Assistant Student Recruitment and Access Officer(UK Visa Sponsorship)

Job Description

About the Opportunity

The University of Reading is looking to appoint 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 increasing access to higher education, particularly for students from underrepresented backgrounds.

The position is especially well suited to a recent graduate or placement student seeking hands-on experience in student recruitment, outreach, and widening participation within a higher education environment.

The Role in Context

UK Student Recruitment & Outreach leads activity to attract and support both undergraduate and postgraduate applicants from across the UK. The team works closely with schools, colleges, and communities to promote the value of higher education and provide clear, accurate information about studying at the University of Reading.

As part of this team, you will play a visible and active role in engaging prospective students, teachers, advisers, and families—both on campus and in external settings.

Key Areas of Responsibility

Your work will broadly fall into three interconnected areas:

1. Recruitment and Outreach Project Delivery

• Support the planning and delivery of on-campus recruitment and outreach initiatives.
• Coordinate specific project elements, such as the development of student-led promotional materials.
• Assist with subject-specific events and visit days.

2. Schools and College Engagement

• Represent the University at higher education fairs, school visits, and outreach events.
• Deliver clear, engaging information about university life, courses, and progression routes.
• Promote higher education in line with national widening participation priorities.

3. Enquiries and Front-Line Support

• Respond professionally to prospective student enquiries via email and in person.
• Contribute to a centralised enquiry service, ensuring accurate and consistent messaging.

About You

You will be:

• Highly organised, reliable, and able to manage multiple tasks effectively.
• Confident presenting information to young people and adult audiences.
• A strong communicator with excellent interpersonal skills.
• Comfortable working independently while contributing to a collaborative team.
• Motivated by the opportunity to support fair access and informed decision-making in education.

Safeguarding and DBS Requirements

This post involves regulated activity with young people. As such:

• An Enhanced DBS check with a Children’s Barred List check is required.
• The role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
• Further guidance can be found via official UK Government resources:

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/disclosure-and-barring-service

Safeguarding children guidance
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/working-together-to-safeguard-children

Visa Information

Due to the complexity of the Skilled Worker visa route, applicants who may require sponsorship are advised to independently check their eligibility prior to applying. Visa options will only be discussed with shortlisted candidates.

Skilled Worker visa guidance
https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa

Equality, Diversity and Flexible Working

The University of Reading is proud of its commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We actively support:

The Equality Act 2010
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/equality-act-2010-guidance

The Athena SWAN Charter, Race Equality Charter, and LGBTQ+ inclusion

Applications for job-share, part-time, secondment, and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and considered in line with service requirements.