Aspire to HE Engagement Officer

The University Of Wolverhampton; Wolverhampton; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A UK higher education institution is seeking an Aspire Engagement Officer to support young people from disadvantaged backgrounds in progressing to higher education. The role involves delivering tailored programs at partner schools and colleges across the region. The ideal candidate will be adaptable and engaging, working closely with young people between Year 7 and Year 13. This position offers an opportunity to make a significant impact and is funded until July 2026.

Benefits

Competitive salaries

Standard Life Pension scheme

Long Service Recognition

Free Will Writing Service

IT & Mobile Discounts

Wellbeing and Mental Health Support

Gym memberships discounts

Eyecare Support

Flu Vouchers

Paycare Health Benefit Plan

Generous Annual Leave

Flexible & Agile Working

Free On-site Parking

Cycle Benefits Scheme

Employee Discounts

Travel Discounts

Staff Network and Inclusion

Library Access

Staff Scholarship Scheme

Leadership and Management Development

Qualifications

• Experience working with young people is essential.
• Ability to travel within the designated region.
• Resilience and the ability to take initiative.

Responsibilities

• Deliver programmes of activity to pupils from Year 7 to Year 13.
• Enhance relationships with partner schools and colleges.
• Support pupils to progress towards higher education.

Skills

Adaptability

Enthusiasm

Engagement

Problem-solving

Education

Experience in Higher Education

Job description

We are seeking an Aspire Engagement Officer to join the enthusiastic Aspire to HE team. The Aspire to HE consortium, based at the University of Wolverhampton, is part of the Office for Students-funded Uni Connect programme, which aims to increase the number of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds in higher education by 2026 through widening participation. Uni Connect supports 29 consortia across the country to work with young people from targeted postcodes and Aspire to HE covers the areas of Sandwell and Dudley, Walsall and Wolverhampton, and Telford and Wrekin, and the ability to be able to travel around this region is a part of this role.

You will play a crucial role in enhancing our relationships with partner schools and colleges and supporting pupils to progress. You will work in our partner schools and colleges to deliver programmes of activity to Uni Connect pupils between Year 7 to Year 13. Pupils targeted through Uni Connect may be resistant to Higher Education and you will need to be adaptable, enthusiastic and engaging in your delivery of programmes of activity. Programmes of activity delivery may include workshops, group work, one-to-one mentoring sessions, and facilitation of activities in-school and organisation of visits to outside organisations.

The role is an exciting opportunity for enthusiastic and proactive individuals who are passionate about supporting young people to achieve their goals and make informed, ambitious decisions about their futures. You will have the potential to make a huge impact on the young people you work with. You will receive on the job training to help you develop and excel in the role.

Due to the fast-paced nature of working within schools and colleges, you will need to be resilient, proactive problem solvers who are able to use their initiative on a daily basis.

We welcome applications from candidates with first-hand experience of Higher Education. As the posts involve working extensively with young people, you will be required to undertake an enhanced DBS check and follow safeguarding procedures at all times.

Funding for this post comes externally from the Office for Students. This post will be funded until 31st July 2026.

Staff Benefits

Your Benefits:

• Competitive salaries
• Standard Life Pension scheme – with employer contribution of up to 12% to the University's defined contribution scheme.
• Long Service Recognition - £200 gift voucher, certificate, and afternoon tea with Vice Chancellor for 25 & 40 years of service.
• Free Will Writing Service - Complimentary will drafting for employees and their partners.
• IT & Mobile Discounts - EE Perk (20% off for family & friends) & software discounts.

Supporting Your Health & Wellbeing

• Wellbeing and Mental Health Support - 24/7 access to EAP service, free counselling sessions, wellbeing support resources and Occupational Health Service.
• Gym memberships discounts – at our Walsall Campus and discounts at WV Active sites in Wolverhampton.
• Eyecare Support - Free eVoucher for eye tests and glasses contribution.
• Flu Vouchers - Free flu vaccinations for staff.
• Paycare Health Benefit Plan - Covers optical, dental, physiotherapy, and personal accident insurance.
• Chaplaincy & Prayer Rooms – Access to multi-faith chaplaincy services.

Valuing You:

• Generous Annual Leave (see table below)
• Flexible & Agile Working – Flexible and Hybrid working arrangements.
• Free On-site Parking - available across campuses
• Cycle Benefits Scheme - Save up to 42% on a bike & accessories via salary sacrifice.
• Employee Discounts - Savings on groceries, fashion, and entertainment.
• Travel Discounts - Up to 10% off holidays through Sodexo Circles.

Training and Development

• Staff Network and Inclusion – Access to support networks and events with our LGBTQ+, Global Majority, Disability, and Women's networks.
• Library Access – Staff have access to books and resources at our onsite libraries.
• Staff Scholarship Scheme - Funding for part‑time higher education, up to PhD level
• Leadership and Management Development – Access to training opportunities to support you with advancing in your career.