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- Tasks: Lead the transformation of student experience and drive institutional strategy.
- Company: Harper Adams University is a leading specialist university focused on food production, animal health, and sustainable living.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous benefits, and a supportive culture in a beautiful environment.
- Why this job: Shape the future of student life and make a lasting impact in a mission-driven community.
- Qualifications: Experience in leading teams, strong communication skills, and a commitment to student success are essential.
- Other info: This is a landmark role, the first of its kind at Harper Adams University.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Lead Transformation. Champion Belonging. Shape the Future.
Harper Adams University is seeking an inspiring, future-focused Chief Student Officer to lead a transformational student experience. This is a landmark appointment – the first of its kind at our institution – and a rare opportunity to shape the full student journey at the UK’s leading specialist university for food production and technology, animal health and wellbeing, and sustainable living environments.
Rooted in over 120 years of proud heritage, Harper Adams is not bound by the past. Our focus, as expressed through our Harper 2030 Strategic Plan, is firmly on the future – creating a student environment that is inclusive, connected, and responsive to a rapidly changing world. As Chief Student Officer, you’ll be a key member of the Vice-Chancellor’s Executive Group, driving institutional strategy and leading across engagement, wellbeing, inclusion, and success.
We’re looking for a confident, innovative leader who brings both vision and operational acumen. You’ll work collaboratively across academic and professional services, ensure regulatory compliance, champion safeguarding and inclusion, and inspire a culture where every student can thrive. With oversight of services and initiatives from pre-enrolment through to graduation, your work will directly shape the student experience and support lasting impact.
You’ll bring experience of leading high-performing teams and delivering change in complex environments. Strong data literacy, communication skills, and cultural fluency are essential, as is a deep commitment to student success and belonging.
Harper Adams is a close-knit, mission-driven community of over 600 staff and 5,000 students. We’re proud of our rural Shropshire roots and expanding presence in Telford – symbols of our bold, inclusive growth. Our £50m campus investment, award-winning teaching and research, and sector-leading graduate outcomes all reflect our ambition to make a difference.
We offer a beautiful working environment, flexible working, generous benefits, and a culture of support, trust, and pride. If you share our values and are ready to help redefine student experience, we’d love to hear from you.
The closing date for applications is noon on Friday 9 May 2025. We value equality and diversity across our workforce and to ensuring our staff community is reflective of the diversity of our student population. In support of these commitments the University welcomes applications from individuals of Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds for all roles.
Chief Student Officer employer: Anderson Quigley
Contact Detail:
Anderson Quigley Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Student Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Harper Adams University's strategic goals, especially the Harper 2030 Strategic Plan. Understanding their vision for the future will help you align your ideas and demonstrate how you can contribute to their mission during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former staff and students at Harper Adams University. Engaging in conversations about their experiences can provide valuable insights into the culture and expectations of the role, which you can leverage in your interactions.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in leading high-performing teams and driving change. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your operational acumen and how you've successfully navigated complex environments in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your commitment to student success and inclusion by researching current trends and challenges in higher education. Being well-informed will allow you to propose innovative solutions that resonate with the university's goals and values.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Student Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take time to thoroughly read the job description for the Chief Student Officer position. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills, as this will help you tailor your application to highlight relevant experiences.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also reflects your passion for enhancing the student experience. Use specific examples from your past roles to demonstrate your leadership and innovative thinking.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV, focus on your experience leading teams and driving change in educational settings. Emphasise your data literacy, communication skills, and commitment to inclusion and student success, as these are crucial for the role.
Showcase Cultural Fit: Research Harper Adams University’s values and culture. In your application, express how your personal values align with theirs, particularly regarding diversity, inclusion, and community engagement.
How to prepare for a job interview at Anderson Quigley
✨Understand the Vision
Familiarise yourself with Harper Adams University's Harper 2030 Strategic Plan. Be prepared to discuss how your vision aligns with their goals for an inclusive and responsive student environment.
✨Showcase Leadership Experience
Highlight your experience in leading high-performing teams and driving change. Prepare examples that demonstrate your operational acumen and ability to inspire a culture of success and belonging among students.
✨Emphasise Data Literacy
Be ready to discuss how you have used data to inform decision-making in previous roles. This is crucial for shaping the student experience and demonstrating your commitment to continuous improvement.
✨Cultural Fluency Matters
Demonstrate your understanding of cultural diversity and inclusion. Share experiences where you have successfully engaged with diverse groups, ensuring that every student feels valued and supported.
