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- Tasks: Lead student engagement strategy and inspire a high-performing team.
- Company: Join Heriot-Watt University Student Union, dedicated to enhancing student life.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, discounts, and pension scheme.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on student experiences and champion their voices.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience and passion for student engagement.
The predicted salary is between 38000 - 50000 £ per year.
So you're interested in joining us as our new Head of Student Engagement (Maternity Cover). If this sounds like the role for you, please send us your CV and cover letter outlining your suitability for the role, to hr@hwunion.com.
Pay: £38,000 - £50,000 per annum (dependent on experience; salary up to £50,000 for an exceptional candidate).
Hours: This is a full-time role, working on average 35 hours per week over 5 days.
Interview: If successful, you'll be invited to attend an interview on 27th November.
Job Duration: This vacancy is to cover a period of 12 months.
About Us: Heriot-Watt Student Union is dedicated to making student life better. We're the voice, the support, and the driving force behind an exceptional university experience for every student. We're a dynamic team with big ambitions, and we're looking for a Head of Student Engagement to take us to the next level.
The Role: As Head of Student Engagement, you'll be the architect of our student engagement strategy, ensuring we connect with students in meaningful ways that enhance their university journey. You'll lead a high-performing team, drive innovation, and champion the student voice at every level. Please note: This is a maternity leave cover position, starting ASAP and continuing until April 2027.
What You'll Do:
- Strategic Vision & Delivery: Develop and deliver a student-first engagement strategy that aligns with the Union's goals and exceeds student expectations.
- Data-Driven Magic: Transform data and insights into tangible initiatives that create amazing experiences for students.
- Team Leadership: Inspire and empower your team to deliver exceptional results, fostering a culture of ownership and accountability.
- Student Champion: Ensure the student voice is heard and amplified, shaping decisions at the highest level.
- Relationship Building: Strengthen partnerships with the University and external stakeholders to maximize impact.
Important: This is a campus-based position, requiring a regular on-site presence.
We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Aviva Defined Contribution Pension
- 4x Death in Service life cover
- 28-33 days holiday (dependent on service) plus 9 Building closed days
- 25% discount on most purchases in our coffee shop, bar (food) and shop
- Discounted High Street Retail vouchers
- Cashback prepaid Credit Card
- Cycle to work scheme
- Electric Vehicle Scheme* (*restrictions may apply)
- Buy extra holiday scheme (up to 10 days extra)
Your Superpowers:
- You're a visionary, seeing the future of student engagement and making it happen.
- You're a strategist and a doer, balancing big-picture thinking with hands-on leadership.
- You're an authentic and engaging leader who empowers their team to achieve greatness.
- You're a data alchemist, turning insights into engagement gold.
- Above all, you put Students First. Always.
Proven experience in a strategic leadership role, with demonstrable impact. A passion for student engagement and a deep understanding of the student experience. Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and influencing skills. Experience of managing a high-performing team and developing individuals. A track record of delivering measurable outcomes in student engagement or related fields.
To Apply: If you're ready to lead the charge for student success, we want to hear from you! Please send your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role to hr@hwunion.com. Interviews will be held in person at the Union on 27 November. Heriot-Watt Student Union is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all backgrounds.
Head of Student Engagement (Maternity Cover) employer: Heriot-Watt University Student Union
Contact Detail:
Heriot-Watt University Student Union Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Student Engagement (Maternity Cover)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research Heriot-Watt Student Union and understand their values, mission, and current projects. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees or alumni from Heriot-Watt University. They can provide insider insights and might even put in a good word for you. Plus, it’s a great way to learn about the culture and expectations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to student engagement and leadership. Think about how your past experiences align with the role and be ready to share specific examples that highlight your skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to an exceptional student experience.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Student Engagement (Maternity Cover)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Student Engagement role. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with our mission to enhance student life. We want to see how you can bring your unique flair to our dynamic team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about student engagement and how your vision aligns with our goals. Be authentic and let your personality come through – we love a bit of character!
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on measurable outcomes you've achieved in previous roles. Whether it's boosting student participation or leading successful initiatives, we want to see the impact you've made. Numbers speak volumes!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re keen to engage with us right from the start!
How to prepare for a job interview at Heriot-Watt University Student Union
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Heriot-Watt Student Union's mission and values. Understand their current student engagement strategies and think about how your vision aligns with theirs. This will show that you're not just interested in the role, but genuinely invested in their mission.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Head of Student Engagement, you'll need to inspire and lead a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, focusing on how you empowered others and fostered a culture of accountability. Be ready to discuss specific outcomes from your leadership.
✨Data is Your Best Friend
Since the role involves transforming data into actionable insights, come prepared with examples of how you've used data to drive engagement initiatives. Think about metrics you've improved or innovative projects you've launched based on data analysis.
✨Be the Student Champion
Demonstrate your passion for student engagement by sharing stories that highlight your commitment to putting students first. Discuss how you've previously amplified student voices and shaped decisions that positively impacted their experience. This will resonate well with the interviewers.