Widening Access and Outreach Manager

We are seeking an experienced and strategic leader for the role of Widening Access and Outreach Manager at Kingston University. Working collaboratively with colleagues across the University and external partners, you will lead the development, delivery and evaluation of evidence-informed outreach activity that supports underrepresented learners to access and progress to higher education.

You will lead and inspire the Widening Access and Outreach team, oversee delivery of Access interventions in the Access and Participation Plan and Schools and Colleges Strategy, and use data, evidence and evaluation to drive impact and continuous improvement. The role involves developing strategic partnerships with schools, colleges, community organisations and sector stakeholders, while working closely with faculties, student recruitment and admissions colleagues to ensure a coordinated approach that supports institutional priorities and delivers meaningful outcomes for learners.

The Person

Educated to degree level, or possessing equivalent relevant professional experience, you will have significant experience in widening access, outreach and strategic partnership development within higher education or a related education setting. You will possess a strong understanding of Access and Participation Plans, Office for Students regulation, and the barriers facing underrepresented learners in accessing higher education.

You will have excellent leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build effective relationships across schools, colleges, community organisations and university departments. Confident using data, evidence and evaluation to inform decision-making, you will be highly organised and able to manage multiple priorities effectively. You will also bring experience of leading and developing teams, delivering projects to a high standard, and a genuine commitment to promoting equality of opportunity through higher education.

Directorate/Function

The Student Directorate

The wider directorate’s key aim within the strategy is to deliver a seamless, high-quality experience for all current and future students to ensure they are “sought after”, supporting their participation, attainment, and success before, during and after their time at Kingston. This in turn will create a culture of high performance that is inclusive, innovative ambitious and enterprising.

Student Recruitment and Admissions

The team’s primary objective is to achieve agreed student recruitment targets and contribute to the whole University’s recruitment and admissions functions ensuring good ROI and a first-class student experience throughout the applicant journey.