Head of College Services

We are looking for a Head of College Services to join our team.  

As the Head of College Services at the University of Essex International College (UEIC) , you will be a member of college leadership, working together to deliver an outstanding service to our students and stakeholders. You will lead the College Services team and play a vital role in ensuring an outstanding experience to support students’ success at the College and in future studies at university and beyond.  The team provides support across various areas including student wellbeing, student social activities, academic and quality assurance, student progression, compliance, and administration. 

The College works in partnership with the University of Essex and provides students from more than 50 countries with pathway programmes that prepare them for entry into undergraduate and postgraduate courses at the University. 

This is an excellent opportunity for a Senior College Services Advisor, who is looking to expand their skills and build their career with an industry leader.  

A detailed job description can be viewed here . 

What you’ll bring to the role  

You will enjoy working in a fast-paced environment, be student-focused, be open to change and development, and be committed to ensuring our students’ success. You will need:

• Experience of leading and managing in a service-driven environment with a demonstrable commitment to improving service

• Experience of leading and managing teams positively and through periods of change

• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills

• The ability to work collaboratively at a senior level to achieve goals

• The ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines through careful management of team workloads and individual projects

• A strong commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

• A strong commitment to student welfare and to safeguarding young people

• The ability to work within the frameworks of relevant regulatory bodies (eg UK Visa and Immigration and Office for Students)

• An Undergraduate degree or equivalent or relevant experience

• The ability to understand the needs of international students 

What we do 

Kaplan International Pathways , a division of Kaplan Inc., offers international students a wide range of flexible study options - from University preparation programmes in the UK, Australia, USA and Japan through to full degree programmes in Singapore, Hong Kong and Australia. Through our academic partnerships with leading universities, our expertise in student recruitment, our exceptional teaching and a real focus on customer service and pastoral care, each year we are proud to welcome thousands of students from more than 100 countries through the doors of our colleges.    

In the UK, we operate 9 campus-based colleges in partnership with Bournemouth University, University of Glasgow, University of Liverpool, Nottingham Trent University, University of Nottingham, University of Brighton, University of Essex, University of York and University of West of England, Bristol and an off-campus college in London offering pathways to 7 leading well-ranked UK universities.  

What we offer  

As well as a competitive salary, hybrid/home working where possible, and paths for career progression, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:  

• 28 days annual leave* 

• Big discounts on Kaplan courses for you and your family

• 24/7 confidential helpline providing counselling and other support services 

• Company pension contributions 

• Maternity, Adoption, Shared Parental and Paternity/Partner pay which is well above statutory levels 

• Medicash Health Cash Plan  

*Please note that the annual leave entitlement will be calculated on a pro rata basis if the role is part time.  

How to apply 

To apply for this role please submit a CV along with a Cover Letter detailing how you meet the requirements of the role no later than 23rd February 2024. Note, we recommend that you apply at the earliest as we reserve the right to close the role before the closing date if we have gathered a suitable shortlist.   

The selection process will include a panel interview and meetings with staff and students. You should expect and prepare for competency-based questioning, panel-based questioning, leading a discussion group and delivering a prepared response to some predefined questions or discussion topics.

Additional Application Information 

Kaplan is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all employees to share this commitment.

This role involves working with learners who are under 18 years old and are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Recruitment checks are undertaken in accordance with our background-checking policy. Successful applicants will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure (including children’s barred list) via the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to confirm their suitability to work with children and young people. In addition to the DBS check, for roles that include teaching or coaching, a Prohibition from Teaching Check will be completed through the Teaching Regulation Agency. Please be aware that it is an offense to apply for this role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.

Application Support  

If you require support completing the application or wish to talk to someone about the role please email the Recruitment Team [email protected]

Disability Confident Scheme and Reasonable Adjustments 

At Kaplan International Pathways, we're dedicated to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive global workforce. As equal opportunity employers, we ensure fair treatment for all employees, safeguarding them from discrimination based on protected characteristics as defined in the Equality Act 2010, and beyond.  

We actively welcome individuals from varied backgrounds to apply for roles within our organisation, appreciating the distinct viewpoints and contributions they offer. We especially encourage applications from underrepresented groups, including diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQ+ individuals, women, people with visible and hidden disabilities, and individuals of any age or family status.  

Furthermore, we proudly endorse and provide a platform for our Employee Resource Groups, such as Kaplan Pride, Higher Ground Race, Ethnicity and Cultural Heritage Group, and Parents and Carers. These groups serve as vital forums for support, connection, and advocacy within our company.

Following the submission of an application, applicants will receive details of how to request their application be considered under our Disability Confident Scheme.  Applicants will also be given information on how to request reasonable adjustments if selected for interview.