ADE UK Schools and Engagement Events Manager

AD Education UK is a growing network of leading creative education institutes in the UK. The group’s institutions are united around strong values and sharing a vision for creativity and innovation within creative media education. With over 40 years of pioneering and sector-leading experience, our graduates can be found throughout the music, film, games and wider creative media sectors, winning prestigious awards and employed within the highest echelons of their respective creative fields. Our market-leading portfolio of schools includes The Institute of Contemporary Music Performance (ICMP) and SAE Institute UK. 

ADE UK Schools and Engagement Events Manager

📍 Location: Leeds I Liverpool I London
📄 Contract Type: Full-time- 37 hours per week
💰 Salary: Up to £36,692 per annum based on experience
📅 Closing Date: 14th October 2026 (interviews will be commencing shortly, so the advert may close earlier if a successful candidate is appointed)

We are seeking an experienced Schools & Engagement Events Manager to help shape how prospective students experience our institutions before they enrol and how they connect with our community throughout their journey.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced engagement and events professional who understands the power of meaningful experiences in inspiring future students. From building relationships with schools, colleges and community organisations to delivering outstanding Open Days, UCAS fairs and applicant events, you will play a key role in creating opportunities for prospective students to discover our creative education community.

Working closely with the Head of Events and colleagues across Recruitment, Admissions and Access & Participation, you will lead the development of a national schools engagement programme that is strategic, inclusive and impactful. You will be responsible for developing frameworks, partnerships and engagement activity that strengthen relationships with educational partners, increase awareness of our institutions and create meaningful opportunities for prospective students to connect with our creative community.

Working closely with the Head of Events and colleagues across Recruitment, Admissions and Access & Participation, you will lead the development of a national schools engagement programme that is strategic, inclusive and impactful. You will be responsible for developing frameworks, partnerships and engagement activity that strengthen relationships with educational partners, increase awareness of our institutions and create meaningful opportunities for prospective students to connect with our creative community.

Alongside leading schools engagement activity, you will support the delivery of major institutional events, including Welcome Week and Graduation, helping to shape exceptional experiences at every stage of the student journey.

Sitting within the Events team, this role recognises the vital role that engagement experiences play in influencing student choice, building community and creating lasting connections with our institutions.

About The Role

As Schools and Engagement Events Manager, you will:

• Support the planning and delivery of major institutional events, including Welcome Week, Graduation ceremonies and student showcases.
• Act as a senior operational lead at flagship events across the organisation.
• Contribute to the development of event frameworks, standards and processes that ensure a consistent experience across all campuses.
• Support the management of event logistics, suppliers, budgets and risk assessments.
  

Strategic Development

• Use insight, data and feedback to identify trends, opportunities and areas for improvement.
• Develop and implement a national schools engagement strategy that supports institutional objectives and long-term growth.
• Contribute to the ongoing development of student engagement and events strategies across the organisation.
• Ensure all activities support organisational objectives, student experience priorities and inclusive practice.
• Champion innovative approaches to engagement and event delivery.

About You

• You understand that great events are about more than logistics.
• You recognise the impact that a school visit, an Open Day or a Graduation ceremony can have on an individual's confidence, aspirations and sense of belonging.
• You are equally comfortable building long-term partnerships with schools and colleges as you are managing the delivery of complex events.
• You bring a strategic mindset, strong stakeholder management skills and a passion for creating exceptional experiences that leave a lasting impression.
• Most importantly, you are excited by the opportunity to help young people discover futures within music, film, games and the wider creative industries.

Essential Requirements

• Significant experience leading schools outreach, student recruitment, community engagement or large-scale events programmes.
• Proven ability to develop strategic frameworks, standards and scalable operational models.
• Strong understanding of recruitment pipelines, widening participation and conversion activity.
• Experience working successfully within complex or matrix environments.
• Excellent stakeholder management and relationship-building skills.
• Strong analytical skills with experience using data to evaluate performance and inform strategy.
• Ability to influence and lead colleagues without direct line management responsibility.
• Outstanding communication and organisational skills.

Key Responsibilities

Schools & Community Engagement

• Develop and lead a national programme of engagement activity with schools, colleges and community partners.
• Build meaningful relationships with educators, careers advisers, music hubs, creative organisations and youth groups.
• Identify opportunities to expand our reach and strengthen our presence within schools and colleges.
• Develop engaging workshops, talks, campus visits and outreach activities that showcase opportunities within the creative industries.
• Act as an ambassador for ICMP and SAE Institute across external engagement activities.
  

Open Days & Student Engagement Events

• Lead the planning and delivery of Open Days, applicant events, taster sessions and campus experience activities.
• Represent the organisation at UCAS exhibitions, careers fairs and higher education events.
• Ensure prospective students and their supporters receive a welcoming, engaging and memorable experience at every touchpoint.
• Work collaboratively with Marketing, Admissions and Recruitment colleagues to develop impactful engagement activities that support student decision-making.
• Continuously evaluate participant feedback and engagement outcomes to improve future experiences.
  

Institutional Events

• Demonstrable experience developing or contributing to engagement, outreach or event strategies.
• Demonstrable ability to balance strategic planning with successful operational delivery.
• Excellent communication, presentation and relationship-management skills.
• Strong organisational and project management abilities.
• Experience using feedback, evaluation and data to improve engagement outcomes.

Desirable

• Experience within a creative, arts, media or specialist education environment.
• Experience delivering Open Days, applicant events or student recruitment events.
• Experience supporting Welcome Week, induction programmes or Graduation ceremonies.
• Knowledge of widening participation, access initiatives or student engagement practice.
• Experience working across multiple campuses or locations.
• Experience using CRM systems such as Salesforce or similar platforms

For more information please see the job description here

Like much of the creative sector, ADE celebrates diversity and values the power of individuality. We are committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where every student can thrive, regardless of background or experience.

As a key member of our team, you will play a vital role in shaping the future of our students, empowering them to unleash their creativity and achieve their full potential. However, we recognise that barriers still exist in access and success for underrepresented groups. To improve the diversity of our academic team and help close these gaps, we strongly encourage applications from women, as well as individuals from global majority backgrounds and those with disabilities.

Your unique experiences and perspectives are not only welcomed but essential in shaping a more inclusive and representative creative industry.

Closing Date: Wednesday, 14th October 2026

Don't miss this opportunity to inspire the next generation of creative talent!

As an equal opportunity employer, we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity.

Note: ADE is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. ADE is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults. Successful candidates will be required to obtain a satisfactory enhanced DBS disclosure.

Employee Assistance Programme

Auto-Enrolment Pension Scheme with Royal London Pension

Cycle to Work Scheme

Enhanced Maternity and Adoption Pay

Enhanced Paternity Pay

Occupational Sick Pay

Healthcare Cash Plan

Employee Assistance Programme (Legal & General)

Group Income Protection (Legal & General)

Life Assurance (Legal & General)

Season Ticket Loans 

Ride to Work Scheme

Staff Discounts – Short Courses 2025-2026

50% off ICMP courses