Director of Student Recruitment

ABOUT CSVPA

Located in the heart of Cambridge, the Cambridge School of Visual & Performing Arts (CSVPA) is a leading institution for aspiring artists and performers. We offer a wide range of Postgraduate, Undergraduate, Foundation, and Diploma courses across Art & Design, Fashion, Music, and Performing Arts. We don’t just teach creative skills—we inspire bold ideas, nurture curiosity, and encourage fearless experimentation. Our goal is to equip students with the confidence to innovate, push boundaries, and shape the future of the creative industries. Our alumni have gone on to work for world-leading brands like Chanel, Vogue and Esquire magazine, and many have been accepted into prestigious institutions such as Parsons, Central Saint Martins, RADA, and the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, among others.

At CSVPA, our commitment to student success extends beyond the classroom. We take pride in delivering an education that not only develops artistic talent but also equips students with the skills, confidence, and industry connections needed to succeed in today’s competitive creative landscape.

We’re not just an institution — we’re a catalyst for change. Bold, innovative, and always forward-thinking, we believe in the power of education to transform lives, communities, and industries. We’re looking for a Head of Student Recruitment who shares this belief and is ready to lead the charge in a fast-paced, ever-evolving landscape.

We celebrate curiosity, diversity, and creativity. We welcome ideas that challenge convention and we’re always ready to explore new horizons. If you’re passionate about education, global connectivity, and the impact that students can have on the world, then you’re the kind of person we want to join our team.

ABOUT THE ROLE

As Director of Student Recruitment, you’ll be at the forefront of our mission to attract and retain the brightest minds — both from here and around the world. This is not just about hitting numbers. It’s about building a global presence, shaping student journeys, and creating opportunities that change lives.
You’ll drive the recruitment strategy with a keen eye on innovative approaches and new technologies. From AI-driven marketing to data analytics and supporting social media strategies, you'll push the boundaries to make recruitment more impactful and personalized. Your role will blend leadership, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of the dynamic international education sector, incorporating modern sales techniques and tools that challenge the status quo.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Lead with Impact: Drive a visionary, tech-enabled student recruitment strategy. You’ll leverage automation, digital marketing, and data analytics to optimize student outreach and improve conversion rates. It’s about redefining traditional recruitment and enhancing the experience through innovative digital-first approaches.
• Global Mindset & Data-Driven Decisions: Develop and execute a strategy for international student recruitment, using the latest insights from data analytics to understand market trends, regional nuances, and student preferences. You'll use data visualization tools, AI, and predictive modelling to forecast trends and adjust strategies on the fly.
• Build Relationships that Matter: Expand our global presence by creating personalized, digital-first outreach strategies for prospective students, education agents, and institutional partners. Leverage CRM platforms, supporting social media, and virtual engagement to nurture relationships and connect with future students in creative ways.
• Shape the Experience: Ensure the entire recruitment journey is frictionless and memorable, from initial contact to application. Implement innovative technologies like virtual reality tours, chatbots, and AI-based recommendation engines to enhance the student experience. You’ll also oversee recruitment events, making them dynamic, interactive, and impactful.
• Leverage Data to Evolve: Analyse recruitment performance across all digital channels, regions, and student segments. Use data and insights to fine-tune strategies, maximize ROI, and ensure that recruitment efforts are aligned with evolving student needs and expectations.
• Future-Proof the Strategy: Keep pace with rapidly changing global education trends, technological advancements, and shifting student behaviours. You’ll continuously research and incorporate emerging tools like AI-driven content marketing, chatbots, and virtual events into our recruitment strategies.
• Champion Diversity and Inclusion: Advocate for inclusive recruitment strategies, leveraging data to identify underrepresented groups and proactively reaching out to them through targeted campaigns. You’ll ensure that our recruitment approach is adaptable to different cultural, social, and economic backgrounds.

Who You Are:

You’re a strategist with a passion for education, innovation, and connecting with people in new ways. You’ve worked in student recruitment or a similar field and have a proven ability to grow international student numbers by incorporating modern sales and recruitment methodologies. You thrive in a fast-paced environment and are constantly looking for creative, data-driven solutions to drive results.

• Tech-Savvy & Data-Driven: You have a strong understanding of the latest recruitment technologies, such as CRM systems, AI tools, and data analytics platforms. You’re not just comfortable with data — you use it to influence strategic decisions and refine approaches for maximum impact.
• Innovative Sales Mindset: You approach student recruitment like a modern sales process — blending personalization with automation. You think beyond traditional marketing tactics and have an eye for new, cutting-edge tools that help you attract and engage students effectively.
• People-Centric & Relationship Builder: You know how to engage, inspire, and influence a wide range of stakeholders — from prospective students and parents to schools, agents, and international partners. Your communication skills are second to none, and you’re proficient in using digital channels to connect with diverse audiences globally.
• Visionary & Strategic Thinker: You’re forward-thinking and always looking for ways to improve recruitment processes. Whether it’s using AI to enhance engagement or developing data-backed strategies, you’re focused on shaping the future of student recruitment with innovative, strategic ideas.
• Passionate About Education & Impact: You’re genuinely motivated by the transformative power of education. You understand how technology and creative strategies can unlock opportunities for students from all walks of life.
• Adaptable & Resilient: You thrive in dynamic, ever-evolving environments, learning and adapting to changes in the global recruitment landscape. You’re resilient and solutions-focused, constantly evolving to meet the demands of an increasingly digital world.

WHY US

We’re a team that’s driven by purpose, guided by a vision, and fueled by passion. Here, you’ll have the chance to make a tangible impact on the future of student recruitment, globally and locally. You’ll be part of a vibrant community that’s always pushing boundaries and committed to making education accessible, inclusive, and transformative.

• Global Reach, Local Impact: Join us and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of higher education recruitment, reaching students across the world, and leaving a lasting impact on their educational journeys.
• Collaborative Culture: Work with diverse, talented, and passionate individuals who are committed to making a difference — both in the workplace and in the world.
• Growth Opportunities: We invest in our people. You’ll have access to professional development opportunities, the chance to explore new ideas, and the space to innovate and lead. If you're ready to drive change, build lasting relationships, and shape the future of global student recruitment with a fresh, innovative approach, we want to hear from you.

We’re committed to creating an inclusive and diverse environment and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.
To apply, please submit your CV and a covering letter outlining your suitability for the role via our online application portal.

OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY AND INCUSION

We are committed to diversity, inclusion and belonging. Building on our core values - Pioneering, Persevering, People - we pledge to deliver a series of events, guest speakers, and focus groups to make CATS Global Schools an employer of choice.

AND FINALLY
CATS Global Schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our students and expect everyone connected with the organisation to share this commitment. All positions are subject to the satisfactory completion of safer recruitment pre-employment checks in line with KCSIE guidelines. All shortlisted candidates will be required to complete a criminal declaration form prior to interview and be subject to online checks which may include social media.