Job Overview

The Programme Advisor is responsible for the cultivation and conversion of prospective applicants across the SCHSBM’s educational product portfolio from initial enquiry to application, and cultivation of prospects interested in our wider portfolio. The role holder will be responsible for the prospect-to-participant life cycle, monitoring the application as it moves through the correct process; co-ordinating all application activities which will include conducting preliminary interviews, confirming acceptance and developing/implementing a strategy for participant retention up to the beginning of the programme with the SCHSBM.

The Programme Advisor is also responsible for developing alumni campaigns for referral and up- selling activities. The role holder will conduct periodical market analysis to advise the Business Development Officer and Programme Manager of market and competitor trends. The role also includes performing in-depth analysis of participant data to produce Recruitment Reports and Overview Reports after each programme. This role involves taking the lead on planning and implementing social media recruitment initiatives to raise the profile of their allocated programmes.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities      

• Conducts consultative conversations with prospective delegates, clients and applicants who wish to understand the most appropriate programmes for their development needs.

• Develops a specialist knowledge of programme development objectives and market needs within their allocated portfolio.

• Conducts specific presentation of the programme to prospective delegates, clients and applicants at networking or special interest/professional bodies external events as a representative of the open programmes department and wider Business School.

• Completes regular competitor analysis for the team and develops expert knowledge of similar programmes to ensure that the School’s open programmes remain competitive and take account of new developments.

• Implements business development recruitment campaigns including targeted email shots, direct mail and social media activities.

• Liaises with colleagues within the marketing department about recruitment plans, budgets and the timing of adverts to ensure a cohesive approach.

• Meets annual targets of recruitment of new paying delegates, clients and applicants or targets as assigned by the Programme Manager.

• Uses social media as a direct initiator of conversation with prospective applicants, conduct telephone calls to explore development needs and offer specialist knowledge and assistance on the application and enrolment process.

• Maintains excellent working relationships with Faculty, Programme Managers and Administrators; working collaboratively in order to develop and utilise the existing relationships they have with corporate sponsors to grow the portfolio in line with the School’s strategy.

• Organises, promotes and attends events, either at the School or abroad. The role will involve qualifying leads in advance of events, consultative sessions with prospective delegates, clients and applicants during events, and suitable follow-up as part of the overall business development strategy.

• Plays an active and collaborative role in improving and implementing improvements in cross-departmental customer service.

• Conducts an initial interview with prospective delegates, clients and applicants who have applied to a programme within their allocated portfolio to ensure they are a suitable candidate for the programme.

• Maintains excellent relationships with Alumni, in order to increase referrals which, benefit the portfolio or enhance the School’s standing.

• Writes basic adverts for digital media campaigns, to write letters for alumni recommendation of the programmes, to conduct primary interviews with participants for short testimonials used on our website or press releases for promotion of the programme experience.

 • Writes formal minutes for team and sub-committee meetings and committee meetings when appointed to a formal position.

• Prepares data for recruitment reports using various databases and systems for analysis purposes.

• Identifies and presents trends across application or programme evaluation data for overview reports.

• Represents their allocated portfolio of programmes in networks or groups outside of their School absent of the Business Development Officer and the Programme Manager.

• Co-ordinates recruitment campaigns to specific requirements of a Gantt chart which will include organising events, pulling together appropriate materials and resources, setting budgets for small events, managing the participation of the Faculty or other facilitators at an event.

• To act in accordance with and promote the School’s policies, procedures and requirements at all times.

• Assists with the delivery, evaluation and monitoring of programme activities.

• To undertake any other duties as may be required from time to time commensurate with the level of responsibility of the role.

 Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics      

• Strong attention to detail.

• Ability to multitask.

• Must be able to work independently and make critical decisions.

• Must be able to accept criticism and deal calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.

• Proven track record of success in a customer-facing role, with demonstrated ability to initiate relationships with Executives and conduct a sales cycle process with them.

• Proven track record of developing and enhancing systems to provide a high-quality service to customers.

• Excellent communication skills, including high standards of written communication, grammar and spelling.

• Must be self-motivated.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and Adobe Acrobat Pro.

• The sensitivity to manage confidential student and faculty matters.

• Strong awareness of, and empathy towards, the challenges and concerns experienced by international students.

• Demonstrates good IT/ data management skills.

• Proven ability to initiate and manage social media campaigns.

• Records maintenance skills.

• Knowledge of CRM software.

 Experience       

• At least 2 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.

• Experience managing budgets.

• Experience with the use of marketing tools and/or social media.

Qualifications    

• Bachelor’s degree in management, education, marketing, business administration or a related discipline.