Aspire to HE Engagement Officer

Fixed Term Post until 31st July 2026

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 their 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.

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 enhance 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.

The University of Opportunity for Students and Staff

As part of our commitment to ensure the diversity of our staff body reflects those of the student and local communities we serve, we particularly welcome applications from candidates of Black, Asian, or Ethnic Minority heritage, and candidates who are Disabled (including people who may not define themselves as disabled, but nevertheless encounter challenges)