Position Overview: Understanding the Role

This is an exciting opportunity to join the international team at the University of Hertfordshire as a key member of the International Admissions team. Based at the College Lane Campus in Hatfield, this full-time, permanent position offers the chance to play a crucial role in shaping the university’s approach to welcoming international students. The primary purpose of the role is to support and oversee the international admissions process. You will work closely with applicants, academic teams, and external stakeholders, ensuring a smooth and effective admissions journey for prospective international students, in line with the university’s procedures and policies.

As Deputy to the International Admissions Manager, you will lead a team in assessing and processing applications, reviewing candidate suitability based on academic entry requirements, and acting as a key advisor to colleagues. You will also spearhead efforts to improve systems, processes, and services, ensuring the admissions experience aligns with the university’s ethos of inclusivity and operational excellence. Liaison duties with academic teams and external partners will also be integral to the role, particularly to facilitate the admission of students progressing through partnerships like Hertfordshire International College.

This position would be ideally suited to someone with experience in international admissions or administrative roles who is motivated, detail-oriented, and thrives on collaboration within a dynamic higher education team.

Advice for Applicants: How to Succeed from an International Education Perspective

If you are considering applying for this role, it’s important to highlight your understanding of both the challenges and opportunities within the international education sector. Universities now serve a highly diverse, globally connected community of students. Given the specifics of this job, you can strengthen your application by addressing the following points in your personal statement:

1. Demonstrate Your Expertise in International Admissions: Share specific examples from your career where you successfully managed international admissions or admissions-related administrative tasks. Discuss how you’ve handled complex international applications, addressed policy compliance, or built effective processes to streamline admissions.

2. Showcase Your Cultural Competence: Admissions in a global context requires sensitivity to cultural differences and an ability to evaluate applications fairly across diverse academic and cultural environments. Explain how your previous roles involved working with individuals or systems from multiple countries, and highlight any unique strategies you used to ensure inclusivity and fairness in decision-making.

3. Emphasise Leadership and Teamwork: As this role involves acting as Deputy Manager and supporting the wider team, outline your ability to manage, lead, or mentor colleagues effectively. Provide examples of how you’ve supported teams and ensured operational efficiency, particularly under pressure or during periods of high activity (such as during application deadlines).

4. Highlight Your Innovation and Problem-Solving Skills: Universities constantly refine their admissions processes in response to market trends, applicant needs, and institutional goals. Use your application to detail how you’ve contributed to or led projects aimed at improving systems or customer service experiences. Employers in this sector value a proactive, solution-oriented approach.

5. Focus on Communication Skills: This role requires constant liaison with internal and external stakeholders, including academic tutors, programme directors, and international partners. Demonstrate your ability to build and nurture professional relationships, as well as effectively communicate complex admissions decisions to non-specialists.

6. Understand Visa and Compliance Issues: While this post does not offer sponsorship, familiarity with UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) guidelines and international student visa processes is still highly relevant. Highlight your knowledge of compliance issues, as this will reflect your preparation to guide international applicants effectively.

General Application Tips

• Tailor Your Personal Statement to the Job Description: Clearly address each of the essential and desirable criteria outlined in the “Person Specification.” Give real-life examples that showcase your skills and experience.

• Education and Experience: If you hold a degree or equivalent qualification, ensure you emphasise this in your application. For those bringing substantial relevant work experience instead, describe how your practical expertise directly compensates for formal education qualifications.

• Be Enthusiastic About International Education: The university’s mission is to transform lives through inclusive education. Convey your passion for working with international students and how your skills contribute to this mission.

• Respect Application Requirements: Ensure that you attach all requested documents and follow the correct application process. For internal applicants, note the specific requirement to apply via the employee self-service portal.

• Application Timeline: Submit your application by the closing date of 01 December 2025. Monitor communications from the university regarding potential interview dates.

Key Benefits of Working at the University of Hertfordshire

• Generous leave allowance of 30 days, plus public holidays and additional time off during the Christmas period
• Opportunities for personal and professional development
• A collaborative and inclusive work environment committed to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
• Family-friendly policies and flexible location options within the UK

Contact for Informal Enquiries
If you have questions about the role or wish to gain more insight before applying, you are encouraged to contact Kathryn Shaw, Head of International Operations, via email at k.e.1.shaw@herts.ac.uk.

Take advantage of this opportunity to contribute to a world-class university and make an impact on the journeys of international students as they pursue their academic goals at the University of Hertfordshire. Good luck with your application!