Senior Outreach Officer

Edinburgh Napier University - Professional Services

Placed On: 20th March 2026
Closes: 7th April 2026
Job Ref: 0000022579

Edinburgh Napier University is a leading, modern university with a reputation and impact that stretches far beyond our shores. We are an inclusive University with strong links to industry and are clear that it is our ‘applied’ focus that sets us apart.

Our strategy is set around four key pillars of growing our academic reputation, delivering an excellent personalised student experience, internationalising our work; and build innovation, enterprise and citizenship.

Are you passionate about breaking down barriers to higher education? Do you thrive on inspiring young people and building meaningful partnerships? Join Edinburgh Napier University as a Senior Outreach Officer (Widening Participation) and play a key role in shaping the next generation of students.

How will you make a difference?

As a Senior Outreach Officer, you will be at the forefront of delivering and evolving our widening participation (WP) and outreach programmes. You’ll design and lead impactful initiatives that raise aspirations, increase access, and support students from underrepresented backgrounds on their journey to university.

From delivering engaging workshops across the UK to developing flagship WP programmes, your work will directly influence students’ futures; including adult returns, mature and young students—helping them see university as an achievable goal.

You will:

• Lead the development and delivery of innovative widening participation initiatives aligned with university strategy
• Manage and support staff, including the Community Engagement Officer and student ambassadors
• Build strong partnerships with schools, colleges, and external organisations (including national WP initiatives such as LEAPS)
• Collaborate with academic schools to deliver subject-specific outreach activities
• Support key access groups, including students from low-progression backgrounds, refugees, care-experienced learners, and those with military connections
• Use data and insight to evaluate impact, inform strategy, and continuously improve outreach activity
• Contribute to university-wide recruitment, outreach events, and WP strategy development

This is a highly rewarding opportunity to combine strategic thinking with hands-on delivery—making a tangible impact across communities.

Who we are looking for

• Experience in student recruitment, widening participation, education, or a related field
• Proven ability to plan and deliver engaging workshops or outreach activities
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
• Experience analysing or using data to inform decisions
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel within Scotland
• Experience working with young people in an educational setting
• Knowledge of the Scottish education system or widening participation landscape
• Line management or supervisory experience
• Experience in higher or further education
• PVG Membership (or willingness to apply)

Benefits we offer

Salary: £ 37,694 - £ 46,049 per annum (Grade 5) plus excellent benefits

We offer a great working environment where we support ambition, recognise achievement, and offer an attractive benefits package.

• hybrid working and flexible working opportunities
• minimum of 41 days annual leave (including 10 fixed holidays)
• a generous pension scheme (employer contribution of 17.6%
• nationally agreed pay increases each year
• various learning and development opportunities
• discounted access to onsite and local gym facilities and a wide range of other staff discounts

For more information on our wide range of benefits, click here.

Additional information

Interviews: Mid-April (To be confirmed)