Role Overview
Oxford Brookes University is seeking a dynamic and experienced Associate Director of MRE – Admissions to lead their strategic admissions function for an 18-month fixed-term contract. This is a high-impact leadership role tasked with shaping policy, enhancing processes, and delivering a data-driven, compliant, and applicant-focused admissions service that supports the University’s student recruitment and widening access goals. You will work closely with student recruitment teams and senior colleagues to drive successful outcomes for both UK and international applicants.

The role is pivotal in ensuring that Oxford Brookes University remains competitive and responsive to sector changes while setting best practices for admissions both nationally and globally. The Admissions Team operates within the Marketing, Recruitment, and Engagement (MRE) Directorate, and your leadership will contribute to advancing the University’s profile, delivering an exceptional applicant experience, and maintaining compliance with UKVI, UCAS, and GDPR regulations.

Advice for Applicants: International Education Perspective
If you have extensive experience in university admissions, a passion for recruitment policy development, and a record of driving transformation in a global recruitment context, this is a golden opportunity to make an impact at a prestigious institution.

For applicants from an international education perspective:

1. Highlight Your Global Expertise: Given the emphasis on both UK and international admissions frameworks, it is crucial to showcase your knowledge of international recruitment processes, visa matters (such as UKVI compliance), and strategies for engaging global applicants. If you have worked with international student populations, or developed partnerships with overseas institutions, make sure to include these examples on your application.

2. Focus on Data-Driven Decision Making: In the context of admissions, universities increasingly rely on data insights to craft recruitment strategies. Demonstrate any experience you may have in using analytics and metrics to inform decision-making, predict applicant behavior, and improve operational efficiency.

3. Evidence Strategic Leadership: This is a senior leadership role requiring strong managerial experience. Highlight any previous roles where you led large operational teams, implemented transformative initiatives, or navigated admissions compliance on both national and international levels. Provide examples of how your leadership directly generated successful outcomes, such as higher enrollment figures or efficiency in admissions processes.

4. Compliance Knowledge: As the role heavily deals with adherence to UKVI, UCAS, and GDPR regulations, include examples of any roles where you ensured regulatory compliance. For international applicants, demonstrate familiarity with global frameworks for student mobility and admissions regulations in the UK or abroad.

5. Tailor Your Application: Oxford Brookes University is seeking someone with outstanding interpersonal skills and a strategic mindset. Tailor your application to demonstrate how your values as an admissions leader align with the University’s mission of delivering exceptional applicant experiences and widening access to education. Draw attention to any collaborations with international partners or forums in the education sector.

Application Deadline and Interview Date
Make sure your application is submitted by 14th December 2025, as this is the fixed closing date. Interviews are expected to take place on Thursday, 8th January 2026 or Monday, 12th January 2026. Use the time between the application deadline and the interview dates to review the institution’s mission, admissions strategy, and marketing initiatives. Reach out to the recruiting manager, Suzy Jenner, via macmailbox@brookes.ac.uk for an informal conversation about the role, as it could provide valuable insights that will strengthen your application.

This is an exciting opportunity to shape admissions at a globally recognized institution, advancing the University’s profile both in the UK and internationally. Wishing you the best of luck with your application!