At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage projects to enhance equality, diversity, and inclusion for our diverse student community.
- Company: Join the Open SU, a vibrant charity supporting 170,000 students across the UK and beyond.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, hybrid working, and a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in fostering belonging and inclusion for underrepresented students.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and project management experience with a passion for EDI.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 32080 - 37694 £ per year.
Salary: £32,080- £37,694
Contract: Full Time, 37 hours per week. Permanent
Location: Hybrid working - remotely and at the Open SU Office, Walton Hall Campus, Milton Keynes
The Organisation
The Open SU invests the interests of around 170,000 part‑time and distance‑learning students spread across the UK, continental Europe and beyond. Our role is to represent and support the interests of this vast and diverse community of students. The Open SU is an independent registered charity, governed by elected student leaders. Our team of vibrant, friendly and dedicated professional staff provide the vital support needed to deliver our ambitious strategy. Though your skills and experience are important, vital to us is your values. Here at the Open SU we are committed to a positive team culture to enable and empower all members to be their very best.
The Job
This exciting permanent role involves managing multiple projects that further Open SU’s equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) objectives. Your involvement will be key from conception through to evaluation. You will work alongside the other Officers in the EDI and Belonging Team to create events and raise awareness of various EDI campaigns for students. You will also work closely with our volunteers, supporting them through inductions, training and helping them materialise their ideas.
The Person
This role is an excellent opportunity for a highly motivated individual with great communication skills and experience of leading projects. You will have a passion for EDI issues and supporting individuals from underrepresented backgrounds. For a small organisation, we are a very busy team. You must be comfortable working in a fast‑paced environment and able to work to deadlines, manage time and prioritise your workload efficiently. You will also enjoy working collaboratively as you will be supporting other colleagues and volunteers with the planning of campaigns.
Please read the full role description and application pack below. In your supporting statement, please answer the following questions, using examples from your experience where possible:
- What does ‘belonging’ mean to you in the context of a students’ union, and how would you help foster it across our diverse student community?
- Describe a project you have delivered that aimed to support wellbeing, belonging or inclusion. How did you plan, implement and evaluate it, and what did you learn?
- What do you think are the most significant EDI and wellbeing challenges facing a diverse, distance‑learning student population? How would you approach addressing one of these as our EDI & Belonging Officer?
The Open SU is committed to equal opportunities for everyone in education and employment and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.
Closing date for applications: 3pm, Tuesday 7th April 2026.
Interview Date: 22nd/23rd April 2026
EDI & Belonging Officer in Milton Keynes employer: Open SU
Contact Detail:
Open SU Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land EDI & Belonging Officer in Milton Keynes
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees of The Open SU on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching EDI initiatives that The Open SU has implemented. Show us you’re passionate about their mission and ready to contribute your own ideas during the conversation.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to belonging and inclusion. Use real examples from your experience to demonstrate how you can make a difference in our diverse student community.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at The Open SU.
We think you need these skills to ace EDI & Belonging Officer in Milton Keynes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Authentic: When you're writing your application, let your true self shine through. We want to see your passion for EDI and belonging, so don’t hold back on sharing your personal experiences and values.
Answer the Questions Thoughtfully: Make sure you address each question in the supporting statement clearly. Use specific examples from your past projects to illustrate your points. This helps us understand how you think and what you can bring to the team.
Show Your Team Spirit: Since collaboration is key in our work, highlight any experiences where you've worked with others to achieve a common goal. We love seeing how you support and uplift those around you!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and gives you a chance to explore more about us and our mission.
How to prepare for a job interview at Open SU
✨Understand the Role and Values
Before the interview, take some time to really understand what the EDI & Belonging Officer role entails. Familiarise yourself with the Open SU's values and how they align with your own. This will help you articulate why you're a great fit for their team culture.
✨Prepare Your Examples
Think of specific projects you've led that relate to EDI, wellbeing, or inclusion. Be ready to discuss how you planned, implemented, and evaluated these projects. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for EDI
During the interview, express your genuine passion for equality, diversity, and inclusion. Share personal experiences or insights that highlight your commitment to fostering belonging within diverse communities, especially in a student context.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This could be about the current EDI challenges they face or how they measure the success of their initiatives. It shows your interest and helps you gauge if the organisation is the right fit for you.