Job Summary Table of Outreach Officer

Job Description Summary

An exciting opportunity for an Outreach Officer to join the University of Exeter’s award-winning Access, Participation & Outreach Team, designing and delivering impactful educational outreach programs to support student recruitment and widening participation initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Design and deliver outreach events, programs, and residential experiences both on campus and online to support student recruitment and widening participation strategies
• Develop engaging lesson plans, online resources, and marketing materials for diverse educational audiences
• Build and maintain effective partnerships with key stakeholders including teachers, HE advisors, prospective students, parents, academics, and postgraduate researchers
• Manage student groups, including those under 18, applying proper safeguarding protocols and behavioral management techniques
• Plan, coordinate, and execute both in-person and virtual educational events with attention to detail and measurable outcomes
• Contribute to the growth of applications from high-quality students from diverse backgrounds, supporting the University’s recruitment and widening participation agendas
• Work both independently and collaboratively within the Access, Participation & Outreach Team to achieve departmental goals

Benefits and Perks

• 41 days of annual leave per year
• Flexible working arrangements with hybrid home/campus options
• Comprehensive pension scheme
• Relocation package (if applicable)
• Numerous discounts at leading retailers
• On-site gym facilities on all campuses and cycle-to-work scheme
• Industry-leading policies around family leave, including maternity, adoption, shared parental leave, and paternity leave
• Fertility Treatment Policy support
• Access to beautiful campus environments in Exeter and Cornwall in the scenic South West of England

Company Overview

The University of Exeter is a prestigious Russell Group research-intensive university ranked among the top 200 universities globally according to both Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024 and QS World University Ranking 2024. The university combines world-class teaching with cutting-edge research, achieving a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework Award 2023, supported by Gold ratings for Student Experience and Student Outcomes.

Educational Outreach at University of Exeter

The University of Exeter’s Access, Participation & Outreach Team plays a crucial role in connecting the institution with prospective students from diverse backgrounds. As an Outreach Officer, you’ll have the unique opportunity to shape educational experiences that inspire future generations of students while advancing the university’s commitment to diversity and inclusion in higher education.

This permanent, full-time position offers the perfect balance of campus-based work and remote flexibility, allowing you to maintain professional connections while enjoying work-life balance. The role involves designing and implementing innovative outreach programs that showcase the university’s academic excellence while making higher education accessible to students from all backgrounds.

Company Culture

At the University of Exeter, you’ll join a vibrant community of over 30,000 students and 7,000 staff from 150 different countries, creating a diverse and engaging environment where differences are celebrated as major strengths. The university is located in Exeter, one of only a few UK cities designated as a UNESCO Creative City and a rapidly growing tech hub, offering an exceptional quality of life alongside professional opportunities.

The university’s world-leading research impact has grown more significantly than any other Russell Group university in recent years. Exeter is home to some of the world’s most influential researchers working on fundamental issues facing humankind today. More than 99 percent of the university’s research is of international quality, with 47 percent considered world-leading according to the 2021 Research Excellence Framework.

Outreach Officer Role and Responsibilities

The Outreach Officer position requires a skilled communicator and event manager who can confidently engage with people of all ages and backgrounds. Your primary focus will be coordinating impactful educational activities that grow applications from high-quality students from diverse backgrounds while supporting the University’s recruitment and widening participation initiatives.

Key responsibilities include:

1. Program Design and Delivery: Creating and implementing residential programs, campus events, and priority student recruitment projects both in-person and online
2. Resource Development: Crafting engaging lesson plans, digital resources, and marketing materials to support outreach efforts
3. Stakeholder Engagement: Building relationships with teachers, prospective students, parents, academics, and researchers
4. Student Group Management: Overseeing student activities with proper safeguarding protocols, particularly for those under 18
5. Strategic Implementation: Aligning daily activities with the university’s broader recruitment and participation goals

Career Growth Opportunities

The University of Exeter actively encourages professional development and career advancement. Working in the External Engagement and Global department provides exposure to various aspects of higher education administration and outreach. The skills developed in relationship building, event management, and program development are highly transferable within the education sector and beyond.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

The University of Exeter is committed to creating an inclusive culture where all community members can thrive. The institution engages with evidence-based charter frameworks for gender equality (Athena SWAN and Project Juno for Physics), race equality (Race Equality Charter Mark), LGBTQ+ inclusion (Stonewall Diversity Champion), and is recognized as a Disability Confident employer.

Outreach Education and University Recruitment

In today’s competitive higher education landscape, effective outreach is essential for universities to attract diverse, high-quality student populations. As an Outreach Officer at the University of Exeter, you’ll be at the forefront of initiatives that break down barriers to higher education while showcasing the institution’s academic excellence and student experience.

Your work will directly contribute to: – Increasing applications from underrepresented groups – Supporting the university’s widening participation agenda – Creating memorable educational experiences that inspire future students – Building lasting relationships with schools, colleges, and community organizations – Advancing the university’s reputation for inclusivity and academic excellence

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University of Exeter welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of background. They are committed to ensuring reasonable adjustments are available for interviews and workplaces. While all applicants will be judged on merit alone, they particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented within their working community.

Remote Work Policy

This role offers the opportunity for hybrid working – with time split between campus and home. The university provides the necessary tools and support to ensure effective remote working while maintaining strong connections to the campus community.

Application Process

1. Review the complete Job Description and Person Specification available via the attachment in the job posting
2. Submit your application through the online portal
3. Prepare for potential interviews and assessments
4. Connect with Roisin Quinn at R.Quinn2@exeter.ac.uk for more information

Application Deadline

Applications must be submitted by May 7, 2025.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should apply online through the University of Exeter’s recruitment portal. For more information about this position, please contact Roisin Quinn at R.Quinn2@exeter.ac.uk.

Social Media Links

Connect with the University of Exeter on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook.

FAQs or Additional Information

• Start Date: This position is available immediately
• Contract Type: Permanent
• Working Hours: 36.5 hours per week
• Reference Number: S80698

Are you passionate about education and skilled at building relationships? Do you excel at organizing events and creating engaging resources? Join the University of Exeter’s award-winning Access, Participation & Outreach Team and make a meaningful contribution to widening participation in higher education while advancing your career in a world-class institution.

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