Position Overview: International Administration Role at the University of Sussex

This is a full-time role within the international administration team at the University of Sussex, with the possibility of considering flexible working arrangements (subject to business needs). The position offers a salary at Grade 4, starting at £25,733 to £29,179 per annum (pro rata for part-time workers).

The role involves providing professional administrative support for the university’s international student recruitment operations. As part of your day-to-day responsibilities, you will help coordinate visits for incoming international students and stakeholders, manage and contribute to the International Student Ambassador scheme, and handle statistical analysis relating to international activities. Additional duties include financial administration, customer service, responding to inquiries from international applicants, and supporting key events.

The position is vital for ensuring smooth operational delivery of recruitment activities that attract students to the University of Sussex from around the world. It requires an adaptable and highly organized candidate with a commitment to quality service for both internal teams and external stakeholders.

What Makes an Ideal Candidate?

The successful candidate will:

• Have excellent communication skills for engaging with a wide variety of audiences, which may include international students, academic staff, and external stakeholders.
• Be proficient in IT systems and possess strong time management and numeracy skills to handle diverse administrative tasks.
• Possess cross-cultural sensitivity and the ability to navigate communication with individuals from diverse backgrounds, an essential skill for anyone supporting international recruitment and the student experience.
• Thrive in a team setting, contributing collaboratively to shared goals while managing independent responsibilities.
• While not essential, having previous experience in higher education (HE) and a strong understanding of the needs and experiences of international applicants and students is an asset.

Division Insight: Communications, Engagement, and Advancement (CEA)

The international administration team is part of the Communications, Engagement, and Advancement (CEA) division. This division plays a critical role in achieving the University of Sussex’s vision by fostering global collaborations, creating student recruitment strategies, and building lifelong connections with alumni worldwide. Your work will directly contribute to attracting high-caliber international students and supporting university-wide efforts to maintain a global reputation.

Why Join Us?

The University of Sussex, a renowned research-focused institution, values the contributions and well-being of its staff. The picturesque 150-acre campus, nestled next to the South Downs, offers a tranquil yet dynamic work environment. With strong public transport links, cycling infrastructure, and a supportive work culture, you’ll benefit from both convenience and community. Sussex values diversity and inclusivity and encourages applicants from all backgrounds to join its innovative and global network.

We also offer a comprehensive rewards and benefits package, including professional development opportunities, access to campus resources, and initiatives such as the cycle-to-work scheme. This role will provide you with an opportunity to immerse yourself in the international education space while enjoying the supports and opportunities provided by a globally recognized university.

Advice on How to Apply from an International Education Perspective:

1. Tailor Your Application to Global Standards: Highlight experiences relevant to international student recruitment or administration, with attention to cross-cultural communication. If you’ve worked directly with international students in varying capacities or held roles in culturally diverse teams, emphasize this experience to show your suitability for the global dimension of this role.

1. Showcase Administrative Excellence: Be sure to demonstrate specific examples of your organizational, IT, financial, or operational skills. If you’ve worked with statistical analysis or customer service tools, name them; if you’ve spearheaded event planning or contributed to similar ambassador schemes, make sure your application reflects this.

1. Emphasize Cross-Cultural Competence: International student services require tact, cultural sensitivity, and empathy. Provide examples of how you’ve successfully engaged with individuals from different cultural, linguistic, and academic backgrounds. Indicating language skills other than English or cross-border experiences can also be a valuable addition.

1. Research the University and Division: Use your knowledge of the University of Sussex and the CEA division to show that you understand-and align with-its international ethos. Familiarize yourself with its global recruitment strategies, values, and mission so you can connect your skills to their goals.

1. Be Proactive About Regulatory and Visa Considerations: If you’re an international applicant, state clearly in your cover letter that you meet the “work in the UK” requirement and confirm your eligibility to work without sponsorship. The university explicitly notes that this position does not qualify for visa sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route, so proactively addressing this will save you and them time.

1. Seek Informal Insights: Before applying, consider reaching out to the named contact, Matthew Oades, to ask any questions about the role. This demonstrates enthusiasm and initiative.

How to Apply:

To apply, click on the “Apply” button in the vacancy listing on the University of Sussex career webpage. When completing your application, ensure it aligns with the essential and desirable skills outlined in the job description. Highlight your fit for the role clearly and concisely in your cover letter. Applications are assessed based on merit, so invest time in crafting responses that demonstrate both your administrative competence and your ability to thrive in an international education setting.

Good luck!