Stuart Easter Email & Phone Number

United Kingdom

Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom

As a member of the University’s Senior Leadership Team I have responsibility and accountability for leading the delivery of the University’s international and home student recruitment strategies and meeting institutional targets for student recruitment. Alongside this I am responsible for developing and enhancing effective international partnerships, such as Transnational Education (TNE).

I led the delivery of the University’s international and UK student recruitment strategies and meeting institutional targets for student recruitment.This included: the recruitment of all students on campus and online; developing and advancing effective international partnerships; and increasing the conversion of applicants through a series of improvements to the systems that underpin digital communications with prospective students.

Representing Scottish universities on the BUILA Executive Committee. The British Universities' International Liaison Association (BUILA) is a UK-wide, membership-led organisation supporting the work and professional interests of staff working in international recruitment and liaison at UK higher educational institutions. Executive responsibility for Training and Transnational Education.

Edinburgh, United Kingdom

I provided professional support and advice in the development and implementation of new global partnerships and research relationships. This included actively horizon scanning for, and coordinating, international funding opportunities. I supported the implementation of the University’s international partnerships strategy and support senior staff, including the Vice Principal International, Director of the International Office, Director of the Central Research Office and Head of Global Partnerships.I assisted with the management and monitoring of our emerging portfolio of strategic international partnerships, including face to face discussions with partners, exercising due diligence on partners, drafting, monitoring and renewal of agreements.

Edinburgh, United Kingdom

I directed the South and Central Asia region for 4 years. In addition, I managed the Middle East region from 2012-2014 and supported activities in Latin America in 2015/16. I was responsible for meeting the University’s target to increase student recruitment and partnership development. I held a regional operational budget to support engagement activities overseas.My work increased student recruitment from India to the University of Edinburgh by over 30% between 2012 and 2016 at a time of significant decline in the UK market share.I managed contractual relationships with 6 large recruitment agencies.I supported the planning and delivery of annual University Pop-Ups in India, securing extensive media coverage and exposure for our academic staff. I conducted scoping work for the University in Pakistan, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan.I established strong relationships with Middle Eastern embassy officials in London to support the sponsorship route of student recruitment.I established the Scotland South Asia Recruitment Group and held the position of Chair for two years during which time I led a successful collaborative bid for the GREAT Challenge Fund (£60k to support Scotland branding in India and Pakistan). I leveraged additional scholarship funding (£56k per year) for Indian students at the University via the British Council GREAT scholarship, match-funded by internal academic departments.I set up the first University of Edinburgh international student recruitment management information system using the Business Intelligence suite of tools. I was an invited speaker at key sector conferences including BUILA, British Council and International Baccalaureate. I was the Scotland representative of the British Council South Asia Working Group. This gave us significant influence on projects and outgoing messages of the SIEM team in the region.

London, United Kingdom

Academic Specialist on the Chevening scholarships reading committee for South and West Asia.

Edinburgh

Implemented the international student recruitment strategy for the College, including managing the development of web, print and multimedia marketing materials in addition to managing relationships with a global network of representatives. Regularly traveled to key markets to meet representatives and potential students. Helped to develop and deliver international partnerships.

Analysing statistical data with a focus on early withdrawal risk factors. Conducting qualitative research into the reasons why students leave their courses early. Implementing (and monitoring and evaluation of) interventions designed to increase student retention. Presenting research to staff across the institution in order to encourage and share good practice. Coordinating project activity across the institution and synchronising this with research in the wider sector. Maintaining relationships with key staff and partner institutions. Participating in Quality Assurance and Enhancement activities.

Suzhou, Jiangsu, China

Whilst placed with Suzhou Association of International Exchange, I taught English in 3 government schools across the city of Suzhou to students in both middle and senior schools. Assisted in curriculum planning with local teachers and government educational theorists.

Suzhou, Jiangsu, China

Taught database class to undergraduate students from China, Korea and Japan.

Msc, E-Learning

Dissertation: "Investigating funding for e-learning in Africa: a question of economic sustainability"

Chinese

Bsc, E-Commerce And Digital Business

Activities and Societies: Student Journalism (Impact Magazine & Sanctuary Newspaper)