At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead initiatives to empower international students and enhance cultural exchange activities.
- Company: Join the award-winning Edinburgh University Students' Association, dedicated to student welfare and support.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous holiday, hybrid working, and exclusive discounts.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of international students and foster a global community.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills, project management experience, and a passion for inclusivity.
The predicted salary is between 29280 - 30190 £ per year.
Edinburgh University Students' Association is looking to recruit an Officer (International) to join our Student Opportunities team. Edinburgh University Students’ Association is an award-winning organisation, which exists to provide diverse services, representation, and welfare support to the community of over 49,500 students at the University of Edinburgh. By providing opportunities, helping to create change and offering support, we’re here to help students get the most out of their time in Edinburgh.
We have five venues around the University of Edinburgh campus – Teviot, King’s Buildings House, Potterrow, the Pleasance and Edinburgh College of Art’s Wee Red Bar – which house our offices, cafés, bars, clubs and spaces for students to meet, study and socialise. These spaces transform into some of the most well‑loved Edinburgh Festival Fringe venues throughout the month of August each year. We are a registered charity and all of the income we generate from our commercial activity goes back into supporting our members. We’re also an organisation with a strategic commitment to support and empower all our staff, and have some exciting plans for the future. Plus, over 90% of our staff would recommend the Students' Association as a place to work. There’s never been a better time to apply and join our organisation.
We are an equal opportunities employer and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons. Edinburgh University Students’ Association is committed to promoting equal opportunities in employment and encouraging equality, diversity and inclusion among our workforce, and eliminating unlawful discrimination.
Role Description
The Student Opportunities Officer (International) leads on the Students’ Association’s work to empower student leaders and groups to deliver engaging and inclusive activities for international students and non‑international students who are interested in cultural exchange, with the goal of creating a community of truly global citizens.
Responsibilities
- Act as the key staff contact for the four international peer support programmes: Global Buddies, Tandem Language Exchange, International Foundation Programme (IFP) and English as a Second Language PALS.
- Oversee volunteer recruitment, induction and training, and lead the strategic development of these schemes to maximise student participation.
- Collaborate with international and multicultural societies to produce key events and activities, particularly during busy periods such as Welcome Week and Give it a Go Week.
- Work within the Societies team, supporting key projects throughout the year and coordinating with the wider department.
- Collaborate closely with the Peer Learning and Support team to ensure a coordinated approach to volunteer recruitment, training and support.
Qualifications
- Confidence and experience as a project worker with excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Organisational and IT proficiency, with a flair for on‑the‑spot problem‑solving and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
- Natural warmth and people‑person skills, with a commitment to fostering a welcoming environment for all students.
- Experience working in partnership with volunteer student leaders to keep programmes running smoothly and to develop enhancements based on student feedback.
- Ability to maintain a large network of staff contacts across the Students’ Association and the University, and confidence in stakeholder management.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a focus on customer satisfaction and service excellence.
- Motivation to thrive in a complex, multi‑disciplinary environment and engage proactively with all departments across the Association.
Salary & Benefits
- Salary: £29,280 – £30,190 (pro‑rata) (Band C). The successful candidate will typically be offered the lowest salary band point, dependent on experience.
- 35 days per year holiday entitlement.
- Company pension with 14.5% employer contribution.
- Enhanced company sick pay, leave and loan policies.
- Hybrid working – up to 40% working from home per week.
- Comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme support.
- Access to money‑saving discounts from hundreds of retailers via the Pluxee Discounts Hub.
- Cycle to Work Scheme.
- Discounts on food and drink across our venues.
Student Opportunities Officer (International) employer: Edinburgh University Students' Association
Edinburgh University Students' Association is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for its staff. With a strong commitment to employee growth, the organisation offers extensive benefits including generous holiday entitlement, a robust pension scheme, and hybrid working options, all while contributing to the vibrant student community at the University of Edinburgh. Join us in making a meaningful impact on the lives of over 49,500 students, where over 90% of our staff recommend us as a great place to work.
Contact Details:
Edinburgh University Students' Association Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Student Opportunities Officer (International)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Edinburgh University Students' Association inside out! Familiarise yourself with their values, services, and the specific role of the Student Opportunities Officer. This will help you tailor your approach and show genuine interest during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff members on LinkedIn or through university connections. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the job. It’s all about making those connections!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by thinking about how you can demonstrate your project management skills and experience with volunteer programmes. Have specific examples ready that showcase your ability to engage and empower students.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our awesome team at the Students' Association.
We think you need these skills to ace Student Opportunities Officer (International)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for supporting international students shine through. We want to see how much you care about creating a welcoming community and empowering student leaders.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have in project work or volunteer management. We’re looking for someone who can connect with diverse groups, so share examples that showcase your interpersonal skills and ability to foster inclusivity.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and structure your thoughts logically. We appreciate well-organised applications that make it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and gives you a chance to explore more about us and what we do.
How to prepare for a job interview at Edinburgh University Students' Association
✨Know Your Programmes
Familiarise yourself with the four international peer support programmes: Global Buddies, Tandem Language Exchange, International Foundation Programme, and ESL PALS. Be ready to discuss how you can enhance these initiatives and engage students effectively.
✨Showcase Your People Skills
As a Student Opportunities Officer, you'll need to connect with diverse groups. Prepare examples of how you've successfully worked with volunteers or student leaders in the past, highlighting your interpersonal skills and ability to foster a welcoming environment.
✨Demonstrate Organisational Flair
Think about times when you've managed multiple projects or events simultaneously. Be prepared to share specific strategies you used to stay organised and calm under pressure, especially during busy periods like Welcome Week.
✨Engage with Their Values
Edinburgh University Students' Association values diversity and inclusion. Research their initiatives and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to creating an inclusive community for all students, showcasing your commitment to these principles.
