Job Summary: Head of International Student Recruitment

Queen Mary University of London is seeking a dynamic and experienced professional to join its Global Engagement Office (GEO) as the Head of International Student Recruitment. This is a leadership role at the forefront of the university’s global strategy, driving the recruitment of international students, managing global stakeholders, and spearheading innovative approaches to attract top talent from around the world. The role also involves fostering international collaborations and ensuring the university maintains its strong presence in the global higher education market.

In this highly visible and impactful position, you will oversee a team of recruitment professionals located both in London and across regional offices abroad. You will combine strategic leadership with on-the-ground representation of Queen Mary University across international markets. This is a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in expanding the university’s global footprint and nurturing institutional relationships while supporting prospective international students in their educational journeys.

Who Is This Job For?

This role is ideal for someone with significant experience in international student recruitment within the higher education sector who is ready to lead a diverse team. It requires a mix of analytical thinking, strategic planning, and the ability to lead and inspire others. If you’re excited about using data-driven strategies, exploring global markets, and cultivating partnerships worldwide, this might be the perfect role for you. It is also essential that you thrive on cross-cultural collaboration and enjoy traveling internationally to represent the university.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage Queen Mary University’s international student recruitment team, both in London and overseas.
• Develop and execute innovative recruitment strategies aligned with the university’s internationalisation goals.
• Analyse market data and trends to inform strategic planning and decision-making.
• Collaborate with marketing and communications teams to deliver cohesive and targeted campaigns.
• Build relationships with external stakeholders such as recruitment agents, school counsellors, and third-party partners.
• Represent Queen Mary University of London at conferences, exhibitions, and other forums internationally and domestically.
• Monitor developments in global higher education policy and provide strategic advice to senior leadership on opportunities and risks.

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How to Apply: Advice for International Education Professionals

When applying for this role, it’s crucial to tailor your application to reflect both the specific demands of this position and your alignment with Queen Mary’s vision and goals. Here’s how to maximise your chances of success:

1. Demonstrate Leadership and Strategic Impact

Provide concrete examples of how you have successfully led and influenced teams in international student recruitment. Showcase any innovative strategies or campaigns you’ve spearheaded, and outline the measurable results (e.g., percentage increases in applications, enrollment, or diversity in student body demographics). Highlight your management experience across geographically distributed teams, showcasing your ability to lead staff in different cultural and regional contexts.

2. Showcase Data-Driven Decision-Making in a Global Education Context

Since the role heavily involves analysing recruitment data to optimise strategies, demonstrate your ability to interpret market trends and translate them into actionable plans. Reference specific examples of how you’ve used data to adapt strategies in response to shifting global market demands or policy changes.

3. Exhibit Cultural Competence and Relationship-Building

Understanding the complexities of recruiting students globally is essential. Share experiences of collaborating with stakeholders across different countries, managing partnerships with agencies, or navigating regional challenges to achieve recruitment goals. Emphasise your ability to work across cultures and foster meaningful connections.

4. Highlight Cross-Functional Collaboration Expertise

To ensure success in this role, you’ll need to work effectively with teams in marketing and communications. Provide examples of how you’ve contributed to the development of integrated and impactful recruitment campaigns. Demonstrate a clear understanding of the connection between digital marketing, branding, and international recruitment.

5. Display Your Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Queen Mary strongly values diversity and inclusion. Whether it’s through hiring, recruitment efforts, or fostering an inclusive team culture, illustrate how you’ve contributed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in your current or previous roles.

6. Prepare to Represent the Institution Globally

For this role, you’ll travel frequently to represent Queen Mary University at international events. Detail your experience with public speaking, networking at conferences, and promoting your organisation’s brand in global markets. Show that you are as comfortable speaking to prospective students as you are discussing strategic initiatives with senior officials or institutional partners.

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Why Queen Mary University of London?

Queen Mary University is an institution committed to social justice, academic excellence, and fostering innovation through diversity. With a strong legacy of breaking barriers and driving change, you’ll be part of an organisation that values original thought and creative solutions. The Global Engagement Office plays a central role in upholding Queen Mary’s position as a globally connected university, and this role as Head of International Student Recruitment is key to achieving that mission.

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Final Tips for Applicants:

• Research Queen Mary’s global strategy, particularly its internationalisation goals, and connect your application to those goals.
• Highlight any international education or intercultural experiences-this could include studying abroad, collaborating on international projects, or working across multiple regions.
• Use the job description to align your application with the specific skills and qualifications listed, ensuring you address each point clearly.
• Be ready to showcase your adaptability, as managing teams and building partnerships across different cultural environments involves strong intercultural communication skills.
• In your cover letter, don’t just state what you’ve done-focus on how you’ve made an impact, what lessons you’ve learned, and how you’ll bring those insights to Queen Mary.

Good luck with your application!