Job description

We are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic, motivated self-starter to join as part of the International Marketing team as an International Officer, within our Brand and Marketing Department. The post holder will be expected to devise and implement recruitment strategies to develop a number of designated markets for our International Foundation programme and summer programmes.  Cultural awareness and sensitivity, as well as the ability to travel overseas extensively are essential. 

The post holder will be expected to develop and manage relationships with a diverse network of stakeholders ranging from potential academics, embassies and government bodies, including students, agents, schools and universities.

The role requires a candidate with an aptitude for problem solving and multitasking, have excellent communication skills and be able to demonstrate a genuine commitment to providing high standards in customer service. Experience working within an international environment or previous experience in Higher Education or student recruitment is required. The role will see the ideal candidate gain extensive knowledge of overseas trends and be able to analysis data to inform and develop strategies for the designated markets.  

The role will require flexibility and an average of 14-16  weeks of travel a year depending on the activities in the designated markets, however, additional travel outside of your remit may also be required to meet the university’s business needs.

Due to the Pandemic of 2020 Covid-19 – all travel is currently suspended until further notice and digital activity will be carried out to service all designated markets and partner.  

This post will be offered on an indefinite contract 

This is a full-time post

Key responsibilities

Key responsibilities and objectives of the role:  

• The post-holder leads on the development and implementation of country marketing and recruitment strategies and initiatives for designated country markets. 
• The post-holder will lead on markets that have been identified by the International Foundation Programme and summer programmes at King’s College London. These markets will span across the globe, these markets can change at any time due to business needs.  
• The post-holder is the specialist for the development of the designated markets and is responsible for advising the Head of International, and the Head of Portfolio on strategy within the designated markets. 
• The post-holder monitors, evaluates and responds to the trends and developments for student recruitment activities in designated markets. 
• The post holder will be responsible for planning and managing, large and complex established market activities and for opening up and developing new markets. 
• The post holder is required to undertake an average of 14-16 weeks of travel a year, depending on the required activities in the designated markets according to university business needs. 
• The post holder maybe required to travel outside of their markets including the UK and overseas to cover conferences, delegations and school/university visits and may need to step in for colleagues as and when required. 
• The post holder maybe required to travel anywhere in the world where the British Council and Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advice allows and where there is a university business need.  
• The post holder should be able to present and communicate effectively to a wide range of audiences at all levels. 
• The post holder must have sufficient understanding of recruitment partnerships overseas. 
• The post holder should have an extensive knowledge of overseas trends and be able to analysis data to inform and develop strategies. 
• Initiate, devise and implement strategies that identify and exploit key overseas markets, thereby raising the profile of King’s College London and successfully help to achieve the outcomes that advance the university’s international strategy. 
• Be responsible for the bidding/justification and management of country budgets along with the Head of International. 
• Manage and develop a select number of international recruitment markets and produce marketing and strategic activity plans/reports for these including social media, data analysis, insights and trends.   
• Formulate and manage the department’s contact strategy with College agents overseas (agents within designated countries). 
• In association with the Head of International, develop and disseminate expert knowledge of the markets of designated countries responsible across the College (Schools and departments), market trends and ways of attracting international students for all levels with a focus on King’s International foundation and Summer School.  
• Represent King’s at overseas education and recruitment exhibitions, undertake independent visits overseas and develop and deliver presentations about the College. 
• Identify overseas partners of strategic value to the College to engage potential recruitment collaboration. 
• Identify other opportunities for King’s such as partnering with scholarship bodies, joint research collaborations or feeder institutions for the international foundation programme and summer school. 
• Assist with the organisation and management of high-profile visits to the College of key stakeholders. 
• The post-holder will develop effective working relationships with a range of external audiences, including partners and representatives, professional organisations such as British Council, BUILA, UKVI, UKTI, Universities UK, UCAS etc. and attend relevant professional conferences and workshops to ensure that the College is aware of current government issues and updates in relation to overseas student recruitment including embassies based in London and overseas.  
• The post-holder will regularly advise, inform and include the College community of student activity via meetings, forums, one-to-ones, and other means of communication.
• The role holder will formulate and manage agent strategy for the designated markets. 
• The post-holder will contribute to the development of on and off-line marketing tools and printed materials published to support King’s international recruitment activities. 
• The post-holder will liaise with Alumni office to develop a system for best utilising local alumni networks focusing on recruitment activities. 
• Be flexible and prepared to travel at short notice, work weekends and travel for meetings at all College Campuses and overseas as required for university business needs.  
• Be responsible for the transport and assembly of display materials at overseas marketing fairs. 
• The post-holder will be a fully integrated member of the Marketing Department and as such will work closely with colleagues across the Marketing Team (Digital, Data, UK and Portfolio Marketing) as well as teams across Admissions, Global Engagement, Study Abroad and Summer programmes etc. 
• Due to the Pandemic of 2020 Covid-19 – all travel is currently suspended until further notice and digital activity will be carried out to service all designated markets and partner 
• Perform other such duties as specified by the Head of International and/or Director of Brand & Marketing. 

Skills, knowledge, and experience

Essential criteria 

• Educated to degree level or equivalent 
• Ability to communicate effectively to a wide range of audiences at all levels both orally (including delivering presentations) and in writing
• Ability to assess and analysis data and market trends to inform and develop international strategies
• Proven marketing and strategic thinking  expertise
• Experience of working with funding bodies, governments, embassies & ministries in-country.
• Good networking skills and ability to influence the delivery of sustainable outcomes and long-term relationships
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships to influence both internally and externally
• Experience of working in an international environment and across different time zones
• Cultural awareness of relevant countries.

Desirable criteria 

• Postgraduate or professional marketing qualification
• Good knowledge of international HE sector as well as relevant current issues and policies worldwide
• Fluency in a language besides English is desirable