Head of Student Success

Head of Student Success

Full-Time 64290 - 71792 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead initiatives to boost student engagement and success at Birkbeck.
  • Company: Birkbeck, University of London, a diverse and inclusive higher education institution.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, generous leave, and a strong pension scheme.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives and shape their educational journey.
  • Qualifications: Degree-level education and proven leadership experience in higher education.
  • Other info: Join a supportive team in the heart of Bloomsbury, London.

The predicted salary is between 64290 - 71792 £ per year.

Are you an influential leader with a passion for supporting student participation and success in higher education? Birkbeck, University of London, is seeking a new Head of Student Success to lead its work to improve student engagement, retention and attainment across its diverse student body.

Job details

  • Salary: £64,290 rising to £71,792 per annum
  • Contract type: Permanent (Open ended)
  • Mode: Full time (35 hours a week)
  • Grade: 9
  • Closing date: 19-Feb-2026
  • Reference no: 2325

Responsibilities

The Head of Student Success leads the design, delivery and evaluation of strategic initiatives to improve student engagement, retention and success at Birkbeck. This includes overseeing the implementation and evaluation of Birkbeck’s Access and Participation Plan and future initiatives to support equality of outcomes for students. The role works in collaboration with academic and professional support staff from across the institution to promote student success and to improve and close attainment gaps across the student life cycle.

Qualifications

To succeed in the role, you will be educated to degree level with a comprehensive knowledge of education policy and current trends in higher education, understanding the barriers and challenges to success faced by non-traditional students and those starting university with vocational qualifications. You will have proven leadership and management experience with the ability to create an effective team culture in order to plan, monitor and deliver objectives on time, within budget and to a high standard. Experience of delivering teaching and learning strategies in a higher education setting and working with data to inform institutional decision-making and the evaluation of student success initiatives is required.

This opportunity would build on experience as: Access and Participation Plan Manager, Student Success Manager, Learning and Teaching Strategy Manager.

Salary and Benefits

  • Competitive salary rising to £71,792 per annum.
  • Grade 9 on the College's London Pay Scale with a consolidated London Weighting Allowance.
  • Competitive pension scheme.
  • 31 days paid leave.
  • Flexible working arrangements.
  • Generous benefits in the HE sector.
  • Located in the heart of Bloomsbury, Euston, London.

Contract

Permanent contract, full-time (35 hours a week), with a flexible and hybrid working pattern – two days on site and in-person meetings, training and events (including student orientation) will be on site at Bloomsbury also.

Enquiries

If you would like to know more about the role, please contact Suzie Morris (Director of Education and Student Experience) by email suzie.morris@bbk.ac.uk. If you have difficulty using the recruitment portal, please contact jobs@bbk.ac.uk providing your name and the job reference number of the position. While we are happy to respond to all informal enquiries, only formal applications through the online system will be considered. We welcome applicants from all sections of the community and backgrounds to apply www.bbk.ac.uk/jobs. The College is committed to improving the gender and cultural diversity of its workforce, holding an Athena SWAN award and operating Disability Confident & Mindful Employer schemes.

Head of Student Success employer: Birkbeck Sport Business Centre

Birkbeck, University of London is an exceptional employer that prioritises student success and engagement within a vibrant and diverse community. With a competitive salary, generous benefits, and a commitment to flexible working arrangements, employees are empowered to thrive both professionally and personally. Located in the heart of Bloomsbury, the university fosters a collaborative work culture that values diversity and inclusivity, providing ample opportunities for growth and development in the higher education sector.
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Contact Detail:

Birkbeck Sport Business Centre Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Student Success

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Birkbeck, University of London, and ask about their experiences. This can give you insider knowledge and help you stand out during interviews.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for the interview by researching Birkbeck’s Access and Participation Plan. Show us that you understand the challenges faced by non-traditional students and how you can contribute to improving their success.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your leadership stories! We want to hear about your past experiences in managing teams and delivering successful educational initiatives. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at Birkbeck.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Student Success

Leadership
Management Experience
Team Building
Strategic Planning
Project Delivery
Budget Management
Education Policy Knowledge
Data Analysis
Teaching and Learning Strategies
Student Engagement
Retention Strategies
Evaluation of Initiatives
Collaboration
Understanding of Non-Traditional Students
Communication Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head of Student Success role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant initiatives you've led that align with improving student engagement and retention.

Showcase Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for supporting student success shine through in your application. Share specific examples of how you've positively impacted students in previous roles, especially those from non-traditional backgrounds.

Be Data-Driven: Since the role involves working with data to inform decisions, include any experience you have with data analysis or evaluation of student success initiatives. This will show us that you understand the importance of evidence-based strategies.

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the only way we’ll consider your application, so make sure you follow the process outlined there.

How to prepare for a job interview at Birkbeck Sport Business Centre

✨Know Your Stuff

Make sure you’re well-versed in the current trends and policies in higher education, especially those affecting non-traditional students. Brush up on Birkbeck’s Access and Participation Plan and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to improving student engagement and retention.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Prepare examples of your past leadership experiences that demonstrate your ability to create a positive team culture. Think about specific initiatives you've led that improved student success and how you managed to deliver objectives on time and within budget.

✨Data is Your Friend

Be ready to talk about how you’ve used data to inform decision-making in previous roles. Bring examples of how you’ve evaluated student success initiatives and what impact they had. This will show your analytical skills and commitment to evidence-based strategies.

✨Engage with the Interviewers

Remember, interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about Birkbeck’s approach to student success and how you can fit into their vision. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.

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