Job Overview: What is the Role of a Senior International Officer?

The Senior International Officer is a pivotal role within the University of Suffolk’s International team, shaping the institution’s global presence and attracting high-caliber students from key markets worldwide. The position focuses on increasing undergraduate and postgraduate enrollments at the University’s Ipswich campus. This dynamic role includes international travel, relationship building with agents and schools, and ensuring smooth operational processes for incoming overseas applicants.

As the University’s ambassador abroad, the Senior International Officer will represent the institution at recruitment fairs, meet with local student recruitment agents, and deliver inspiring presentations to potential students. The role also involves guiding candidates through the admissions process, ensuring compliance with UK Home Office visa policies, and providing an exemplary applicant experience.

This is an exciting role for candidates who are passionate about global education and want to connect students from diverse backgrounds to life-changing academic opportunities. You’ll be joining a small, supportive team in a growing university environment that has recently been recognized as the University of the Year (WUSCA 2025) and received the prestigious Enroly Award for International Growth.

Advice for Applicants: Applying with an International Education Perspective

Here are some tips for crafting a successful application:

1. Highlight International Recruitment Experience:

If you have prior experience in international student recruitment, aim to provide concrete examples of your achievements. Include any KPIs achieved, territories managed, or successful campaigns you’ve contributed to. For instance, discuss specific markets you have worked with, the diversity of student cohorts you’ve recruited, or strategies you’ve employed to surpass enrollment targets.

1. Showcase Knowledge of Admissions & Compliance:

Strong candidates for this role will have a solid understanding of the UK’s Higher Education policies, including knowledge of international admissions, academic equivalences, and the Home Office’s UKVI requirements. Clearly detail any experience you have had with international applications, visas, or compliance frameworks. If you’re familiar with tools like UCAS, Enroly, or similar platforms, be sure to mention these.

1. Highlight Cross-Cultural Communication Skills:

This role requires you to manage relationships with student recruitment agents, school counselors, and prospective students from different cultural contexts. Emphasize any international experience or cultural agility you have that demonstrates your ability to connect with diverse audiences. Examples could include studying abroad, working in multicultural teams, or speaking additional languages.

1. Presentation and Networking:

Effective public speaking and a confident, professional demeanor are key for representing the University at fairs and events. If you’ve delivered presentations, run workshops, or liaised with multiple stakeholders during international travel, make sure to articulate this. Include any experience in building or managing partnerships, especially in the education sector.

1. Demonstrate Organizational and Planning Skills:

International recruitment requires strong organizational skills, especially when planning trips, managing budgets, and balancing multiple priorities. Highlight situations where you’ve successfully coordinated complex initiatives or delivered results within tight timelines.

1. Tailor Your Application to UoS’s Mission and Values:

The University of Suffolk is a values-driven institution focused on diversity, inclusion, and sustainability. Align your application with these values by illustrating your commitment to equitable access to education, supporting under-represented groups, or engaging in projects that contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

1. Familiarize Yourself with the Ipswich Campus and the University:

Before applying, research the University’s programs, strengths, and vision. Tailor your cover letter to demonstrate how your background aligns with their goals of growth and internationalization.

1. Interpersonal and Collaboration Skills:

As the Senior International Officer will work closely with teams like Admissions, Compliance, and in-country staff, emphasizing your teamwork abilities is important. Detail instances where you’ve collaborated effectively within a multidisciplinary team or coached others toward achieving shared objectives.

General Tips for Applying:

• When discussing your degree and qualifications, be sure to indicate how your education has prepared you for this internationally focused position.
• Tailor both your CV and cover letter to address the specific responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use keywords such as “international recruitment,” “UKVI compliance,” “student conversion,” and “agent management.”
• If you have experience traveling for work, include the number of trips or the regions you’ve regularly covered. Highlight your adaptability in navigating varying cultural contexts.
• Be prepared to show interest in developing new strategies or approaches that can help UoS reach the next level of global engagement.

Finally, make sure your enthusiasm for global education and student success shines through. Good luck with your application!