At a Glance
- Tasks: Join the Advisory Board to influence student experiences and governance.
- Company: Arden University, a multi-award-winning institution focused on innovation.
- Benefits: Earn £1000 per quarter while making a real impact on student lives.
- Other info: Flexible online meetings with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of higher education and champion student interests.
- Qualifications: Experience in governance, financial management, or operational delivery preferred.
About Arden University: We are an aspirational and multi-award-winning university, delivering rapid growth with ambitious plans to disrupt the HE sector through our passion for innovation and digital education. Our vision is to become the first-choice university for career-focused lifelong learners worldwide, ensuring that everyone, everywhere can access higher education.
Students' Association: Arden University Students’ Association (AUSA) is seeking two passionate and experienced individuals to join its Advisory Board as External Members. These are exciting opportunities to contribute your expertise to a growing Students’ Association dedicated to championing student interests, influencing university decision-making, and enhancing the student experience.
As an External Advisory Board Member, you will work alongside student representatives, senior university colleagues, and Students’ Association leaders to provide strategic guidance, constructive challenge, and independent insight as the Association continues its ambitious development journey.
The Opportunities: The Advisory Board plays a vital role in ensuring the Students’ Association is well-governed, student-focused, and delivering against its strategic objectives. Board members provide oversight, support effective decision-making, scrutinise the use of resources, and help shape the future direction of the Association. These are exciting opportunities to contribute to positive change for students studying across Arden University. You will play a key role in helping the Association develop its services, governance and strategic direction, while ensuring student interests remain at the heart of decision-making.
- Provide strategic guidance and independent perspective
- Support the long-term success and sustainability of the Students’ Association
- Scrutinise progress against strategic objectives and priorities
- Share specialist expertise and best practice
- Contribute to discussions that improve services, representation, and advocacy for students
- Mentor and support student members of the Advisory Board
- Help ensure the Association operates in the best interests of Arden students
About You: We welcome applications from individuals who are committed to student success and can bring expertise in one or more of the following areas:
- Governance
- Financial Management
- Human Resources
- Volunteer Management
- Operational Delivery (in an Education context)
You will ideally have:
- An understanding of good governance principles
- Experience operating in a strategic or leadership environment
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills
- The confidence to ask questions and provide constructive challenge
- The ability to think strategically and make balanced decisions
- A commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion
- An interest in supporting students and improving higher education outcomes
We are particularly interested in hearing from candidates whose lived experiences reflect the diverse communities we serve. Previous board experience is welcome but not essential, as full induction and support will be provided.
Commitment and Remuneration: Four year term of office - with potential to extend four years. Four Advisory Board meetings per year (primarily held online and typically lasting around 2.5 hours). Preparation and engagement with meeting papers, communications, ad hoc meetings and pre-Board meetings. £1000 per quarter.
The Application Process: When you apply for the role, you will be asked to answer application questions explaining why you are interested in becoming an External Member of the Advisory Board, the expertise and experience you would bring, and how your background aligns with the needs of the Students’ Association. You will also need to provide a CV and a cover letter (approximately one side of A4) detailing how you fit the person specification in the recruitment pack. Please refer to the recruitment pack for further information on the role, responsibilities and the skills and experience we are seeking from our External Members.
Why Join Us? This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of thousands of students studying across the UK and internationally. You will contribute to an innovative Students’ Association at a pivotal stage of its development, working with dedicated students and senior stakeholders to influence positive change.
Closing Date: Sunday 9th August
Students' Association - External Advisory Board Members employer: Arden University
Arden University is an excellent employer for those seeking a fulfilling role in higher education, particularly in Birmingham. With a strong commitment to flexible working arrangements, competitive pay, and a supportive work culture, we prioritise employee growth and development, ensuring that our Associate Lecturers thrive in their teaching careers while making a meaningful impact on students' lives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Students' Association - External Advisory Board Members
✨Get Involved with Local Causes
Start connecting with local nonprofits or social impact projects in your area. Attend their events, offer to help out with community initiatives, or just drop by to chat about their mission. This way, you’ll not only learn about the work they do but also make meaningful connections that could lead to volunteer opportunities.
✨Leverage Social Media for Social Impact
Platforms like Twitter and Instagram are goldmines for discovering volunteer opportunities in the nonprofit sector. Follow organisations you’re passionate about, engage with their posts, and keep an eye out for their volunteer calls. It’s a great way to show your interest and dedication!
✨Utilise Volunteer Matching Platforms
Sites like VolunteerMatch or local community boards are perfect for finding short-term and long-term volunteer roles. These platforms can connect you with causes that align with your passions and skills, and often allow you to browse opportunities tailored to your interests.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
When you spot an organisation you like, don't hesitate to visit their website and check out their volunteer section. Many nonprofits have dedicated pages for volunteers where you can apply directly – and we’ve found that this route often leads to quicker responses and more personalised interactions!
We think you need these skills to ace Students' Association - External Advisory Board Members
Some tips for your application 🫡
Share Your Passion for Social Impact:When you're applying for a volunteer role at a nonprofit like Arden University, don’t just list your skills. Show us why you're passionate about social impact! Use your cover letter to tell a story about what drives you and how you've been involved in similar initiatives. Personal connections to the cause can really make your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to showcase any previous volunteer work or projects that demonstrate your commitment to social impact. Whether it’s fundraising, community outreach, or project management, detail your contributions and the results achieved. This kind of experience is invaluable in the nonprofit sector and can help us see your potential!
Get Creative with Your CV:In the world of nonprofits, a standard CV might not cut it. Consider using a more creative format that showcases your personality while maintaining professionalism. Use headings like 'Community Engagement' or 'Social Impact Projects' to highlight your experiences related to the role. Remember, we want to see what makes you unique!
Keep It Community-Focused:Make sure your application emphasises collaboration and community. Volunteer roles are about working well with others and contributing collectively towards a common goal. In your cover letter, mention any teamwork experiences or community projects you've been part of, and how you contributed to their success. This shows that you’re ready to jump into the collaborative spirit here at Arden University.
How to prepare for a job interview at Arden University
✨Know Your Passion
Dive deep into the mission of Arden University and understand the issues they tackle. When they ask about your motivation to volunteer, share specific experiences that link your passion to their cause—whether it’s local community work or a broader social impact.
✨Bring Your Skills to the Table
Highlight any relevant skills that can aid in their projects, such as fundraising, project management, or community organising. Be prepared to share examples of how you’ve used these skills in past volunteer roles or relevant experiences.
✨Get Ready for Scenario Questions
In non-profit interviews, especially for volunteer roles, you might get scenario-based questions. Think about times when you've encountered challenges in team work or community engagement, and how you resolved them—this shows your problem-solving abilities.
✨Show Your Commitment
Since this is a volunteer role, they’ll likely want to see your commitment to the cause over an extended period. Be ready to discuss how much time you can dedicate, any special skills you can bring, and your eagerness to learn and grow with the organisation—this excites them to have you on board!
