At a Glance
- Tasks: Empower students to be confident advocates and shape decisions affecting their community.
- Company: Join the Open SU, a vibrant charity supporting 170,000 diverse students.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and a positive team culture.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for personal growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by helping students amplify their voices and experiences.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and experience in leading projects and supporting volunteers.
The predicted salary is between 32080 - 37694 £ per year.
Salary: £32,080 - £37,694
Ref: XXXX
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, making sure their voices are heard and their experiences help shape decisions that affect the wider student community. Your involvement will be key to deliver 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.
Student Voice Advocate (Hybrid) employer: DiverseJobsMatter
The Open SU is an exceptional employer that champions a vibrant and inclusive work culture, dedicated to empowering its staff and the diverse student community it serves. With a strong commitment to professional development, employees have ample opportunities to grow and make a meaningful impact in their roles, all while enjoying the flexibility of hybrid working from the Open SU Office at the OU Walton Hall Campus in Milton Keynes. Join us in fostering a supportive environment where your values align with our mission to amplify student voices and drive positive change.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Student Voice Advocate (Hybrid)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research The Open SU and understand their mission. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in empowering students.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees or volunteers on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and insights – it’s a great way to get insider info and make a lasting impression.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to advocacy and volunteer support. Use real examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your skills and passion for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the position and keeping you top of mind for the hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace Student Voice Advocate (Hybrid)
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’ve made a difference.
Tailor Your Responses:Make sure to address the specific questions in the job description. We’re looking for examples of your experience with advocacy, member-led organisations, and working with volunteers. Customising your answers will show us you’re genuinely interested in the role.
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 responses well. This will help us easily understand your experiences and how they relate to the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it reaches us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our organisation there.
How to prepare for a job interview at DiverseJobsMatter
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into the Open SU's mission and values. Understand their commitment to empowering students and how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you articulate why you're a great fit for the Student Voice Advocate role.
✨Showcase Your Advocacy Skills
Prepare specific examples of when you've supported others in becoming advocates. Think about times you've led projects or helped volunteers grow. Be ready to discuss these experiences in detail, as they’ll demonstrate your ability to empower students effectively.
✨Collaborative Spirit
Since this role involves working closely with both colleagues and volunteers, be prepared to talk about your teamwork experiences. Highlight instances where you’ve successfully collaborated to achieve shared goals, especially in fast-paced environments.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking questions. Inquire about the current projects the Student Voice team is working on or how they measure the impact of student advocacy. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.
