Student Lifecycle Operations Officer

The Registry supports the whole student journey, from initial enquiry and admission through to final award and beyond. We work as an integrated, student-focused service, using our expertise, insight and technology to deliver excellent services and support student success. Our teams work collaboratively across the University, fostering an inclusive, high-performing culture that promotes wellbeing, development and opportunity for all.

We are looking for a proactive and organised Student Lifecycle Operations Officer to join the University of Derby during an exciting period of organisational transformation.

This flexible fixed-term role will provide professional administrative, operational, recruitment and student-facing support across Registry. Working collaboratively with colleagues across the University, you will help deliver an excellent experience for prospective and current students, staff and external stakeholders throughout the student lifecycle, from recruitment and enrolment through to progression, completion and graduation.

You will support a varied range of activities including student recruitment, admissions, communications, events, student administration, data management, customer service and project work. This will include responding to enquiries, maintaining accurate records, supporting University events such as Open Days, Clearing and graduation, and contributing to service improvements that enhance efficiency and the student experience.

We are seeking someone with strong communication and organisational skills, excellent attention to detail and a commitment to delivering high-quality customer service. You will be confident working with systems and data, able to manage competing priorities, and comfortable building effective relationships across teams. Experience in administration, customer service, student support, recruitment or operational delivery would be particularly valuable.

Principal Accountabilities:

- Provide professional administrative support across Registry and External Relations functions, ensuring activities are delivered accurately, efficiently and within agreed timescales.
- Act as a point of contact for students, prospective students, staff and external stakeholders, responding to enquiries and providing advice, information and guidance.
- Support recruitment, conversion and student engagement activities throughout the student journey.
- Assist with the planning, organisation and delivery of University events, including Open Days, Applicant Visit Days, enrolment activities, Clearing, graduation ceremonies, recruitment fairs and outreach events.
- Prepare, maintain and update records, systems and databases, ensuring accuracy, integrity and compliance with relevant regulations and policies.
- Compile, analyse and present data and management information to support operational activities and decision-making.
- Support communication activities through a variety of channels, including email, web content, CRM systems and printed materials.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues across academic and professional service departments to ensure a joined-up approach to service delivery.
- Contribute to the development, review and continuous improvement of processes, procedures and services, identifying opportunities to improve efficiency and customer experience.
- Support the implementation and monitoring of projects and operational initiatives, including the preparation of reports, updates and documentation.
- Maintain a good understanding of relevant University regulations, policies and procedures and apply them appropriately when providing advice and support.
- Ensure compliance with data protection, information security, equality, diversity and inclusion, and health and safety requirements.
- Develop effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders to support the achievement of departmental and University objectives.
- Undertake any other duties commensurate with the level of responsibility of the post.

Essential Criteria:

Qualifications:
- Educated to HND level, or able to demonstrate equivalent relevant professional experience.
- GCSE English and Mathematics (or equivalent) at Grade C/4 or above.

Experience:
- Experience of working in an administrative, customer service, recruitment, student support or operational environment.
- Experience of managing multiple priorities and delivering work to deadlines.
- Experience of working with databases and information systems.
- Experience of handling enquiries and providing advice, information and guidance to a range of stakeholders.
- Experience of working effectively as part of a team and across organisational boundaries.
- Experience of using data and management information to support operational activities and decision-making.

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities:
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, both written and verbal.
- Good digital communication skills, including the ability to create appropriate and engaging content for social media and other digital channels.
- Strong customer service orientation with a commitment to delivering an excellent user experience.
- Ability to build positive and productive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to plan, prioritise and manage competing demands.
- Ability to interpret information, exercise judgement and resolve problems appropriately.
- High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
- Ability to work independently, using initiative whilst recognising when escalation is required.
- Strong digital skills, including Microsoft Office applications and business systems.
- Ability to analyse information and present findings clearly and effectively.
- Flexible and adaptable approach to changing priorities and operational requirements.
- Understanding of confidentiality, data protection and information governance requirements.
- Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and delivering a high-quality service.

Business Requirements:
- Ability to work outside of normal working hours (including some evenings and weekends) to support the business during key University events such as Graduation, Clearing and Open Days.

Desirable Criteria:

Qualifications:
- Professional qualification relevant to administration, customer service, marketing, student support or project management.

Experience:
- Experience of working within Higher Education.
- Experience of using CRM, student records or other enterprise management systems.
- Experience of supporting events, recruitment campaigns or student-facing activities.
- Experience of producing communications and content for digital channels.
- Experience of training, mentoring or supporting colleagues.

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:
- Knowledge of the Higher Education sector and student lifecycle.
- Understanding of student recruitment, admissions, registry or student administration processes.

Benefits:
- Generous annual leave entitlement of 38 days inclusive of bank holidays and concessionary days (pro rata).
- Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Suite of holistic wellbeing benefits and support including family-friendly policies, generous sick pay provision and comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme.
- Access to a variety of staff discounts at high street retailers.
- Discounted onsite gym.
- Cycle to Work scheme.
- A flexible working environment.
- A commitment to personal and professional development.

The University is unable to sponsor the employment of international workers under the Skilled Worker route for this role; however, applications are welcome from candidates who are able to demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK.