Job Description

Department:Academic Services

Section:Recruitment and Admissions

Location:Moulsecoomb/Grand Parade

Job title:SeniorAdmissions Officer (Brighton)

Post number:RE5131

Grade:6

Responsible to:Admissions Manager

Responsible for: Central Admissions Team. Directly line manages4 Senior Admissions Assistants, 1 Admissions Officer (International)and 3 Admissions Assistant with another Senior Admissions Officer

Overall purpose of post:

To assist the Admissions Manager in the effective operation of the central Admissions Office. Providing day-to day line management of a central admissions Team and being the main contact for Schools in relation to day-to-day admissions issues.

Main areas of responsibility:

  1. To manage the Central Admissions Team dealing with applications processing at Grand Parade and Moulsecoomb via the university Admissions Portal, and to deputise in the absence of the Admissions Manager as required.
  2. To be the lead operational member of the Central Admissions Team for the processing of DBS checks and related professional practise standards, and the assessment of overseas/channel islands/home tuition fee status.
  3. To provide expert advice to the Admissions Manager and admissions tutors on the development, implementation and co-ordination of DBS and fee assessment processes and policies relating to admissions at Grand Parade and Moulsecoomb.
  4. To manage and co-ordinate the production of accurate information on all university admissions processes ensuring this is published externally on UCAS listings and other appropriate publications, and internally on the university website and other promotional materials.
  5. To participate in other Academic Services activities and contribute to the overall development of the department as required.
  1. To manage the Central Admissions Team dealing with applications processing at Grand Parade and Moulsecoomb via the university Admissions Portal, and to deputise in the absence of the Admissions Manager as required.

1.1 Responsible for the day-day line management of the Central Admissions team including managing day-to-day workload of the team, undertaking staff development reviews, addressing issues of performance and ensuring that all aspects of the admissions cycle are completed by the admissions team within set deadlines from initial application to enrolment.

1.2 To manage the Central Admissions Team ensuring that staff are appropriately deployed to handle the workload, and adjusting responsibilities as required throughout the admission cycle when dealing with applications.

1.3 To be the primary point of contact for admissions advice to admissions tutors at Grand Parade and Moulsecoomb, and to ensure the efficient processing of applications at these sites, including liaison with the BSMS Senior Admissions Officer.

1.4 To liaise with admissions tutors and ensure that the Central Admissions Team and schools admissions staff are working cooperatively to ensure effective and efficient admissions processes which maximise the number of acceptances, including ensuring that admissions activity and decisions are recorded promptly and accurately on the Admissions Portal and that relevant correspondence is despatched in a timely manner.

1.5 To be the primary point of contact to provide expert advice and guidance to all University of Brighton admissions tutors, administrators, and applicants on UK and international qualifications for entry to courses at the university.

1.6 Undertake operational admissions duties (e.g. processing of applications) as workload requires.

1.7 To support the Admissions Process Group on behalf of the Admissions Manager, acting as clerk and advising on agenda items, writing papers and briefings as required.

1.8 To participate in external networks and represent the university externally as required.

  1. To be the lead operational member of the Central Admissions Team for the processing of DBS checks and related professional practise standards, and the assessment of overseas/channel islands/home tuition fee status.

2.1 To develop and implement university procedures to ensure the effective operation of DBS, occupational health checks, and tuition fee assessments, and to ensure that relevant Academic Services admissions staff have a clear understanding of, and are implementing, the processes and procedures within university, DBS and relevant statutory (e.g. Data Protection Act) regulations and guidance.

2.2 To provide expert advice and guidance and make decisions on complex DBS disclosure applications, occupational health checks and the fee status of applicants as referred by admissions assistants and admissions tutors, referring only the most complex or contentious cases or appeals to the Admissions Manager.

  1. To provide expert advice to the Admissions Manager and admissions tutors on the development, implementation and co-ordination of DBS and fee assessment processes and policies relating to admissions at Falmer, Grand Parade and Moulsecoomb.

3.1 To develop and maintain up to date expert knowledge of DBS policies and procedures, to ensure that internal processes and procedures are appropriate.

3.2 To develop and maintain up to date expert knowledge of relevant legislation, policies and procedures regarding the assessment of fee status for university applicants, to ensure that internal processes and procedures are appropriate.

3.3 Maintain a thorough knowledge of the university’s courses, entry requirements, admissions policies and processes, with particular reference to the Falmer, Grand Parade and Moulsecoomb campuses.

3.4 Prepare applicant casework and advise the Admissions Manageron complex domicile/fee status assessment cases and complex /sensitive applications involving applicants with criminal records.

  1. To manage and co-ordinate the production of accurate information on all university admissions processes ensuring this is published externally on UCAS listings and other appropriate publications, and internally on the university website and other promotional materials.

4.1 To manage and co-ordinate the publication of admissions information, as required, working collaboratively with colleagues in the enquiries and recruitment events team, the Admissions Manager, and marketing and communications staff.

  1. To participate in other Registry activities and contribute to the overall development of the department as required.

Selection criteria:The criteria below indicate the qualities that are needed to do the job well. Candidates will be selected according to the extent to which they satisfy these criteria. Evidence of potential will also be considered. Most of the criteria must normally be met in order to qualify for selection.

Essential:

Knowledge/qualifications:

  • Education to first degree level or equivalent evidence of analytical and problem solving ability.
  • An ability to consider problems and devise solutions both independently and as part of a team.
  • Previous Admissions experience in a higher education institution, in-depth knowledge of educational qualifications framework in the UK, Europe and internationally and an expert knowledge of UCAS rules and procedures.
  • Knowledge of current legislation concerning data protection and freedom of information, Disclosure and Barring Service, and Home Office immigration rules, and fitness to practise guidance in relevant occupations.
  • Excellent ICT skills including a good working knowledge of word-processing, use of databases, internet, intranet, and email.
  • Previous experience as a line manager or supervisor.
  • Experience of dealing with highly selective admissions procedures.
  • An appreciation of the issues involved in a partnership arrangements between several institutions.
  • Good working knowledge of one or more of the following:
  • Education (Fees and Awards) Regulations.
  • Disclosure and Barring Service application procedures.
  • Equalities legislation as it impacts upon admissions.

Communication:

  • Excellent interpersonal skills.
  • Excellent oral and written skills.
  • A proven ability to elicit cooperation from busy colleagues including senior academic staff.

Sensitivity:

  • The ability to remain calm and objective and respond sympathetically to upset applicants. An ability to discuss sensitive information discreetly.

Response to change:

  • A willingness to be flexible in what is a developmental role and the ability to cope with change.

Organisation:

  • Systematic; efficient; meets agreed priorities.
  • An appreciation of the need for accuracy and attention to detail.

Teamwork:

  • Flexible, co-operative, helpful; and proactive.

Other:

  • A commitment to equality of opportunity.
  • A commitment to continuing professional development.

Physical:

  • Able to use display screen equipment extensively, according to health and safety guidelines.

This job description sets out the duties of the post at the time it was drawn up. Such duties may vary from time to time without changing the general character of the duties or level of responsibility entailed. Such variations are a common occurrence and cannot of themselves justify a reconsideration of the grading of the post.

JB

Nov 14