Dear candidate,

Thank you for your interest in the role of Student Recruitment and Admissions Director here at Kingston University.

Kingston is a leading London university, rated TEF Gold and well known for its progressive approach to education. It is widely respected for its groundbreaking work to equip graduates with the skills and attributes most valued by global employers.

Through our visionary Town House Strategy, we are transforming students’ education by embedding the future skills sought after by businesses and professional organisations across our curriculum. We are pivoting to a demand-driven academic portfolio that better responds to new markets, policy initiatives and grows its overall student numbers on a sustainable basis. Our strategy is also driving numerous advances in research and knowledge exchange.

We are now seeking to appoint a new Student Recruitment and Admissions Director. The new Director will fulfil a critical role that sits at the heart of our Town House Strategy, as we aim to increase our student numbers.

The postholder will provide leadership and strategic focus for the student recruitment and admissions agenda within the Directorate for Students, across the University and externally. Leading a team of around 110 staff, the Director will ensure that the University’s agreed strategic aims as they relate to recruitment and admissions are embedded into functional plans and successful outcomes are achieved. They will lead the provision of a seamless experience from prospective student visits through to enrolment for students, ensuring the University’s recruitment and admissions processes are fully compliant with all relevant legislation and best practice and are underpinned by the values of the University.

You will be a skilled and ambitious leader of student recruitment and admissions within a higher education context with extensive and current UK experience. You will also be an experienced people manager, be able to build and lead high performing teams. You will bring resilience and strong communication skills, be able to manage and support a wide range of internal and external stakeholders with credibility. You also will role model our University values: inclusive, innovative, ambitious and enterprising.

Kingston is a wonderful place to work and our Town House Strategy will see us further strengthen our position. I do hope that you will express an interest in joining us at this exciting time.

Kingston University is a place for students to fulfil their ambitions. High quality teaching is at the heart of everything we do. We are one of just 26 higher education providers in the United Kingdom to have secured three Gold ratings in the latest Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF). This recognises our commitment to high quality teaching, to providing an outstanding student experience and to supporting our students to achieve successful degree outcomes.

Across our four campuses in Kingston, we offer cutting-edge facilities within a bustling and vibrant town, with great shopping, restaurants, bars and leisure facilities, and great transport links in and out of London.

Our Town House Strategy is delivering a progressive new model of higher education founded on our sector-leading Future Skills campaign. Called the Town House Strategy after our internationally acclaimed, award-winning Town House building, the strategy will prepare students for the future world of work. It will also increase the University’s research and knowledge exchange, enhance our collaboration with local communities, business and industry, strengthen our impact on policy and support the goal of building a more sustainable society and economy.

Kingston University is built upon the achievements of its students and staff and their contributions to a wide range of initiatives including advancements in technology, commitment to sustainability and focus on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion strategies.

Our values serve as guiding principles that define the University’s character. They are an integral part of our Town House Strategy, establishing a common sense of purpose and direction.

We are proud to be:

• Inclusive: to value the diversity of students and staff, treating them respectfully;
• Innovative: to apply new methods or ideas to facilitate progress;
• Ambitious: to pursue excellence for oneself, the university and our communities;
• Enterprising: to recognise and act on opportunities.

In addition, we know our greatest strength is our people, so we have a range of benefits to enhance employees careers with us which include generous holiday entitlement and pension schemes, discounted courses across the university, Employee Assistance Programme and much more.

Professor Steven Spier has been the University’s Vice-Chancellor since 2017 and, prior to that, led the institution’s globally prominent Kingston School of Art. Under Professor Spier’s leadership, Kingston University has embarked upon an ambitious programme of capital investment that has seen the development of its award-winning Town House building. The RIBA Stirling Prize and EU Mies van der Rohe award-winning building serves as a gateway to the University for the wider community. Internationally acclaimed for its architecture, it is a landmark building incorporating a three-floor academic library, archive, dance studios, studio theatre and courtyard.

Guardian University Guide
Kingston University is a top 60 institution in the 2025 Guardian University Guide. The University was ranked in the top five in the country for geography, graphic design and fashion, tenth in the country for general nursing and ninth for forensic science.

TEF Gold
Kingston University is proud to have been awarded three Gold ratings in the Teaching Excellence Framework 2023 alongside Oxford, Cambridge, Exeter and Warwick.

Graduate start-ups
The University is consistently ranked one of the top higher education institutions nationally for graduate start-ups in the Higher Education Business and Community Interaction Survey.

One of the most inclusive institutions in the country, Kingston University was ranked in the top 10 universities in the UK for social mobility in a report produced by the Institute of Fiscal Studies in partnership with the Sutton Trust and Department for Education. Kingston University is passionate about enhancing students’ life chances by helping them make the most of their learning opportunity and is committed to opening up higher education to the whole community.

The University holds a Bronze Race Equality Charter (REC) Mark in recognition of its ongoing commitment and action to improve race equity for staff and students. The REC, which is a national scheme by Advance HE, aims to help universities and research institutes improve the representation, progression and success of Black, Asian and minority ethnic people in higher education.

• We are diverse
  The University has an international outlook and commitment to cultural diversity. Our 19,920 students learn a broad range of subjects in a community from more than 140 countries. Artists and designers study alongside engineers, scientists, healthcare professionals and business minds to blend the student experience across subjects and solve the problems faced by today’s diverse society.
• We transform lives
  We are committed to fair access and providing equal opportunities for students from all walks of life. Our award-winning KU Cares programme provides specialised support for students who are care leavers, care experienced, estranged or young adult carers. The University’s Head Start programme supports students from groups under-represented in higher education and prepares them for the transition into higher education both academically and socially, ensuring they can start their courses with confidence.

Our award-winning ELEVATE programme supports students of Black and Black Mixed heritage backgrounds to gain insight, skills and support in preparation for embarking on successful careers.

• We have impact
  We continue to expand our research reputation through fostering a collaborative, outward-looking research culture across the Institution. Seventy per cent of Kingston’s research was rated as world-leading or internationally excellent in the Government’s latest Research Excellence Framework (REF), released in 2021. The University rose 13 places to 71st in the research power tables published by Times Higher Education which considers quality of research as well as number of research-active staff, placing 75th in the leading sector publication’s overall ranking of institutions.
• We are building a sustainable future
  These are challenging times in higher education. Despite a turbulent environment for English higher education, we are confident that Kingston University will continue its upward trajectory. We have been both bold and careful so that we can invest in Kingston University’s future.

EQUALITY, DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
Equality, diversity, and inclusion is at the very heart of Kingston University. It’s in our diverse student population and staff, it’s in our multi-cultural student societies and events, and it’s in our activities to encourage prospective students and create the best study experience for all.

• Diverse and global community
  There’s no such thing as an average Kingston University student – they come from all over the UK and around the world. Our non-UK students come from more than 140 countries, from Australia to Zimbabwe. Our student societies alone cover a fantastic variety of nationalities, communities, faiths, interests and more. They all come together annually for our Global Festival – celebrating diversity, culture, and internationalism.
• Championing equality and diversity
  At Kingston we see diversity as a strength. We value the rich variety of backgrounds, identities and experiences our staff and students bring to the University. We support the Scottish Funding Council’s declaration on anti-racism for HEI’s and FE Colleges: ‘Racism exists on our campuses and in our society. Call it what it is and reject it in all of its forms. We stand united against racism’. We are actively listening to, and engaging with, our staff and student community and setting new objectives and commitments that will promote a culture of acceptance without exception. Kingston University is also proud to hold the Athena SWAN bronze award for our commitment to advancing women’s careers in science, technology, maths and medicine (STEMM).
• EDI objectives and commitments
  Kingston is a diverse university with an established commitment to embedding equality and diversity in everything that we do. However, we recognise there is always more to be done.

Click here to learn more about our objectives and commitments.

OUR LOCATIONS
The University is located across four teaching campuses in and around Kingston upon Thames. Our campuses are not only welcoming and supportive environments for students and staff, they are also home to incredible learning facilities. With laboratories and studios, modern classrooms, lecture theatres and libraries, our campuses also include dedicated postgraduate study centres, virtual learning tools, 24/7 online learning support, specialist computer suites and many more additional study spaces.

• Penrhyn Road campus
  Within walking distance of Kingston town centre, this campus is busy, lively, and cosmopolitan and there is a range of cafés, bars and restaurants on-site. It also has central University facilities such as the fitness centre, health centre, main student restaurant, the Union of Kingston Students and the Student Life Centre, which provides services such as accommodation and finance advice.
• Kingston School of Art, Knights Park campus
  Set in a riverside location, a short walk from Kingston town centre and the Penrhyn Road campus. The restaurant and bar are right next to the picturesque Hogsmill River, providing a tranquil backdrop for breaks in between lectures.
• Kingston Hill campus
  A beautiful, leafy, self-contained site with a mixture of modern and historic buildings and a community feel. The campus boasts a cafe, restaurant, bar, tennis courts, beehives, and a nature walk; this campus is also within walking distance of Richmond Park.
• Roehampton Vale campus
  Purpose-built and completely dedicated to the study of Engineering. The campus is just a bus ride or short drive from Kingston and within walking distance of Richmond Park and Wimbledon Common.

OUR FACULTIES
Academic staff and teaching at Kingston University are divided into four faculties. Each faculty offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses, plus undertakes research in related areas.

• Kingston School of Art
  With origins dating back to the late 19th century, Kingston School of Art is one of the UK’s leading art and design education providers. It combines creative risk-taking, innovation and experimentation with a commitment to working with numerous local, national and global partners and collaborators to lead and shape the future of the creative and cultural industries.
• Faculty of Business and Social Sciences
  The Faculty of Business and Social Sciences combines Kingston Business School and the School of Law, Social and Behavioural Sciences. Together they cultivate critical thinking, and a problem-solving approach to learning with an international outlook.
• Faculty of Engineering, Computing and the Environment
  The Faculty of Engineering, Computing and the Environment was formed in 2022. Its schools of Engineering, Built Environment & Geography, and Computer Science and Mathematics bring together interdisciplinary research, improving the scope of the student experience and encouraging partnerships between academia and commerce. Through a collaborative approach and state of the art facilities, the Faculty offers greater access to resources, knowledge and information and a broader perspective on its subjects.
• Faculty of Health, Science, Social Care and Education
  The Faculty of Health, Science, Social Care and Education is one of the leading providers of healthcare education in the capital, making a significant impact both on the NHS frontline and across the wider workforce through its graduates’ skills and expertise and by advancing research. It offers courses in life sciences, pharmacy, nursing, midwifery, social work, sports science, nutrition, education and research, as well as a range of workforce development opportunities

Click here to learn more about the faculties and schools at Kingston

• Our Directorates
  Our professional and support services are closely aligned with the needs of our students. Each Directorates is led by a member of the Senior Leadership Team – Directorate for Corporate Services, Directorate for Academic Services, Directorate for Finance, Infrastructure and Human Resources, and Directorate for Students.

In the recently released Knowledge Exchange Framework results for 2023, the University has been assessed as having very high or high engagement in three of the seven perspectives – continuing professional development (CPD) and graduate start-ups, public and community engagement, and research partnerships.

The University retained a very high engagement rating in the area of CPD and graduate start-ups, exemplified by its long-standing reputation in enterprise education. Kingston is consistently ranked as having one of the highest number of graduate start-ups among UK universities – a position it has maintained for the past decade – in the Higher Education Business and Community Interaction Survey.

We are a leading partner in the South London Partnership innovation and growth programme BIG South London, and play a key role collaborating with HE, FE and business partners to support economic growth. We have been involved in delivering Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) projects for almost 40 years with regional and national businesses across a wide range of sectors. Our expertise knowledge exchange and enterprise education was recognised in the Times Higher Education Awards 2023 within which we were shortlisted for the Outstanding Entrepreneurial University accolade.

The University is establishing four new Knowledge Exchange and Research Institutes (KERIs) to drive excellence and collaboration in research and Knowledge Exchange, reflecting the University’s growing research ambitions and increasing strength. The University more than doubled its QR income from REF 2021, in which 70 per cent of Kingston’s research was rated as world-leading or internationally excellent.

Almost a quarter of Kingston’s research was rated world-leading in REF 2021, with the University ranking fifth out of 14 University Alliance institutions in the overall tables. Five Units of Assessment saw more than 70% of overall research rated as 4* or 3*, while four Units of Assessment secured 100% rating of 4* or 3* for their impact. All 11 of the Units of Assessment the University submitted had a majority of 4* or 3* research overall. Since that time, we have increased external income generation through competitive awards and been successful in a number of new, externally funded doctoral training partnerships.

Kingston University’s commitment to high quality teaching, providing an outstanding student experience and supporting its students to achieve successful degree outcomes has been recognised with a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF).

The University has not only received an overall rating of Gold, a significant rise from its previous Bronze status, but has also secured a Gold award in the framework’s two new student experience and student outcomes categories.

The announcement saw Kingston join an elite line up of 26 universities and colleges across the United Kingdom awarded TEF Gold in all three categories, alongside Oxford, Cambridge, Exeter and Warwick. It was one of 46 higher and further education providers across the country to receive the overall TEF Gold rating and the only provider in the country to rise from TEF Bronze to TEF Gold.

Features of the University’s submission included its commitment to student success, exemplified by the work of the Learning and Teaching Enhancement Centre (LTEC), which supports students through such measures as developing a truly inclusive curriculum and reducing the degree awarding gap. The University also showcased the support it offers care leavers, young adult carers and students from a diverse range of backgrounds through its KU Cares and ELEVATE programmes and Graduate Success Centre.

Kingston’s work with first generation students, whose families have no previous experience of higher education, was also a key focus.

View our Senior Leadership Team here.

Our vision
Our vision is for Kingston University to be sought after by students and staff as a place to further their ambitions and to have impact on our communities. Our students and staff will be sought after for their skills, knowledge and ability to innovate.

Our mission
Our mission is to enhance students’ life chances, support staff ambitions and strengthen Kingston University’s impact on industry, policy and the professions to enable a sustainable future socially, economically and environmentally.

Our values
We strive to be:

• Inclusive – to value the diversity of students and staff, treating all our community with respect;
• Innovative – to apply new methods or ideas to drive progress;
• Ambitious – to pursue excellent for individuals, the University and our communities;
• Enterprising – to recognise and act on opportunities.

Our world is becoming more interconnected through advances in technology. Society is changing at pace, and employers need graduates who bring innovation, enterprise and digital and creative problem-solving skills into the workplace.

Through our Town House Strategy, Kingston University will meet these challenges by delivering a progressive new model of education. We will partner with businesses and other external bodies to support innovation and advance knowledge. Collaboration and innovation will underpin everything we do.

We will enable our students to develop the future skills and personal attributes to thrive in their careers and focus our research, knowledge exchange, and professional practice where it can have impact and drive innovation.

Our Town House Strategy will transform our students’ education by embedding the Future Skills sought by business and the professions across our curriculum. It will also give greater prominence, visibility and support to research and knowledge exchange. Finally, it will help create a culture of high performance that is inclusive, innovative, ambitious, and enterprising.

The strategy will ensure our graduates, our staff, and the University itself are sought after. Students will seek to broaden their knowledge and skills at Kingston University because it will help them make the most of their higher education; staff will choose to work at the University because they can be effective, innovative and develop their careers; and businesses, organisations and government bodies will seek to partner with us because of our approach, expertise, and values.

The building which our strategy is named after, the Town House, secured two internationally renowned architectural awards. It gives physical form to our ambitions for Kingston University and proves we can compete against the best anywhere. Read our strategy here.

FUTURE SKILLS

Kingston University is leading the way in the United Kingdom by highlighting the pressing need for Future Skills to be embedded across higher education.

The University’s sector-leading campaign championing Future Skills – the skills for innovation vital to drive a thriving economy – has been backed by global businesses including Mastercard, JP Morgan, Coca-Cola and Cisco. The campaign has also attracted widespread support from parliamentarians, peers and policy makers including senior government Ministers.

Kingston University is the first higher education provider in the United Kingdom to embed Future Skills teaching in every year of every undergraduate programme, equipping its students with the skills businesses have said are essential for long-term economic success.

Informed by our Future Skills campaign research, the University has identified nine graduate attributes most valued by employers – creative problem solving, digital competency, being enterprising, having a questioning mindset, adaptability, empathy, collaboration, resilience and self-awareness.

At Kingston University, we are instilling these skills in our students through the roll-out of Future Skills modules across all undergraduate courses. This approach will ensure they are prepared for career success in a world increasingly driven by artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies.

Our latest campaign report, Future Skills: The Kingston Approach, was launched at a major event at the Houses of Parliament. It highlights the economic imperative of embedding Future Skills across the higher education sector to provide employers with the adaptable and highly skilled workforce they need and to prepare graduates for career success in a rapidly changing digital-first world. Read our latest Future Skills report.

The salary range is £91,315 – £111,422.

The successful candidate will be eligible to join the Local Government Pension Scheme, which is administered by the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames.

Annual leave entitlement is 35 days plus public holidays.

We offer a range of workplace benefits, including:

• training, development funds and access to University study
• season ticket loan
• cycle-to-work scheme
• employee assistance programme
• discounted gym membership, use of our sports ground, fitness centre and complementary therapy clinic
• a newly relaunched University benefits platform including a wide range of discounts, smart spending app, and low cost healthcare cash plan

To find out more about our benefits, please click here.