Job level Experienced (Senior Manager)
Hours Full time
Contract Permanent
Education level Undergraduate degree (or equivalent)
Responsible to: General Manager
Overview
Point Blank is a leading, specialist Music Production School in the UK. Awarded TEF Silver recognition for excellence in higher education teaching, we have a reputation for giving our students a unique and high quality experience, as evidenced by our 86% overall student satisfaction score (NSS 2019). Our degree courses are validated by Middlesex University and we are expanding to meet demand as well as increasing the course portfolio.
We are recruiting for a Head of Registry position to provide leadership and direction and to take accountability for the development and delivery of high-performing services within the Registry department. They are responsible for providing an effective service to students at every stage of their journey at the School from enquiry to graduation, with an excellent student experience as its primary focus. This includes Recruitment, Admissions, Student Services, Finance, Wellbeing and Widening Participation. The Head of Registry will work closely with other department leaders and will report into the General Manager.
Person Specification
Qualifications
• Professionally qualified with a relevant degree/postgraduate qualification, plus a significant number of years’ relevant leadership experience.
• Substantial and extensive vocational experience in a university and/or private HE provider demonstrating professional development and achievement in a series of progressively more demanding and influential roles.
Technical competencies
• Extensive experience of working in a senior role in a higher education organisation.
• Well-developed understanding of Student Administration including student regulations, procedures and policy creation relating to students and the implications of non-compliance.
• Demonstrable aptitude in forming effective professional relationships and networks.
• Significant experience of designing and implementing flexible and innovative user-focused solutions that deliver organisational strategy.
• Experience and understanding of the Higher Education sector particularly relating to student administration.
• Experience of leading and managing areas of regulatory compliance and policy adherence, requiring excellent standards of customer care.
• Experience of quality assurance and enhancement in higher education both at institutional and national level, including a good understanding of current developments.
• Experience using a CMS or student record database and Microsoft Office applications.
• The postholder will ideally have knowledge of Student Finance regulations and experience using the HEP Services Portal and Student Finance processes.
Special requirements
• Flexibility to work outside core office hours when required.
Core competencies
• Communication
• Adaptability / flexibility
• Customer/client service and support
• Planning and organising
• Continuous improvement
• Problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Managing and developing performance
• Creative and analytical thinking
• Influencing, persuasion and negotiation skills
• Strategic thinking and leadership
Roles and Responsibilities
The following section outlines the key responsibilities for each team within the Registry department and the postholder will be responsible for overseeing these responsibilities. This section is not an exhaustive list.
As the School continues to grow and the roles develops, there will inevitably be some changes to the duties for which the post is responsible. The School expects that the post holder will recognise this and will adopt a flexible approach to work.
The postholder will also be expected to apply analytical thinking as well as a high degree of personal initiative, to make appropriate, timely and prioritised decisions. They will be expected to refer to their own experience and expertise to guide staff in the identification of suitable resolutions.
The postholder is expected to apply an in-depth comprehensive knowledge to assess complex or novel issues and to develop appropriate solutions based and process improvement on a sound understanding of changes and developments across the student administration lifecycle.
Admissions
The Admissions team consists of four members of staff and are responsible for assessing higher education applications for our London and online schools. The postholder will have experience in admissions including knowledge of UCAS, and will oversee the day to day activities for the team. They will ensure all applicants receive timely and quality responses throughout the admissions process, and the team provide timely and accurate application decisions.
The Admissions team are also responsible for applicants’ Short Term Study and Tier 4 visa applications. The postholder will have knowledge of Tier 4 requirements and will ensure the school’s compliance with all UKVI regulations.
Student Services
The Student Services team consists of four members of staff and are the first port of call for students’ pastoral and other non-academic needs and welfare. The postholder will be responsible for overseeing team tasks which include but are not limited to: keeping warm activities, induction events, identification checks, timetabling, attendance monitoring and general student administration and enquiries.
The postholder will ensure that services adhere to appropriate quality standards and are underpinned by excellent customer services, including through provision of training, support and communications to staff on matters of curriculum development, process, policy and student data. They will help contribute towards improved student retention, progression, continuation and success.
The postholder will also be responsible for Student Feedback collation, analysis and action plans through our termly Programme Voice Group committee, and will be responsible for overseeing NSS action plans to ensure we retain our high levels of Student Satisfaction. They will help develop the School’s strategy in improving the Student Voice through initiatives such as creating a Student Union.
The postholder will also manage many of the School’s Regulations, policies and procedures, particularly relating to academic appeals, academic and non-academic misconduct and complaints. They will have experience managing complaints or academic appeals and will manage the School’s relationship with the Office of the Independent Adjudicator for Higher Education (OIA).
Wellbeing
The postholder will manage a team of four members of staff including a part time councillor and will oversee our current wellbeing services ensuring students are provided with support as well as access and assessment adjustments where required throughout their studies. They will be responsible for designing, developing and delivering services in line with the School’s strategic objectives and will play a critical part in providing an inclusive, welcoming and engaging environment for all students.
Finance
The postholder will oversee the collection of student fees from our Finance Officer, either paid privately to the School or through Student Finance. With our growing student body, the need for an effective and efficient finance team has never been greater and this team will work closely with students to ensure tuition income is collected on time.
Widening Participation
Point Blank’s mission is to prepare students from diverse backgrounds for a successful career in the music industry. The post holder will help meet the School’s Widening Participation objectives and will contribute to the continuing development and review of a recruitment plan for UK student recruitment, with special reference to the School’s Access & Participation Plan. They will contribute to the fulfilment of the School’s commitment to Widening Participation by assisting with the development of the School’s WP strategy, its implementation and evaluation.
How to apply
Applications should consist of:
• A full CV.
• A covering letter setting out your interest in the role and details of how you match the criteria in the person specification.
• Please include the names and addresses of two referees in either your CV or covering letter. Referees will not be approached until the final stages and not without prior permission from candidates.
To apply, please send a CV and cover letter to anwar@pointblankmusicschool.com