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- Tasks: Support students from pre-arrival to graduation, ensuring their success and engagement.
- Company: Join Heriot-Watt University, a global leader in education with a focus on student wellbeing.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive work environment with opportunities for personal growth and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on student lives while working in a diverse and inclusive community.
- Qualifications: Must be a recent graduate of Heriot-Watt University with strong communication and organisational skills.
- Other info: Applications close on 8th June 2025; interviews scheduled for 19th June 2025.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Grade and Salary: Grade 5
FTE and working pattern: Full time 35 hours (1FTE) fixed term contract for 24 months
Detailed Description
The Student Success Advisor will join an existing team on a fixed term contract for a period of 24 months. Student Success Advisors form part of a Global Student Success Advisor team and are a key part of the University's strategy to improve student retention focusing on student engagement, identity and belonging. The role spans pre-arrival induction and transition activities as well as those related to student success engagement and retention. Advice and support spans the whole student lifecycle; thus the role of the postholders is not simply to support students at risk of leaving their University studies.
The postholders will report to the Student Experience Manager and will collaborate routinely with colleagues within Student Wellbeing across the Student Life Division, with other student support services and with relevant academic staff.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
- Supporting a wide range of pre-arrival induction and transition activities;
- Supporting a wide range of activities related to student success engagement and retention e.g. workshops and information sessions and peer support initiatives;
- Early identification of and initial contact with students showing signs of being at risk of non-continuation and providing advice and support to such students;
- Monitoring, highlighting and acting on at risk and non-engagement indicators;
- Liaising with key colleagues in Schools (e.g. Personal Tutors, Programme Directors) and Professional Services (Student Counsellors, Advice Hub, Student Union, Student Service Centre, Thinking of Leaving Service, Disability Service) to ensure a proactive integrated and coherent approach to supporting students;
- Providing advice and support which spans the whole student lifecycle for example Temporary Suspension of Studies; Mitigating Circumstances; availability of financial and academic support;
- Providing drop-in sessions and appointments for all students;
- Provide targeted support and interventions to designated characteristic student groups particularly at pre-arrival and transition stages;
- Supporting Schools/disciplines in the development and delivery of School/discipline specific retention and support initiatives;
- Developing and delivering content for student communications both targeted at specific student groups and for the general student population for all stages from pre-entry to graduation. These are to be delivered across a range of media platforms including email, the myHWU Student Portal, social media and print media;
- Progressing any other tasks associated with supporting student success and the work of the Student Wellbeing Services at the Scottish Campuses and equivalent services in Dubai and Malaysia.
The job description is not exhaustive and the post holder may be required to undertake other relevant duties commensurate with the grading of the post. Activities may be subject to amendment over time as priorities and requirements evolve.
Education Qualifications and Experience
Essential Qualifications
- An Honours degree from Heriot-Watt University (preferably within the last two years).
Experience
- Excellent organisational, interpersonal and communication skills.
- Ability to present effectively to large groups (both students and HWU colleagues).
- Excellent IT skills (particularly MS Office products) and ability to use effectively institutional student systems.
- A confident friendly manner.
About our Team: Student Wellbeing Services
Student Wellbeing Services are located within the Division of Student Life in the Registry & Academic Services Directorate. The team is primarily focussed on supporting students at the University's Scottish Campuses (Edinburgh, Galashiels and in Orkney) and as part of a globally integrated service also works closely with colleagues based at our campuses in Dubai and Malaysia. The Wellbeing Service aims to provide a range of support, guidance, activities and advice to help students to be their best and get the most from their university experience. We engage with students throughout the student lifecycle from pre-enrolment to graduation and the Service is split into four main service areas:
- Counselling and Support Service
- Disability Service
- Student Experience Team
- University Chaplaincy
How to Apply
The Student Success Advisors role is open to HWU graduates only. Applications with FULL CV (and Cover letter) can be submitted up to midnight (UK time) on Sunday 8th June 2025. Shortlisting is anticipated w/c 9th June 2025 and interviews are anticipated to be conducted on Thursday 19th June 2025.
At Heriot-Watt we are passionate about our values and look to them to connect our people globally and to help us collaborate and celebrate our success through working together. Our research programmes can deliver real world impact which is achieved through the diversity of our international community and the recognition of creative talent that connects our global team. Our flourishing community will give you the freedom to challenge and to bring your enterprising mind and to help our partners with solutions that can be applied now and in the future. Join us and Heriot-Watt will provide you with a platform to thrive and work in a way that also helps you live your life in balance with wellbeing and inclusiveness at the heart of our global community.
Heriot-Watt University is committed to securing equality of opportunity in employment and to the creation of an environment in which individuals are selected, trained, promoted, appraised and otherwise treated on the sole basis of their relevant merits and abilities. Equality and diversity are all about maximising potential and creating a culture of inclusion for all. Heriot-Watt University values diversity across our University community and welcomes applications from all sectors of society particularly from underrepresented groups.
Student Success Advisor (open to HWU graduates only). Job in Edinburgh Education & Training Jobs employer: Heriot-Watt University
Contact Detail:
Heriot-Watt University Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Student Success Advisor (open to HWU graduates only). Job in Edinburgh Education & Training Jobs
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges and needs of students at Heriot-Watt University. Understanding the unique aspects of student life and retention strategies will help you demonstrate your commitment to supporting student success during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former Student Success Advisors or staff within the Student Wellbeing Services. They can provide valuable insights into the role and the team dynamics, which can be beneficial for tailoring your approach in interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples from your own experience that showcase your organisational and communication skills. Think about times when you've successfully engaged with peers or led initiatives that improved student experiences.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current trends in student support and wellbeing. Being knowledgeable about new initiatives or technologies in the education sector can set you apart as a candidate who is proactive and informed.
We think you need these skills to ace Student Success Advisor (open to HWU graduates only). Job in Edinburgh Education & Training Jobs
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experiences and skills that align with the role of a Student Success Advisor. Focus on your organisational, interpersonal, and communication skills, as well as any experience in student support or engagement.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for supporting students and improving their university experience. Mention specific examples from your time at Heriot-Watt University that demonstrate your ability to engage with students and contribute to their success.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your Honours degree from Heriot-Watt University and any additional qualifications or training that may be relevant to the role. This is crucial since the position is open exclusively to HWU graduates.
Showcase Your IT Skills: Since excellent IT skills are essential for this role, mention your proficiency in MS Office products and any experience with institutional student systems. Providing examples of how you've used these skills effectively can strengthen your application.
How to prepare for a job interview at Heriot-Watt University
✨Know Your Role
Make sure you understand the responsibilities of a Student Success Advisor. Familiarise yourself with the key duties, such as supporting student engagement and retention, so you can discuss how your skills align with these tasks.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As this role involves presenting to large groups and liaising with various stakeholders, be prepared to demonstrate your excellent interpersonal and communication skills during the interview. Share examples of how you've effectively communicated in past roles.
✨Highlight Your Organisational Abilities
The job requires strong organisational skills. Be ready to discuss how you manage multiple tasks and priorities, especially in a fast-paced environment. Use specific examples from your experience to illustrate your capabilities.
✨Demonstrate Your IT Proficiency
Since the role requires excellent IT skills, particularly with MS Office and institutional student systems, be prepared to talk about your experience with these tools. You might even want to mention any relevant projects where you utilised technology to enhance student support.
