Head of Programming and Activities

About the Opportunity

Position overview

• Department: Student Engagement
• Location: London Campus
• Term: Full-time; permanent
• Salary Range: Up to £61,200 per annum, depending on experience

Benefits

The university supports staff maintaining a good work/life balance, offers flexible working and parental leave opportunities, an Employee Assistance Programme which provides free, confidential advice on both home and work concerns as well as optional private medical insurance, season ticket loans and being part of the cycle to work scheme.

Direct Reports: Senior Events Manager, Programme Manager, Senior Co-ordinator

Reports to: Director of Student Engagement

Start: 1st July 2026

The role

Northeastern University London is seeking an experienced, strategic, and people-focused Head of Programming and Activities. This is a new and exciting role that will play a central part in defining what the student campus experience looks, feels, and means at NU London. The Head of Programming and Activities will take operational ownership of a broad and growing portfolio that spans programming, sports, student activities, student ambassador scheme and the University’s events function. The postholder will be responsible for building a vibrant, inclusive, and engaging student experience that supports students to thrive both academically and personally throughout their time at NU London.

This is both a strategic and a hands-on role. The Head of department will support to develop the vision and direction for the function, design and implement new programmes and initiatives, and lead a team of dedicated staff — including directly line managing the Senior Events Manager and Programme Manager.

The ideal candidate will bring significant experience in student services, student engagement, events or a related field within Higher Education, combined with strong leadership capability, creativity, and a genuine commitment to the student experience. They will be a confident communicator, able to build effective relationships with students, staff, faculty, and senior leadership in London and the global network.

Due to the nature of the role, some flexibility in working hours including evenings and weekends will be required, particularly during key periods of the academic year such as Welcome Week, Graduation, and major student events.

Leadership

• Working with the Director of Student Engagement to develop and lead a clear, ambitious vision for student engagement at NU London, aligned to the University’s strategic priorities and values.
• Design, implement, and continuously improve a broad and inclusive student engagement programme encompassing student activities, sports and events.
• Work in partnership with faculty to deliver experiential learning programming.
• Work in partnership with global network colleagues for programming including the London Scholar, Summer / Semester In, Pre-college and Dialogues of Civilizations.
• Act as an advocate for the student experience across the institution, contributing to relevant University-wide committees, working groups, and strategic discussions.
• Use data, student feedback, and sector insight to evaluate the impact of student life programmes and inform future planning.
• Stay abreast of developments in the Higher Education sector relating to student experience and engagement, bringing external best practice into NU London.

Student Programming and activities

• Lead the development of a rich and diverse student programming calendar that reflects and celebrates the University’s student community and the varied student cohorts.
• Develop and grow the University’s sports offering together with the Student Union, creating accessible and engaging opportunities for all students regardless of ability or background.
• Work collaboratively with the Student Union and student representatives to co-design programmes that reflect student priorities and needs.
• Ensure all student life activities are inclusive and aligned with the University’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion strategy.
• Embed sustainability principles across the department portfolio, including responsible sourcing of suppliers and materials, minimising environmental impact, and ensuring procurement practices meet the University’s ethical sourcing standards.

Events

• Provide oversight and leadership of the University’s events function, working closely with the Senior Events Manager to ensure a high-quality, well-coordinated annual events programme.
• Champion the role of events in the student experience, ensuring flagship occasions such as Graduation, Convocation, and Welcome Week are delivered to the highest standards.
• Support the Senior Events Manager in managing relationships with senior internal and external stakeholders for key university-wide events.

Student Ambassador scheme

• Ownership of the Student Ambassador scheme internally working with recruitment for the Husky Ambassadors and oversee all aspects of the scheme's operation, from recruitment and training through to deployment and performance, ensuring it delivers a meaningful and impactful experience for ambassadors and the wider student community.
• Represent the Ambassador scheme at a senior level, championing its role within the university and identifying opportunities for students.
• Use data, student feedback and sector insight to evaluate and continuously improve the scheme, reporting outcomes to senior leadership and key stakeholders.

People Leadership and Team Development

• Directly line manage the Senior Events Manager, Programme Manager and a Senior coordinator as the function grows, additional Student Engagement staff, providing clear direction, support, and development opportunities.
• Build and lead a high-performing, motivated team with a strong shared commitment to student experience.
• Foster a positive and collaborative team culture.

Budget and Resource Management

• Oversight of budget management within the team, ensuring value for money across programmes, activities, and events.
• Work with the Director of Student Life to contribute to annual budget planning and forecasting for the function.
• Maintain accurate financial records and ensure all expenditure is processed in accordance with University financial policies and procedures.

Stakeholder and Partnership Management

• Build and maintain strong working relationships with academic and professional services colleagues across the University and global network acting as a key point of contact for student engagement matters.
• Work closely with the Student Union to develop a collaborative and mutually supportive relationship that places student voice at the heart of decision-making.
• Develop partnerships with external organisations and the broader Northeastern global network to enhance the student engagement offer and create opportunities for students.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.

Person specification criteria

Education, Qualifications and Training

• Undergraduate degree or equivalent [E]
• Postgraduate qualification in a relevant field (e.g. student services, education, management) [D]
• Professional qualification in management, leadership, or a related discipline [D]

Experience

• Significant experience in student life, student services, student engagement, or a closely related field within Higher Education [E]
• Proven track record of designing and delivering student-facing programmes, activities, or services [E]
• Experience leading and managing a team, including recruitment, performance management, and professional development [E]
• Experience managing a broad and diverse portfolio of work spanning multiple areas simultaneously [E]
• Budget management experience, including planning, monitoring, and reporting [E]
• Experience working with or alongside a Student Union or student representative body [E]
• Experience developing sports, physical activity, or clubs and societies programmes in a university or comparable setting [D]
• Experience working within a global or multi-campus Higher Education network [D]
• Experience contributing to institutional strategy or cross-institutional working groups [D]

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Strong strategic thinking and planning skills, with the ability to translate vision into practical, deliverable programmes [E]
• Excellent leadership and people management skills, with the ability to inspire, develop, and retain a high-performing team [E]
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage confidently with students, senior leadership, faculty, and external partners [E]
• Genuine commitment to student wellbeing, belonging, and inclusive practice [E]
• Sound understanding of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion principles and how they apply to student life programming [E]
• Ability to use data and student insight to evaluate impact and inform strategic decisions [E]
• Strong organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities effectively [E]
• Financial awareness and ability to manage budgets responsibly [E]
• Ability to work collaboratively across teams, departments, and institutional boundaries [E]
• Knowledge of current trends and best practice in student experience within UK Higher Education [D]

Application process

Applications must include a covering letter and a full curriculum vitae. Interviews are expected to commence w/c 22nd June 2026. Participation in the equal opportunities section is encouraged, but voluntary.

Please note that this role requires a DBS check. Our organisation acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard, protect and promote the welfare of our students and staff, and is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities, government guidance and complies with best practice and Ofsted requirements. You must adhere to the above if you are offered a role with NU London.

Applications are welcome from all sections of the community and will be judged on merit alone. We welcome applications from all underrepresented groups, including the Global Majority. Candidates must be able to demonstrate their eligibility to work in the UK in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006.

Job sponsorship

Visa sponsorship may be available for a successful candidate for this position.

Position Type: Student Services

Salary Range: Up to £61,200 per annum, depending on experience

Additional Information

About the University

Northeastern University London (NU London) is a prestigious higher education institution based in the heart of London and is part of Northeastern University’s global campus network. Overlooking the River Thames near Tower Bridge, NU London offers academically challenging educational programmes designed to inspire innovative thinking, encourage interdisciplinary study, and provide global experiences. The bright and modern campus offers award winning, contemporary facilities for students and staff including state of the art audio visual technology in its teaching and meeting spaces.

Inspired by excellence, infused with an energy of ideas and ability in motion, at NU London, being a part of our staff is to be a part of a collective of entrepreneurs and educators, builders and thinkers. NU London is growing quickly, offering opportunity and growth for our staff. Currently hosting 1,500 students, our aim is to have 4000 students by 2028/29.

Choose NU London

As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, the University supports staff maintaining a good work/life balance, your health and wellness are of utmost importance to us, and our offerings encompass:

• 25 days annual leave, plus 8 bank holidays and winter break holidays (normally 2 days between Christmas and New Year).
• Access to personalised Continuous Professional Development (CPD) plans and opportunities.
• Support with private medical insurance.
• Eye test reimbursement.
• Cycle Scheme vouchers.
• 24/7 employee assistance/ support via our Employee Assistance Programme.
• Access to deals and discounts for food & shopping in the local area.

Enquiries

Informal enquiries may be made to: Suzi Broadaway. They can be reached at the following: s.broadaway@northeastern.edu. However, all applications must be made in accordance with the application process specified.

Application process

Applications should be made by 00:00 on the job posting's end date (if applicable). Participation in the equal opportunities section is encouraged, but voluntary. Applications must include a covering letter of no more than one page that addresses the criteria for the role and a full curriculum vitae.

The panel will be shortlisting for this position on a rolling basis so please apply as soon as possible. We reserve the right to close this post before the closing date if we receive a large number of applications.

Please note all employees of Northeastern University London are required to undergo at least a basic DBS check. Our organisation acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard, protect and promote the welfare of our students and staff, and is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities, government guidance and complies with best practice and Ofsted requirements. You must adhere to the above if you are offered a role with NU London.