Reporting to the Chief Marketing and Recruitment Officer, the Director of Student Recruitment and Outreach will lead the development and delivery of an integrated recruitment and outreach strategy that supports Imperial’s ambitions around global reach, diversification, access and long-term sustainability. The role provides leadership across UK Recruitment and Outreach, International Student Recruitment and Recruitment Events, ensuring a joined-up and candidate-focused approach across all areas of engagement.

This is a highly visible leadership role within one of the world’s most internationally recognised universities. Working closely with colleagues across the university, the postholder will play a central role in shaping how Imperial attracts and engages exceptional students from across the UK and around the world.

The role combines strategic leadership with operational delivery. You will lead ambitious, insight-led recruitment and outreach activity across domestic and international markets, helping Imperial to widen participation, strengthen market diversification and deliver an exceptional pre-enrolment journey for prospective students. You will also work closely with colleagues across the institution to ensure recruitment activity is aligned with Imperial’s broader strategic priorities, student experience ambitions and evolving global context.

A central focus of the role will be advancing Imperial’s commitment to access, participation and social mobility. The successful candidate will lead outreach strategies and partnerships that support talented students from underrepresented and disadvantaged backgrounds to engage with Imperial, while ensuring robust evaluation, continuous improvement and strong alignment with institutional and regulatory priorities.

What we are looking for

The Director of Student Recruitment and Outreach will also play an important role in horizon scanning, market insight and strategic planning, helping Imperial respond effectively to changing geopolitical, regulatory and recruitment trends internationally. The role therefore requires an individual who combines sophisticated recruitment expertise with strong organisational leadership, stakeholder engagement skills and a genuine enthusiasm for innovation and continuous improvement.

We are seeking an accomplished and collaborative leader with substantial experience of student recruitment leadership within a large and complex organisation, ideally within a research-intensive higher education environment. You will bring strong expertise in international recruitment, widening participation and diversification strategies, alongside the credibility and presence to influence at senior level across a globally respected institution.

This is an outstanding opportunity to shape the future direction of student recruitment and outreach at a world-leading university with global ambition, reach and impact.

What we can offer you

• The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to use science for humanity.
• Benefit from a sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 41 days’ annual leave and generous pension schemes).
• Access to a range of workplace benefits including a flexible working policy from day one, generous family leave packages, on-site leisure facilities and cycle-to-work scheme.
• Interest-free season ticket loan schemes for travel.