schools and colleges. 8.4 Delivering a High Quality Standard of Service Supports the Outreach Manager in the design and delivery of activities and events (e.g. introductory talks, tasters, mock interviews etc) for individual schools and colleges in order to increase the number of applications from those institutions. Offers higher education information, advice and guidance to post-16 tutors and careers advisers, as well as offering a customer-focused service for all internal and external clients. Acts as a first point of contact for sub-regional schools and colleges with regards to University liaison activities and events. Arranges on-campus recruitment and aspiration-raising events for groups with whom the University has special relationships, as and when requests are made. Delivers presentations to a wide range of audiences and facilitates workshops on a variety of educational issues. Responsible for the training and on-going co-ordination of the Student Ambassador Scheme for the Outreach Office. 8.5 Effective Decision Making The role holder will take independent decisions when responding to queries, and will be able to identify the most appropriate person for queries to be directed to. Required to display initiative and independence in dealing with University colleagues, prospective applicants, and their families, for which the role holder is often unsupervised. Make collaborative decisions with the Outreach Manager on changes to operational processes. 8.6 Planning and Organising Self and Others Reporting directly to the Outreach Manager, the role holder has some freedom to develop, co-ordinate and monitor the Schools and Colleges Liaison remit of the Outreach Office. Has a role in determining University outreach policies and by advising on and developing procedures. Works autonomously to plan and prioritise their own workload.
8.7 Innovation and Improvement (Effective Problem Solving) Supports the Outreach Office in making decisions in response to changes in sector and institutional recruitment patterns and in light of sector developments and needs, and must be able to make a quick response to requests. Must be able to deliver impartial information, advice and guidance to prospective students whilst always ensuring the integrity of its delivery as a staff member at the University of Chester. Must be fully equipped to answer questions on external organisations other than the University of Chester whilst ensuring an appropriate level of professionalism is always maintained. Must be able to provide talks/presentations/iag on any pastoral subject related to higher education application and to any potential audience when requested. 8.8 Analysis and Research Updates a statistical record of activities and events organised with schools and colleges in the sub region, as well as collecting feedback from all activities and events undertaken. Prepare detailed reports for weekly meetings within the Outreach Office. Provides administrative support to an integrated statistical resource outlining all the schools and colleges which students have enrolled at prior to their enrolment at the University of Chester, in order to support the work of the Outreach team and colleagues across the institution. Expected to keep up-to-date with regional and national developments within the educational sector, as well as feedback this information to colleagues within the Outreach Office and the wider Marketing, Recruitment and Admissions department. 8.9 Sensory and Physical Demands Generally as expected of an administrative post. Significant amounts of driving and some out of hours work. 8.10 Work Environment Based in a shared office on the Chester campus, but there is considerable off campus work with partner organisations, which requires some long distance travel and some unsociable hours (evening work). Travel to the Warrington campus and other University sites is also required. 8.11 Pastoral Care and Welfare Must be aware of the support services available within the University; giving supportive advice and guidance to staff/students where appropriate. Provides admissions support to young people and non-standard learners. 8.12 Team Development Provides information and guidance on administrative processes to any new members of staff within the Outreach section of the department.
Share ideas, knowledge and best practice to team members following attendance at conferences, seminars and workshops. 8.13 Teaching and Learning Support This is not a requirement of the role. 8.14 Knowledge and Experience Please refer to the person specification 8.15 General To undertake any other duties commensurate with your grade, and/or hours of work, as may reasonably be required of you. To take responsibility for upholding and complying with the University s Equality and Diversity policies and for behaving in ways that are consistent with fair and equal treatment for all. To comply with all University Health and Safety policies.
PERSON SPECIFICATION PERSON SPECIFICATION Job Title & Department: Schools and Colleges Liaison Assistant Marketing, Recruitment and Admissions Criteria Qualifications: A degree or equivalent qualification. ECDL or equivalent qualification. Full, clean driving licence and a willingness to travel. Proven Experience: Previous experience in an education environment. A proven background in working with people from different ageranges. Excellent IT skills, including word processing, spreadsheets and databases. / Desirable Desirable Method of identification Application Form/Certificates Application Form/Certificates Application form/interview/certificates Application form/interview/test Delivering academic and service excellence: Understanding of the 14-19 curriculum and knowledge of post-16 qualifications. Ability to present to a wide range of audiences. Managing self and others: Ability to plan and prioritise own workload. Working together: Excellent communication skills. Ability to work as part of a team. Organisational and stakeholder awareness: Good planning and organisational skills. Requirements are those, without which, a candidate would not be able to do the job. Applicants who have not clearly demonstrated in their application that they possess the essential requirements will normally be rejected at short listing stage. Desirable Requirements are those that would be useful for the post holder to possess and will be considered when more than one applicant meets the essential requirements. Method of identification is where the selection panel will match the candidate s skills and abilities to the required criteria outlined (i.e. application form, interview, test).
UNIVERSITY OF CHESTER TERMS & CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT MARKETING, RECRUITMENT AND ADMISSIONS SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES LIAISON ASSISTANT FIXED TERM CONTRACT UNTIL 10 TH OCTOBER 2014 (MATERNITY COVER) SALARY SCALE University Scale OS5, points 15-18, 19,802-21,597 per annum payable monthly in arrears. RESIDENCE REQUIREMENT It is a requirement of this post that within 12 months of appointment, the post-holder should live within a 30 mile radius or within a one hour travelling time by public transport from the University. HOURS OF WORK Monday to Thursday 9.00am - 5.30pm Friday 9.00am - 4.30pm (less one hour lunch break each day) A flexible approach to work will be required as there may be occasions when it would be necessary for you to work additional hours as dictated by the workload. HOLIDAY ENTITLEMENT 22 days per annum (pro-rata during the commencement and cessation years), rising to 27 days after five years' continuous service. Two extra statutory days per annum during the Christmas period. DISCLOSURE & BARRING SERVICE CHECKS The successful applicant will have to undergo a DBS check before an appointment can be made. MEDICAL EXAMINATION Successful candidates will be required to complete an Occupational Health questionnaire, and may be required to undergo a medical examination. ESSENTIAL CERTIFICATES Short-listed candidates will be asked to bring to interview, proof of qualifications as outlined on the Job Description and Person Specification provided. Upon appointment, copies of essential certificates will be required by HRM Services. PENSION SCHEME The University operates two pension schemes for support staff: The default scheme is the Higher Education Defined Contribution Scheme (HEDCS), which is administered by Friends Life. The Cheshire Local Government Pension Scheme, to which the University is an admitted body. All support staff are entitled to participate in one of these schemes. Some staff will be automatically enrolled into a scheme, depending on their age and earnings, but if they do not wish to remain a member of the scheme, they will be entitled to opt out after enrolment.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES The University has a policy of equal opportunity aimed at treating all applicants for employment fairly. SMOKING POLICY The University operates a No-Smoking policy. PROBATIONARY PERIOD A nine months' probationary period applies to all University posts. CLOSING DATE Candidates may download further information and apply via our online recruitment website by following the links on our website at www.chester.ac.uk/jobs/. Completed applications should be submitted no later than 17 th January 2014 quoting reference number HRMS/13077.