Outreach and Transition Officer

The University of Portsmouth is a global employer of choice where exceptional people create, share and apply knowledge that makes a difference. We are one of only four universities in the south-east of England to achieve a prestigious Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework, and rank among the top 140 universities globally in the Times Higher Young University World Rankings.

The role of the Schools and Colleges Team is to lead, develop and implement the University's recruitment strategies and outreach initiatives and to build and manage relationships with schools and colleges and deliver a programme of high-quality recruitment and outreach activity to achieve the University's undergraduate recruitment targets and Access Participation Plan (APP) targets.

Working with the Senior Outreach and Transitions Officer, the postholder will proactively work with targeted pre-16 schools to raise awareness of higher education and the opportunities available at the University. By organising outreach activities, events, and virtual engagements, the goal is to equip young people with information and skills to make informed decisions about their education, while increasing applications to the University over time, especially from underrepresented groups. This supports the University's wider efforts to achieve its Access and Participation Plan targets and increase access to higher education. The outreach officer and university representatives will collaborate to deliver impactful programming both on campus and in local communities that inspires young people to consider University of Portsmouth as a progression route.

You will have excellent interpersonal and presentation skills with the ability to motivate and communicate well with young people. You will have project management experience, administrative skills and experience of event organisation and delivery.

While there is a requirement to be based in Portsmouth for a few days each week, this role offers hybrid working, with a minimum of three days per week on campus. Candidates must be flexible and willing to attend events both on and off campus throughout the week, depending on event schedules.

You must be willing and able to undertake frequent local travel, as well as occasional travel throughout the UK, to support work in schools and at events. A full, clean driving licence is highly desirable, and an Enhanced DBS check is essential. You must also be prepared to work evenings and occasional weekends, as required.

Benefits include:
- Competitive salary, including incremental progression within your scale.
- Generous pension scheme.
- Generous leave entitlement of 32–35 days a year, plus bank holidays, and an additional Christmas closure.
- Family-friendly policies supporting flexible working.
- Staff discounts and loyalty schemes.
- Staff car parking and discounted public travel.
- Excellent training and development opportunities.
- Staff wellbeing programmes.
- Recreation facilities, including discounted gym membership, food on campus schemes, use of the Library and staff social activities.
- Discounted learning.
- Start-up business mentoring from expert entrepreneurs via our Entrepreneurs in Residence programme.

New appointments will routinely be made to the entry spine point (minimum) for the advertised grade. A higher starting salary or market supplement may be available for a truly exceptional candidate when circumstances fully justify a departure from normal policy.

Interviews are currently anticipated to take place on 02 December 2026.