Vice-Principal Student Recruitment and Growth

The University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) is seeking an exceptional executive leader to join its senior team as Vice-Principal Student Recruitment and Growth. As a key member of the university’s executive leadership, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of education, driving student recruitment, marketing, and growth initiatives in one of the most breathtaking locations in the world. This strategic position will develop and implement initiatives to attract a diverse student body from across Scotland, the UK, and internationally, strengthening partnerships across UHI’s unique regional network of colleges and research institutions.

UHI is a globally recognised tertiary institution, offering a unique model that integrates further and higher education with world-class research. Unlike traditional universities, UHI operates as a partnership of colleges, research institutions, and learning centres, spread across the Highlands and Islands, Moray, and Perthshire. This multi-campus, regionally embedded partnership structure provides unparalleled flexibility and accessibility, ensuring education is available to students in diverse and often remote communities. The Vice-Principal Student Recruitment and Growth will play a key role in maximising the opportunities presented by this model, developing strategies that reflect its distinctive nature and broadening UHI’s reach nationally and internationally.

As Vice-Principal Student Recruitment and Growth, you will play a central role in delivering UHI’s ambitions, ensuring alignment with the university’s distinctive tertiary education model. With a data-driven approach, you will harness analytics and financial insights to optimise recruitment strategies and enhance student engagement. Leading a high-performing team, you will foster an inclusive, collaborative culture, working closely with key stakeholders across academic and industry sectors. Your ability to build strong relationships with partner institutions, schools, and businesses will be pivotal in achieving ambitious growth targets.

The ideal candidate will be a highly collaborative and experienced senior leader with a results-oriented, ‘can-do’ attitude. You will thrive in a fast-paced, partnership-driven environment, excelling as part of an innovative, agile, and high-performing team. A proven track record of achieving results is essential for success in this role. You will bring expertise in developing and executing innovative recruitment campaigns, leveraging digital and traditional marketing channels to attract a diverse student population. Strong communication and interpersonal skills will enable you to engage with students, staff, and external partners, driving a culture of collaboration and excellence.

Success in this role requires proven senior leadership experience in student recruitment and marketing, with a track record of delivering results in complex organisations. A deep understanding of the UK higher education landscape, including Scotland-specific policies, regulatory frameworks, and international recruitment trends, will be essential. You will need strong analytical and financial management skills to oversee recruitment budgets, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively to maximise return on investment. Experience in leading high-performing teams and fostering an inclusive, collaborative environment will be crucial.

Based in Inverness, this role offers an incredible opportunity to live and work in one of Scotland’s most stunning regions. The Highlands and Islands provide a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and outdoor adventure, making it a truly inspiring place to shape the future of education.

As part of UHI’s 2030 strategy, this role aligns with our five key themes: teaching and student support, research and innovation impact, enterprise and growth, environmental sustainability, and operational excellence. You will be a key driver in delivering our vision, ensuring that UHI remains at the forefront of education and research.

We are looking for an inspirational and forward-thinking leader who is ready to embrace this exciting challenge. If you are passionate about making a real impact on student recruitment and higher education in Scotland, we want to hear from you.

Join us and be part of something extraordinary.

For an informal conversation about the role, please contact our recruitment partners at GatenbySanderson: Ross Highfield – ross.highfield@gatenbysanderson.com

Closing date: 9am Monday 10th February 2025