Head of Student Success

Head of Student Success

Full-Time 64000 - 72000 £ / 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 leader in higher education.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, 31 days leave, flexible working, and a vibrant Bloomsbury location.
  • 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 diverse team committed to equality and inclusion.

The predicted salary is between 64000 - 72000 £ 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. As a member of the Education and Student Experience Directorate’s senior team, you will have an exciting opportunity to manage and develop Birkbeck’s Student Success Team and shape its work to improve student outcomes.

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 improve and close attainment gaps across the student life cycle.

This opportunity would build on experience as: Access and Participation Plan Manager, Student Success Manager, Learning and Teaching Strategy Manager. If you are interested in making a difference within the Education and Student Experience Directorate at Birkbeck - apply with us today.

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 with an understanding of 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.
  • You will be suited to this role if you have experience of delivering teaching and learning strategies in a higher education setting, and are comfortable working with data to inform institutional decision-making and the evaluation of student success initiatives.

Contract and benefits

  • This role is offered on a permanent, full-time (35 hours a week), hybrid contract with a salary of £64,290 rising to £71,792 per year.
  • Salary and benefits: £64,290 rising to £71,792 per annum. Grade 9 on the College's London Pay Scale which includes a consolidated London Weighting Allowance.
  • Benefits of working at Birkbeck: a competitive salary and pension scheme, 31 days paid leave, flexible working arrangements, generous benefits in the HE sector, and being 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.

Please submit a CV and statement for consideration. Closing date: Friday 19 February 2026, interview date: Wednesday 4 March 2026.

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.

Diversity and inclusion

We welcome applicants from all sections of the community and backgrounds to apply. 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 University of London

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, Euston, London, Birkbeck fosters a collaborative work culture that values diversity and inclusion, providing ample opportunities for growth and development in the higher education sector.
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Contact Detail:

Birkbeck University of London 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, especially those in the Education and Student Experience Directorate. A friendly chat can give us insider info on the culture and expectations, plus it shows our genuine interest in the role.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for the interview by researching Birkbeck’s Access and Participation Plan. We should be ready to discuss how our experience aligns with their goals for student engagement and success. Tailoring our answers to reflect their values will definitely make us stand out!

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase our leadership skills! Think of specific examples where we’ve successfully led teams or initiatives that improved student outcomes. This is our chance to demonstrate how we can create an effective team culture at Birkbeck.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets seen. Plus, we can keep track of our application status easily. Let’s make sure we get our CV and statement in before the deadline!

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

Leadership
Team Management
Strategic Planning
Student Engagement
Data Analysis
Education Policy Knowledge
Understanding of Non-Traditional Student Challenges
Teaching and Learning Strategy Development
Project Delivery
Collaboration
Evaluation of Initiatives
Budget Management
Communication Skills
Adaptability

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that align with the Head of Student Success role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant initiatives you've led in student engagement or retention.

Craft a Compelling Statement: Your statement is your chance to shine! Use it to showcase your passion for supporting student success and how your background makes you the perfect fit for Birkbeck. Be sure to mention any strategies you've implemented that improved student outcomes.

Showcase Your Data Skills: Since the role involves working with data, don’t forget to mention your experience in using data to inform decisions. Share examples of how you've used data to evaluate student success initiatives or improve team performance.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Birkbeck!

How to prepare for a job interview at Birkbeck University of London

✨Know Your Stuff

Make sure you’re well-versed in the current trends and policies in higher education. Brush up on Birkbeck’s Access and Participation Plan and think about how your experience aligns with their goals for student engagement and success.

✨Show Your Leadership Skills

Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Think about specific initiatives you've implemented that improved student outcomes, and be ready to discuss how you foster a positive team culture.

✨Data is Your Friend

Be prepared to talk about how you’ve used data to inform decisions in previous roles. Have some examples ready where your data-driven approach led to successful outcomes, especially in relation to student retention and attainment.

✨Engage with the Interviewers

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

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