Associate Director of Future Students

Associate Director of Future Students 

De Montfort University
Permanent, full time
£72,755 to £77,961 per annum plus university T&Cs
Leicester, with hybrid working of 2 days per week on-site as minimum  

About us 

De Montfort University (DMU) is an ambitious and inclusive institution based in the heart of Leicester, with a strong commitment to widening participation and supporting students from across the UK and around the world. 

DMU is seeking an accomplished higher education leader to shape how the university attracts, supports and converts future students within an increasingly competitive recruitment environment. 

The Opportunity: 

Reporting to the Deputy Director of Marketing and Future Students, the Associate Director of Future Students will provide strategic and operational leadership across a service of approximately 75-80 colleagues. 

The remit spans admissions, student recruitment, schools and colleges engagement, widening participation and outreach, enquiry management and the wider future student journey. The Head of Admissions and Head of Future Students will report directly to this postholder. 

You will lead the development and delivery of DMU’s student recruitment strategy and ensure a seamless, applicant-centred and competitive service across home and international markets, from first enquiry through to enrolment. 

The role carries significant responsibility for the following: recruitment and admissions strategy, admissions policy, applicant experience, conversion, systems and processes, data and management information, UKVI compliance and Confirmation and Clearing. You will also work closely with marketing, international recruitment, faculties, access and participation and other professional services teams. 

DMU is also progressing change across its people, systems and processes. You will need to establish credibility quickly, lead confidently through change and strengthen the university’s recruitment, admissions and applicant experience. 

What we are looking for: 

You will be an experienced university professional who has led admissions and student recruitment activity at a minimum of Head of Service level. 

Candidates may have developed their career primarily through admissions or recruitment but must demonstrate substantial experience across both areas. You must also have experience across both home and international markets.  

You will bring: 

• Detailed knowledge of university admissions systems and UKVI requirements  

• Experience of leading large teams and established senior managers  

• A strong understanding of student recruitment strategy, policy, data, conversion and the applicant journey  

• Evidence of improving services, systems and processes  

• The confidence to lead organisational change and address difficult issues  

• The credibility to advise and influence senior academic, professional services and executive stakeholders  

In a nutshell, DMU is seeking a talented leader who understands how to lead admissions and recruitment strategically within an increasingly competitive university environment. 

Next steps: 

The closing date is 31st July 2026. 

Initial virtual interviews are expected during the week commencing 3rd August 2026, with final interviews provisionally scheduled on campus during the week commencing 24th August 2026. We will be flexible to move arrangements for candidates where possible. 

For a full JD and details of how to progress your application, or to discuss further, please contact Az Ahmed via az.ahmed@andersonquigley.com or +44 (0)7873 628 945 

Anderson Quigley is acting as De Montfort University’s retained adviser for this appointment, with a search process being conducted alongside the public advertisement.