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- Tasks: Lead impactful projects shaping the future of higher education.
- Company: Join the Office for Students, the independent regulator of higher education in England.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous pension, and a supportive learning environment.
- Other info: Flexible working approach and excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference for students while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Creative thinkers with a passion for education and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 32946 - 37614 £ per year.
Do you want to shape the future of higher education? Do you want to build a career in regulation or public policy? Do you believe that students from all backgrounds should benefit from high quality higher education? If so, the Office for Students (OfS) could be the place for you. The OfS is the independent regulator of higher education in England. We regulate more than 400 higher education institutions collectively teaching 2.4 million students. We work to foster a diverse, sustainable sector that meets students’ needs.
We are seeking driven, creative, future leaders to join our Leadership Development Scheme. Over two years and three placements, you will take on complex projects in a fast-paced environment, developing a broad range of skills while shaping work that benefits students across the country.
The Leadership Development Scheme – a two-year career accelerator
- Take on challenging, high impact projects that help deliver higher education policy.
- Gain in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience in regulation, strategy, and policy-making.
- Develop the leadership skills and technical capabilities to make a difference in the lives of thousands of students.
Why choose the OfS
- Purpose-driven work: Our mission is to ensure that students from all backgrounds can benefit from high-quality higher education. You will be contributing to important work, from day-to-day regulatory activity to shaping new initiatives, which makes a meaningful difference for students.
- Professional development: We place real emphasis on professional development and continuous learning. Through varied, impactful work, you will build the skills and experience to become a leader at the OfS and beyond.
- Supportive environment: You will participate in a rich training programme, receive personalised support from a dedicated mentor, and have access to a range of development opportunities.
- Career progression: By the end of two years, you will be well placed to apply to a full time regulatory role. Most Leadership Development Officers who apply to permanent roles receive a job offer.
Who we are looking for
We’re looking for hard working, creative thinkers with a commitment to ensuring students from all backgrounds benefit from excellent higher education. You will appreciate how your work fits into our organisational priorities, and have the aptitude for analysis, problem-solving and detail that enables you to make well-reasoned decisions. And as a natural communicator both in writing and in person, you will enjoy the challenge of collaborating with people at all levels and balancing different perspectives in everything you do.
Applications are now open
This is an opportunity to help shape the future of higher education – and your career. Applications close at midday on Monday 9 March.
Salary & Benefits:
- Year 1: £32,946
- Year 2: £37,614 (subject to meeting assessment criteria at the end of year 1)
- Plus generous Civil Service defined benefit pension.
To find out more about the Leadership Development Scheme, you can join one of our information sessions. We are running live online sessions at 12-1pm on 19 February and 3-4pm on 27 February.
The OfS regulates the higher education sector on behalf of all students. We value diversity and the wealth of perspectives, experience and ideas that it brings to our work, and we strive to embed equality of opportunity in everything we do. We recruit based on fair and open competition and welcome applications from candidates regardless of age, disability, race and ethnicity, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.
Flexibility is important to the OfS, as we recognise that this can enable people to work more effectively. To attract the widest possible field of qualified applicants we have a flexible and hybrid working approach which applies to this role. In practice, this typically means working an average of two to three days in the office each week. This is more than a job – it’s your chance to drive positive change in a sector that impacts millions of futures. Join the Office for Students.
Leadership Development Scheme Officer employer: Office for Students
Contact Detail:
Office for Students Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Leadership Development Scheme Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees of the OfS on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for standing out in the application process. Personal connections can give you insights that you won’t find anywhere else.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by understanding the OfS's mission and values. Think about how your skills and experiences align with their goals. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've tackled challenges or led projects in the past – this will show you're a perfect fit for their Leadership Development Scheme.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just focus on your qualifications; showcase your passion for higher education! Talk about why you care about making a difference for students from all backgrounds. This genuine enthusiasm can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Take advantage of the information sessions offered by the OfS. These are golden opportunities to ask questions, learn more about the role, and demonstrate your interest. Plus, it’s a great way to connect with others who are also keen on joining the team!
We think you need these skills to ace Leadership Development Scheme Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for higher education shine through in your application. We want to see how much you care about making a difference for students from all backgrounds, so share your motivations and experiences that align with our mission.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences that match the Leadership Development Scheme. Highlight your analytical abilities, problem-solving skills, and any relevant projects you've worked on that demonstrate your fit for the role.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your ideas are easy to follow. This will help us understand your thought process and how you communicate.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details correctly and gives you access to all the latest updates about the Leadership Development Scheme.
How to prepare for a job interview at Office for Students
✨Understand the Mission
Before your interview, take some time to really understand the mission of the Office for Students. Familiarise yourself with their goals and how they impact higher education. This will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also show your genuine interest in contributing to their purpose-driven work.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Given the nature of the Leadership Development Scheme, be prepared to discuss specific examples where you've tackled complex problems. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, highlighting your analytical skills and how you can apply them to real-world challenges in higher education.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
As a natural communicator, it’s essential to express your thoughts clearly during the interview. Practice articulating your ideas and experiences succinctly. Remember, the interviewers are looking for someone who can balance different perspectives, so demonstrate your ability to collaborate and engage with various stakeholders.
✨Prepare Questions That Matter
Interviews are a two-way street, so come prepared with thoughtful questions that reflect your interest in the role and the organisation. Ask about the types of projects you might work on or how the OfS supports professional development. This shows that you’re not just interested in the position, but also in how you can grow within the organisation.