At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead student services and administration, ensuring a top-notch student experience.
- Company: Elizabeth School of London, a vibrant educational institution.
- Benefits: Generous annual leave, pension scheme, discounts, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and innovation in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Degree level education and experience in student services or administration required.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 54500 € per year.
Company: Elizabeth School of London
Location: On-Site, Elizabeth School of London, London, United Kingdom
Salary: £48,000 - £54,500 per annum
Contract Type: Permanent
Employment Type: Full-time
Working Schedule: Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm
Reporting to: Head of Professional and Corporate Services
Department: Student Services
Role Purpose
The Deputy Head of Student Services and Administration provides strategic and operational leadership across student-facing administrative and support services at Elizabeth School of London. The role ensures the delivery of high-quality, efficient, and student-centred services that enhance the student experience. In addition, the postholder will act as (or support the role of) Data Protection Officer (DPO), ensuring institutional compliance with data protection legislation, including the UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018, and promoting a culture of data privacy and information governance across the organisation.
Key Responsibilities
- Leadership and Management: Support the Head of Professional and Corporate Services in the leadership, management, and strategic development of the departments, deputising as required. Provide line management to service managers and administrative teams, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Lead on organisational change initiatives, including service redesign and digital transformation. Contribute to institutional strategies relating to student experience, retention, and success.
- Student Administration and Service Delivery: Oversee core student administration functions, including registry, attendance and intervention, timetabling support, student records, student support, student casework and wellbeing. Ensure services are delivered in line with agreed KPIs, SLAs, and sector best practice. Maintain compliance with regulatory requirements (e.g. OfS, UKVI, SLC etc.). Ensure accuracy, integrity, and security of student data across systems.
- Student Experience and Engagement: Champion a student-centred approach, ensuring services are accessible, inclusive, and responsive. Work collaboratively with academic departments and professional services to improve the end-to-end student journey. Analyse feedback (e.g. NSS, internal surveys, complaints data) to inform service enhancements. Support initiatives to improve student retention, wellbeing, and outcomes.
- Operational and Resource Management: Oversee day-to-day operational delivery of student services. Manage budgets, staffing, and resources effectively to ensure value for money. Lead on process reviews, service improvement, and efficiency initiatives using data insights.
- Policy, Governance, and Compliance: Develop, implement, and review policies and procedures relating to student administration and services. Ensure compliance with institutional regulations and external legal frameworks. Support internal and external audits, quality assurance, and governance processes.
- Systems and Digital Development: Lead on the optimisation and development of student information systems. Work with IT and stakeholders to enhance digital services and reporting capabilities. Promote innovation and automation to improve service delivery and data quality.
- Data Protection and Information Governance (DPO Responsibilities): Act as the institution's Data Protection Officer (or deputy), providing expert advice on data protection legislation and best practice. Monitor compliance with UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018, and institutional policies. Develop and maintain data protection policies, procedures, and guidance. Lead on Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs) and advise on privacy by design and default. Serve as the primary point of contact for the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO). Oversee the management and reporting of data breaches, including investigation and mitigation actions. Deliver training and awareness programmes to staff on data protection and information security. Advise on data sharing agreements, contracts, and third-party processing arrangements. Support responses to Subject Access Requests (SARs) and other data rights requests. Promote a culture of data protection, confidentiality, and information governance across the institution.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders at ESL and outside (PEN). Represent the departments on institutional committees and working groups. Engage with external bodies, networks, and sector groups to share and adopt best practice.
Person Specification
Essential Criteria:
- Educated to degree level or equivalent professional experience.
- Significant experience in student services or administration within a UK HE environment.
- Demonstrable leadership and people management experience.
- Strong knowledge of the student lifecycle and HE regulatory frameworks.
- Substantial experience of data protection, information governance, or compliance roles.
- In-depth knowledge of UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.
- Experience of managing complex change and service improvement initiatives.
- Excellent analytical, organisational, and communication skills.
- Ability to interpret legislation and translate it into operational practice.
- Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
Desirable Criteria:
- Relevant postgraduate qualification or professional accreditation.
- Experience acting as a Data Protection Officer or similar role.
- Experience with student information systems (e.g. SITS, Banner).
- Knowledge of UKVI compliance and international student administration.
- Experience of budget management.
Key Competencies:
- Strategic leadership and decision-making
- Service excellence and continuous improvement
- Data governance and risk management
- Communication, influencing, and stakeholder engagement
- Analytical and evidence-based approach
- Adaptability, resilience, and integrity
Additional Information:
The role may require occasional evening or weekend work during peak operational periods. The postholder must maintain up-to-date knowledge of changes in legislation and the HE sector. The DPO function requires independence, integrity, and the ability to challenge where necessary.
Benefits
- Annual leave (7.2 weeks)
- Workplace pension scheme.
- Company Sick Policy.
- Statutory maternity/paternity pays.
- Career development opportunities
- Training and self-development opportunities.
- Gym membership discounts
- Retail discount schemes
- Cinema discounts
- Grocery discounts
- Cycle to work
- Investing and savings opportunities
- Financial wellbeing – personal debt advice.
- Financial wellbeing education
- My Mind Pal (mental fitness)
Deputy Head of Student Services and Administration in Oxford employer: Elizabeth School of London
The Elizabeth School of London is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. With a focus on delivering high-quality student services, the school provides numerous benefits including generous annual leave, career development opportunities, and various discounts to enhance employee wellbeing. Located in the vibrant city of London, employees enjoy a dynamic environment that fosters collaboration and innovation, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Head of Student Services and Administration in Oxford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the education sector. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to current employees at Elizabeth School of London. A friendly chat can open doors!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the school’s values and recent initiatives. Show us you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate how your experience aligns with their mission to enhance the student experience. Tailor your answers to reflect their goals!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family. Focus on articulating your leadership style and how you’ve successfully managed teams in the past. We want to see your confidence shine through!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression. Reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and remind them why you’d be a great fit for the Deputy Head of Student Services and Administration position.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Head of Student Services and Administration in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Deputy Head of Student Services and Administration role. Highlight your relevant experience in student services and administration, and don’t forget to mention your knowledge of data protection legislation!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:We want to see your leadership style! Share examples of how you've managed teams or led initiatives in previous roles. This is your chance to shine a light on your ability to foster collaboration and drive change.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate well-structured applications that get straight to the heart of your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Elizabeth School of London
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the key responsibilities of the Deputy Head of Student Services and Administration role. Familiarise yourself with student administration functions, data protection legislation, and the importance of a student-centred approach. This will help you demonstrate your expertise and show that you’re the right fit for the job.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or managed projects in the past. Highlight your experience in fostering collaboration and continuous improvement within student services. This is crucial as the role involves supporting the Head of Professional and Corporate Services and managing service managers.
✨Engage with Data Protection Knowledge
Since this role includes acting as a Data Protection Officer, brush up on your knowledge of UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. Be ready to discuss how you’ve ensured compliance in previous roles and how you would promote a culture of data privacy at the Elizabeth School of London.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the school’s current challenges in student services and how they measure success. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand their expectations better. It’s also a great way to demonstrate your analytical skills and commitment to improving the student experience.
