At a Glance
- Tasks: Empower students to advocate for their needs and shape decisions that impact their community.
- Company: Join the Open SU, a vibrant charity supporting 170,000 diverse students.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and a positive team culture.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by helping students become confident advocates.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and experience in project leadership and volunteer support.
The predicted salary is between 32080 - 37694 € per year.
Salary: £32,080 - £37,694
Contract: 1 x 1.0 FTE, 1 x 0.6 FTE – 18 month fixed‑term contracts
Location: Hybrid working – remotely and at the Open SU Office, OU Walton Hall Campus, Milton Keynes
The Organisation
The Open SU serves the interests of around 170,000 part‑time and distance‑learning students spread across the UK, continental Europe and beyond. Our role is to represent and support the interests of this vast and diverse community of students. The Open SU is an independent registered charity, governed by elected student leaders. Our team of vibrant, friendly, and dedicated professional staff provide the vital support needed to deliver our ambitious strategy. Though your skills and experience are important, vital to us, are your values. Here at the Open SU we are committed to a positive team culture to enable and empower all members to be their very best.
The Job
In these exciting fixed‑term roles, you’ll play a vital part in empowering students to become confident advocates, ensuring their voices are heard and their experiences shape decisions that affect the wider student community. Your involvement will be key to delivering Open SU’s Student Voice objectives, and you’ll work collaboratively with the Student Voice team to deliver projects and raise awareness of opportunities for students to get involved and make a difference. You’ll support our volunteers through recruitment, providing ongoing guidance, and helping them grow into changemakers and positive representatives of Open SU.
The Person
This role is a fantastic opportunity for a motivated individual with strong communication skills and experience in leading projects and supporting volunteers. You’ll be passionate about empowering others, helping them grow into confident advocates for their peers. As part of a small but busy team, you’ll be comfortable in a fast‑paced environment and be confident managing deadlines, prioritising tasks, and organising your workload effectively. You’ll also enjoy working collaboratively, as you’ll be supporting both colleagues and volunteers to achieve shared goals.
Please include responses to the following questions in your supporting statement:
- Supporting Advocacy: Provide an example of a time when you supported others to become advocates.
- Member‑Led Organisations: Describe your experience of working in a member‑led organisation.
- Working with Volunteers: Outline your experience of working with volunteers, including both recruitment and ongoing support.
The Open SU is committed to equal opportunities for everyone in education and employment and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.
Representation Officer (x2) employer: DiverseJobsMatter
The Open SU is an exceptional employer that prioritises a positive team culture and values-driven work environment, making it an ideal place for individuals passionate about empowering students. With hybrid working options at the picturesque OU Walton Hall Campus in Milton Keynes, employees benefit from flexibility while contributing to meaningful initiatives that support a diverse community of learners. The organisation fosters professional growth through collaborative projects and volunteer support, ensuring that every team member can thrive and make a significant impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Representation Officer (x2)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research The Open SU and its values. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in empowering students.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your storytelling skills. Think of specific examples from your past experiences where you've supported others or led projects. We want to hear how you’ve made a difference!
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can provide insights into the culture and what it’s really like to work at The Open SU.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Representation Officer (x2)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Authentic:When you're writing your application, let your true self shine through! We want to see your personality and passion for empowering students. Don’t just list your skills; share stories that show how you embody the values we cherish at StudySmarter.
Tailor Your Responses:Make sure to address the specific questions in the job description. We’re looking for examples that highlight your experience with advocacy, member-led organisations, and working with volunteers. Customising your responses will show us you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested.
Keep It Clear and Concise:While we love a good story, keep your application focused and to the point. Use clear language and structure your thoughts logically. This will help us understand your experiences without getting lost in too much detail.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it reaches us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our organisation there!
How to prepare for a job interview at DiverseJobsMatter
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the role of a Representation Officer and the mission of the Open SU. Familiarise yourself with their objectives and think about how your skills can contribute to empowering students. This will show that you're genuinely interested and prepared.
✨Share Your Stories
When answering questions, use specific examples from your past experiences, especially those related to supporting others as advocates or working with volunteers. This not only highlights your relevant skills but also demonstrates your passion for the role and the values of the organisation.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of the interview. This could be about the team culture, ongoing projects, or how they measure success in empowering students. It shows that you’re engaged and thinking critically about how you can fit into their team.
✨Be Yourself
The Open SU values authenticity and a positive team culture. Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through during the interview. Show your enthusiasm for the role and your commitment to supporting students, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
