Assistant Student Recruitment and Access Officer(UK Visa Sponsorship)
Job Description
About the Role
The University of Reading is seeking an Assistant Student Recruitment and Access Officer to join its UK Student Recruitment & Outreach team. This role offers a rewarding opportunity to contribute directly to widening participation and supporting prospective students as they explore higher education opportunities.
This position is particularly well suited to a recent graduate, placement student, or early-career professional who is highly organised, confident in public-facing environments, and motivated by working with young people and educational partners.
You will play a visible role in representing the University to schools, colleges, and prospective students, helping them understand both the value of higher education and what makes the University of Reading a distinctive place to study.
What You Will Do
Your work will span three key areas:
1. Recruitment & Outreach Project Delivery
- Support the planning and delivery of on-campus recruitment and outreach activities
- Coordinate elements of student-led content and materials
- Assist with subject-specific events and access-focused initiatives
2. External Representation & Engagement
- Act as a frontline representative of the University at school and college events, higher education fairs, and outreach activities
- Deliver clear, engaging information about higher education pathways and university life
- Promote inclusive access and progression in line with national widening participation priorities
3. Enquiries & Student Support
- Respond to enquiries from prospective students, parents, and teachers via email and in person
- Work as part of a shared enquiries service, ensuring accurate, timely and student-centred responses
About You
We are looking for someone who brings enthusiasm, reliability, and strong communication skills. You will ideally demonstrate:
- Excellent interpersonal and presentation skills
- Strong organisational ability and attention to detail
- Confidence engaging with young people, educators, and stakeholders
- A collaborative approach and willingness to work across teams
- An interest in higher education access, outreach, or student recruitment
- Previous experience in education, outreach, events, or customer-facing roles is advantageous, but not essential.
Safeguarding & DBS Requirements
This role involves working with children and young people and is classed as a regulated activity. The successful candidate will be required to undergo an Enhanced DBS check with a children’s barred list check.
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Applicants are encouraged to review the relevant guidance:
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) overview
Regulated activity with children
Visa & Right to Work Information
Due to the complexity of the Skilled Worker visa route, applicants who may require sponsorship are advised to check eligibility independently. Visa routes will only be discussed with shortlisted candidates.
Useful UK Government resources include:
Right to work in the UK:
https://www.gov.uk/prove-right-to-work
Equality, Inclusion & Flexible Working
The University of Reading is committed to building a diverse, inclusive and welcoming workplace. We actively support:
- The Athena SWAN Charter (gender equality)
- The Race Equality Charter
- LGBTQ+ inclusion and visibility
- Disability Confident Employer – Level 2
Applications for job-share, part-time, flexible working, and internal secondment are welcomed, subject to business needs. Internal applicants should discuss secondment arrangements with their line manager prior to applying.
