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- Tasks: Lead and empower student leaders to create impactful change across diverse university partnerships.
- Company: Highlands & Islands Students' Association, the democratic voice for learners in the UK.
- Benefits: Mission-driven role with genuine purpose and supportive leadership.
- Other info: We value diversity and welcome applications from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Shape the future of education and champion student voices in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Strategic leadership experience at a senior level and strong stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 ÂŁ per year.
Join to apply for the Chief Executive Officer role at Highlands & Islands Students' Association. Help shape the future for students across one of the most unique and diverse university partnerships in the UK. HISA is the democratic voice for learners right across the University of the Highlands and Islands. We represent students at every levelâfrom further education and apprenticeships to undergraduate and postgraduate studyâworking with ten Academic Partners to ensure students are supported, included, and empowered wherever and however they learn.
About the role
We are seeking a strategic, valuesâdriven Chief Executive Officer to lead our staff team and enable our elected student leaders to deliver real impact across the region.
As CEO, you will:
- Provide strategic advice and support to our elected student officers in a dynamic, studentâled environment.
- Lead and develop a highâperforming Senior Leadership Team and wider staff body.
- Translate policy and strategy into clear, deliverable plans that improve the student experience.
- Act as the key interface between the Board of Trustees, student leadership, staff, and external stakeholders.
- Be a source of continuity and organisational stewardship, ensuring HISA remains focused, futureâready, and effective.
Your impact
- Drive HISA's vision and longâterm goals, ensuring our structures and culture enable student leaders to thrive.
- Build strong, collaborative relationships across UHI, aligning HISA's progress with UHI strategy while championing independent student voice.
- Strengthen governance, risk management, compliance, and organisational performance.
- Ensure operational excellence, with clear priorities, robust delivery, and measurable outcomes for students.
What we're looking for
- A strategic leader with experience of operating at CEO, Director, or equivalent senior level.
- Proven success in stakeholder management and partnership working, ideally across complex or federated organisations.
- Strong governance experience and confidence working with a Board.
- A track record of turning strategy into operational delivery with clear impact.
- Commitment to equity, inclusion, and the power of studentâled change.
- Experience in students' unions, education, membership bodies, charities, or civic organisations is welcome but not essential.
Core responsibilities
- Strategic leadership
- Senior Leadership Team (SLT) management
- Operational management
- Student leadership and governance
Why HISA?
- A missionâled role with genuine reach and purpose across the Highlands and Islands and beyond.
- The chance to work in partnership with diverse learners and communities.
- A supportive Board and engaged student leadership, committed to positive change.
We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and lived experiences.
To apply, please download the Recruitment Pack for the full Job Description and Person Specification.
Chief Executive Officer in Inverness employer: Highlands & Islands Students' Association
Contact Detail:
Highlands & Islands Students' Association Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice đ¤Ť
We think this is how you could land Chief Executive Officer in Inverness
â¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at HISA on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info and maybe even a referral.
â¨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching HISA's recent projects and initiatives. We want to show that weâre genuinely interested in their mission and ready to contribute.
â¨Tip Number 3
Practice our pitch! We should be able to clearly articulate how our experience aligns with HISAâs goals. Letâs keep it concise but impactful.
â¨Tip Number 4
Donât forget to follow up after the interview! A quick thank-you email can help us stand out and show our enthusiasm for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Executive Officer in Inverness
Some tips for your application đŤĄ
Know Your Audience: Before you start writing, take a moment to understand who we are at HISA. Tailor your application to reflect our values and mission, showing how your experience aligns with our goals for students across the Highlands and Islands.
Be Clear and Concise: When detailing your experience and skills, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We want to see your impact and how you can drive our vision forward without wading through unnecessary fluff.
Showcase Your Leadership Style: As a potential CEO, it's crucial to highlight your leadership approach. Share specific examples of how you've led teams or initiatives in the past, especially in student-led environments or similar settings. Weâre keen to see how you empower others!
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to submit your application through our website. Itâs the best way for us to receive your details and ensures youâre considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised!
How to prepare for a job interview at Highlands & Islands Students' Association
â¨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into HISA's mission and values. Understand their strategic goals and how they align with your vision as a CEO. This will help you articulate how you can drive their objectives forward.
â¨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be ready to discuss your leadership approach and how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Highlight specific examples where you've empowered others and fostered collaboration, especially in student-led environments.
â¨Prepare for Stakeholder Scenarios
Think about potential challenges you might face when working with diverse stakeholders. Prepare examples of how you've navigated complex relationships and turned strategy into operational success in previous roles.
â¨Emphasise Your Commitment to Inclusion
HISA values equity and inclusion, so be sure to share your experiences and strategies for promoting these principles. Discuss how you plan to ensure that all student voices are heard and represented in decision-making processes.