At a Glance
- Tasks: Empower students to advocate for their needs and shape decisions affecting their community.
- Company: Join the Open SU, a vibrant charity supporting 170,000 diverse students.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and a supportive team culture.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by helping students become confident advocates.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and experience in project leadership and volunteer support.
The predicted salary is between 32080 - 37694 € per year.
Salary: £32,080 - £37,694
Ref: XXXX
Contract: 1 x 1.0 FTE, 1 x 0.6 FTE – 18 month fixed term contracts
Location: Hybrid working - remotely and at the Open SU Office, OU Walton Hall Campus, Milton Keynes
The Organisation
The Open SU serves 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, are 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
In these exciting fixed-term roles, you’ll play a vital part in empowering students to become confident advocates, making sure their voices are heard and their experiences help shape decisions that affect the wider student community. Your involvement will be key to deliver Open SU’s Student Voice objectives, and you’ll work collaboratively with the Student Voice team to deliver projects and raise awareness of opportunities for students to get involved and make a difference.
You’ll support our volunteers through recruitment, providing ongoing guidance, and helping them grow into changemakers and positive representatives of Open SU.
The Person
This role is a fantastic opportunity for a motivated individual with strong communication skills and experience in leading projects and supporting volunteers. You’ll be passionate about empowering others, helping them grow into confident advocates for their peers. As part of a small but busy team, you’ll be comfortable in a fast-paced environment and be confident managing deadlines, prioritising tasks, and organising your workload effectively. You’ll also enjoy working collaboratively, as you’ll be supporting both colleagues and volunteers to achieve shared goals.
Please include responses to the following questions in your supporting statement:
- Supporting Advocacy: Provide an example of a time when you supported others to become advocates.
- Member-Led Organisations: Describe your experience of working in a member-led organisation.
- Working with Volunteers: Outline your experience of working with volunteers, including both recruitment and ongoing support.
The Job-Related Information pack containing the role description and person specification can be found on the Open SU website.
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: Monday 1st June 2026
Interview dates: Tuesday 16th and Wednesday 17th June
We reserve the right to close this position early, upon receiving a large number of applications. We therefore encourage you to apply promptly.
Representation Officer (x2) employer: Open SU
The Open SU is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a positive team culture that empowers its staff and volunteers alike. With a commitment to supporting around 170,000 diverse students, employees benefit from meaningful work that directly impacts the student community, alongside opportunities for professional growth in a collaborative environment. The hybrid working model at the OU Walton Hall Campus in Milton Keynes offers flexibility, making it an attractive workplace for those seeking a rewarding career in advocacy and representation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Representation Officer (x2)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research Open SU and its values. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in empowering students.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees or volunteers on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for standing out in the application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews! Think of examples from your past where you've supported others or led projects. Be ready to share how you can help students become confident advocates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Open SU team.
We think you need these skills to ace Representation Officer (x2)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Authentic:When you're writing your application, let your true self shine through. We want to see your personality and passion for empowering students. Don’t just list your skills; share stories that show how you embody the values we cherish at StudySmarter.
Tailor Your Responses:Make sure to address the specific questions in the job description. We’re looking for examples that highlight your experience with advocacy, member-led organisations, and working with volunteers. Customising your responses will show us you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested.
Keep It Clear and Concise:While we love a good story, we also appreciate brevity. Make your points clearly and avoid fluff. Use bullet points if it helps to organise your thoughts. Remember, we’re busy too, so make it easy for us to see why you’re a great fit!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details correctly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our organisation there. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Open SU
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the role of a Representation Officer. Familiarise yourself with the Open SU's mission and values, and think about how your experiences align with their goals. This will help you articulate why you're a great fit for the position.
✨Showcase Your Advocacy Skills
Prepare specific examples that demonstrate your ability to support others in becoming advocates. Think about times when you've empowered individuals or groups, especially in a member-led organisation. Be ready to discuss these experiences in detail during the interview.
✨Engage with the Team Spirit
Since this role involves working collaboratively, be prepared to talk about your experience in team settings. Highlight instances where you've successfully worked with colleagues or volunteers to achieve shared goals, and emphasise your commitment to fostering a positive team culture.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions about the role and the organisation. This shows your genuine interest and helps you determine if the Open SU is the right fit for you. Consider asking about their current projects or how they measure the success of their advocacy efforts.
