University of Sussex

The University of Salford

Oxford Brookes University

University of Regensburg

Leader in International Recruitment, Marketing and Business Development  -  MBA University of Sussex

Brighton And Hove, United Kingdom

- Inaugural Head of Internationalisation, leading and directing the work of the Internationalisation Strategic Plan in close collaboration with executive members, academic leaders and heads of professional services to realise objectives set within the plan.- Developed a high impact international recruitment strategy gaining investment into the team that secured enrolment growth well in excess of sector and competitor group averages.- Targeted investment in new overseas operations in India and China delivered 110% enrolment growth in year 1 despite the Covid pandemic.- Introduced targeted agent incentives that delivered 42% growth in 2020 via the agent channel and the strongest yet performance for that channel despite the Covid pandemic.- Ensured a focus on enhancement of the international student offer including new scholarship provision, new course development, new intake points, enhanced employability opportunities and adjusted entry requirement to increase attractiveness and satisfaction with the Brighton proposition.

University of Brighton

Head of Internationalisation

Work closely with the Head of the International Office in leading the development and implementation of one of the most ambitious international student recruitment strategies in the UK that delivered faster growth in international student numbers between 2010 and 2015 than any other UK university.  Splitting evenly the management of Senior International Officers with the Head of International Office on a 6 month rotation, I support development and implementation of the international student recruitment strategy across the regions.Leading on collaborative recruitment endeavours such as progression and articulation agreements for the University, supporting the development of five new agreements established to contribute student number growth into 2018 and beyond.Lead the International Office's collaboration with Study Group to support both growth and diversification of intake to Sussex’s International Study Centre including the integration of colleagues across the division to support inter-institutional collaboration on digital marketing initiatives.Developed Return on Investment monitoring on both a regional and country level to inform strategy development and budget allocation.Created Personal Development Plan templates and initiated processes and funding to be able to support officers in becoming ever more effective in their roles, supporting both the fulfilment of individual and team potential.Developed innovative, creative and pro-active engagement with the University’s new Online Distance Learning provider to support the collaborative development of international marketing strategy for Sussex’s new portfolio of online degrees.Work with Digital media colleagues to develop a comprehensive cross channel marketing strategy promoting Sussex as a destination of choice for international students.

Deputy Head of International Office

Led the University’s International Recruitment Team on an interim basis providing cover for a period of absence of the Head of the International Office.Line managed the International Recruitment Team including seven direct reports and 14 indirect reports across offices both in the UK and in Nigeria, China and Malaysia.Led on the implementation of the University's international recruitment strategyWorked with Schools and Development and Alumni colleagues to support income-generating opportunitiesLed on the management of key international recruitment partnerships including the relationship with Study Group, the University's pathway provider.Developed and maintained contacts with institutions and key individuals overseas, in the UK (e.g. British Council, UUKi, funding bodies, agents and embassies)  and  leading,  advising  and  contributing  to  UK  or  international  activities  with  a  view  to strengthening the University’s general profile, student recruitment, partnerships, exchanges and research collaboration.Ensured that the International Office’s resource planning and financial management supports effective planning and decision making at Divisional and University level.Kept abreast of national and international developments and of the expectations and requirements of government and other relevant organisations as they affect the recruitment and retention of international students.Worked  with  the  Head  of  Digital  and  Creative  media  to  conduct  a  review  of  Sussex  international  marketing  materials  and develop  recommendations for a  comprehensive  cross  channel  marketing  strategy  promoting  Sussex  as  a  destination  of choice for international students.Provided proactive support to academic Schools and the Academic Directors of International Recruitment and Development in developing and maintaining their international student recruitment strategies.

Acting Head of International Recruitment

- Managed the University’s international marketing and recruitment strategy in the Americas providing, leadership, direction and oversight for the Americas team.  * Developed and executed a marketing strategy for the Americas that achieved significant growth in market share for the University.* Provided proactive support to academic Schools in developing and maintaining their international student recruitment strategies.* Managed International Marketing Communications for a global audience.  Developed new materials targeting the conversion cycle to improve application to enrolment figures.  Worked with new brand guidelines to develop eye-catching new exhibition materials for the International Recruitment Team.* Developed a CRM strategy targeting American students through online lead generation campaigns.* Developed sponsorship arrangements with Mexican, Colombian and Chilean government ministries.* Developed relations with existing and new agents in North and South America helping to deliver positive recruitment results.* Produced three year Marketing and Recruitment strategies for the Americas and yearly Operational Plans, monitoring against predicted spend and providing regular updates to Senior Management.* Developed and maintained contacts with key stakeholders including the British Council, UKTI, The International Unit, Government funding bodies, agents and Embassies.* Provided leadership and management to the International Office Administration team, five staff members in total, helping to ensure the smooth running of the wider International Recruitment Team in its global operations.* Cultivated University wide engagement by developing strong supportive working relationships within schools and other administrative divisions.

Senior International Officer - The Americas

- Responsible for the strategic and operational management of overseas recruitment markets in East Asia, the Middle East, Europe and North Africa.* Set and achieved ambitious student recruitment targets within my markets.* Analysed and worked on the development of systems and processes supporting international student recruitment.* Worked with colleagues in academic departments to boost their international recruitment and establish international collaborations with universities and other key stakeholders within my markets. * Managed a network of overseas agents throughout my markets.  Provided training and support as well as building key relationships with senior agency staff.* Networked effectively to build and maintain vital contacts with internal and external stakeholders including universities, schools, ministerial staff and major businesses.* Developed extensive knowledge of major international markets and demonstrated ability to create marketing and recruitment strategies that consistently deliver results for the University.* Traveled overseas several times a year for extended periods behaving professionally and working tirelessly to the achievement of strategic aims within my markets. * Critically analysed university systems and processes to find more efficient methods of operation.* Contributed International Recruitment expertise to Long and Medium Term Planning Meetings.  * Conducted market research to inform my proposals for international recruitment targets for departments.* Used marketing skills and knowledge to great effect to propose novel marketing and recruitment strategies.* Attended meetings and conferences to gather the latest marketing intelligence and keep up to date with developments in my markets. * Used effective workload management techniques and insights to meet tight deadlines and juggle several strategic priorities.* Managed overseas marketing budgets of C. £100,000.

The University of York

International Officer

- Managed, planned and delivered successful, creative marketing and PR solutions for my client areas* Developed successful, high impact marketing plans and strategies, for both commercial and social marketing projects* Commissioned and consulted market research to enlighten strategic marketing campaigns* Managed combined marketing budgets of C. £150,000 p/a* Wrote detailed, carefully targeted marketing plans for commercial, high-impact marketing of entertainments, weddings and conferences as well as maximising impact on minimum budget for social marketing campaigns* Produced creative, eye-catching marketing materials from conception to implementation, including writing creative briefs, copy-writing, commissioning photography and developing creative concepts* Planned, commissioned and managed successful promotion and ticket-selling websites for entertainments, weddings and conferences.  * Planned, commissioned and booked advertising in press, radio, web and outdoor media* Managed composition, production, printing and distribution of materials.  Liaised and negotiated effectively with photographers, design agencies and printers ensuring the best value, quality and impact were achieved* Monitored and evaluated marketing campaigns and prepared and delivered reports to clients and management, using insights to enhance future campaigns* Planned PR for campaigns, writing press releases for both local and national press. * Organised, promoted and attended exhibitions and events assisting with presentations and speeches* Responsibly and authoritatively managed the brand in my client areas, ensuring a consistent and coordinated approach to marketing and communications* Efficiently managed information on the internet and intranet* Fully supported colleagues, providing marketing expertise and innovative creative energy for their campaigns

Bolton Council

Marketing Account Manager

- Education UK Marketing Department, British Council	* Successfully managed student recruitment exhibitions in Pakistan, China, Greece and Cyprus:* Created and enforced timetables that ensured the smooth running of my international events* Became proficient in managing exhibitions and communications and negotiating deadlines and budgets.* Managed and developed innovative marketing communications, from websites to promotional newswires and online digests. * Managed design, production and distribution of high profile event related marketing materials* Worked with team to develop effective online application systems to streamline events application process* Developed, maintained and updated client database* Carried out research on key selling points for the marketing of my events* Organised UK based workshops, conferences, networking events and market research focus groups* Gained project management skills through management and organisation of a number of high profile events* Created event timetables, researched, negotiated and booked venues, travel, catering and accommodation within strict budgetary perimeters* Upheld, maintained and promoted the professional image of the British Council * Managed expenditure using SAP* Managed marketing budgets of up to £300,000

British Council - Education UK Marketing Department

Marketing Assistant

Taught English at an Austrian Grammar School and a Teacher Training College in Vienna.

Gareth Topp