Job Overview:

The position oversees the student recruitment, business development, partnership, marketing, communication and relationship management functions of the University and the two colleges. This senior leadership role is integral to driving enrollment growth, enhancing our client's brand, and fostering strong relationships with stakeholders to achieve its vision and mission.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and execute comprehensive strategies for student recruitment, business development, marketing, communication, and advancement, aligned with the Group and our client's goal of becoming a successful academic health system.

• Student Recruitment: Lead the student recruitment team to develop and implement effective strategies to attract and enroll a diverse and high-quality student body, ensuring that the student number targets are met.

• Business Development: Identify and pursue new business opportunities, partnerships, and revenue streams to support our client's growth and sustainability. As part of this, ensure a complete suite of high-quality CPD courses is in place that is relevant internally and externally in driving the third-stream revenue.

• Marketing and Communication: Oversee the marketing and communication efforts to enhance brand awareness, engage stakeholders, and effectively promote our client’s programmes and initiatives. Leverage digital marketing strategies and tools to enhance online presence, engage target audiences, and drive recruitment and business development efforts.

• Market Research and Analysis: Conduct market research and analysis to stay abreast of industry trends, competitive landscape, and emerging opportunities.

• Advancement: Lead advancement initiatives, including fundraising, alumni relations, and community engagement, to build and maintain strong relationships with donors, alumni, and other key stakeholders.

• Team Leadership: Build, mentor, and lead high-performing teams across the respective functions, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

• Budgeting and Financial Management: Develop and manage budgets for student recruitment, business development, marketing, communication, and advancement functions, ensuring optimal allocation of resources and cost control.

• Performance Metrics: Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for each area, driving performance improvements and achieving operational targets.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with senior leadership, academic departments, and key stakeholders to understand their needs and ensure that operational strategies support their objectives.

• Compliance and Risk Management: Ensure compliance with relevant regulations, standards, and best practices, while managing risks effectively.

Qualifications and Background:

The ideal candidate will possess a strong blend of sales and marketing acumen, business development expertise, and leadership skills to advance our client’s growth plans.

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.

• Experience: Minimum of 12 years of experience in student recruitment (higher education area is preferred), business development, marketing, communications, or advancement, with at least 7 years in a leadership role.

• Leadership Skills: Proven ability to lead and inspire multi-disciplinary teams, manage complex operations, and drive strategic initiatives.

• Marketing Expertise: Strong understanding of marketing principles, digital marketing strategies, brand management, and communications.

• Business Development Acumen: Demonstrated success in identifying and pursuing new business opportunities, partnerships, and revenue streams.

• Strategic Thinking: Strong strategic planning and execution skills, with the ability to align operational functions with business goals.

• Financial Acumen: Solid understanding of budgeting, financial management, and cost control principles.

• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively engage and influence stakeholders at all levels.

• Reporting Skills: Excellent reporting skills for the purpose of the Board and high-level committees and external requirements.

• Problem-solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a focus on innovation and operational efficiency.

This job description outlines the primary duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required for the General Manager of Student Recruitment & Advancement. It is not exhaustive and may be subject to changes as the organisation evolves.