At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead teams in student communications, events, and co-design to enhance the student experience.
- Company: Join a dynamic university committed to fostering community and celebrating student achievements.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options, engaging events, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on student life while collaborating with passionate individuals.
- Qualifications: Experience in communications, campaigns, and event management is essential.
- Other info: Informal discussions available; interviews scheduled for late April 2025.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.
We have an exciting opportunity to join us and lead our teams responsible for Student Communications, Student Co-Design and Insight, and Student Events. These high-performing teams ensure that our students are kept informed with the right information at the right time throughout their UoS journey. We work in partnership with our students and celebrate their achievements through the operational delivery of Graduation and our Student Experience Awards, creating innovative events and activities to foster community and belonging, as well as overseeing and delivering our Welcome and Induction activities. We are proud of our students and want to ensure their experience with us is outstanding.
We are recruiting for this new role to provide additional leadership capacity in this area and to formalize and enhance the collaborative effort necessary to provide a positive experience for our students during their time at University. You will oversee the delivery of our Student Survey campaigns as well as lead action planning to improve our performance.
- Student Communications: Responsible for creating effective and engaging communications that speak directly to our students.
- Student Events: Responsible for planning and delivering events and campaigns that create a sense of belonging and proactively engage students to be proud members of our community.
- Student Co-Design and Insight: Responsible for providing meaningful opportunities for students to work in partnership with University staff, empowering our students to provide feedback, represent their views, and be active in decision-making.
This is an exciting opportunity, and you must have a passion for working collaboratively with students and significant experience in the delivery and oversight of communications, campaigns, and events to improve the student experience and celebrate their achievements. Key to this role is the ability to quickly develop relationships and work collaboratively with colleagues from across the University and Student Union, and to be recognized as an expert in this area.
To arrange an informal discussion about the role, please contact Karen Hooper, EA to the Director of Student Experience and Engagement. Interviews for this position are likely to be in the week commencing 28th April 2025. Please include your CV and a cover letter with your application.
Associate Director Student Communities and Experience employer: University of Southampton
Contact Detail:
University of Southampton Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director Student Communities and Experience
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the current student experience initiatives at the University. Understanding what’s already in place will help you identify areas for improvement and demonstrate your proactive approach during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current staff involved in student communications and events. Building relationships with them can provide insights into the role and the team dynamics, which can be invaluable during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects that enhanced student engagement. Highlighting your leadership skills and collaborative efforts will resonate well with the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 4
Consider reaching out to Karen Hooper for an informal chat about the role. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also gives you a chance to ask questions that could set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director Student Communities and Experience
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and expectations. Highlight key phrases that resonate with your experience, especially those related to student communications, events, and co-design.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect relevant experiences that align with the role. Emphasise your leadership skills, experience in event planning, and any collaborative projects with students or educational institutions.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for enhancing student experiences. Use specific examples from your past roles to demonstrate how you have successfully led teams or initiatives that align with the job's requirements.
Highlight Collaborative Skills: In both your CV and cover letter, emphasise your ability to build relationships and work collaboratively. Mention any experience working with diverse teams or engaging with students to illustrate your capability in this area.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Southampton
✨Show Your Passion for Student Engagement
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for working collaboratively with students. Share specific examples of how you've previously engaged with student communities and improved their experiences.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
Highlight your past leadership roles, especially in communications, events, or campaigns. Be prepared to discuss how you have successfully led teams and driven initiatives that positively impacted student engagement.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle real-life situations. Think about challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you overcame them, particularly in relation to student feedback and event planning.
✨Research the University’s Current Initiatives
Familiarise yourself with the university's existing student engagement strategies and events. This will allow you to speak knowledgeably about how you can contribute to and enhance these initiatives during the interview.