At a Glance
- Tasks: Empower students to advocate for their needs and shape decisions affecting their community.
- Company: The Open SU, a vibrant charity representing 170,000 diverse students.
- Benefits: Flexible part-time hours, supportive team culture, and personal development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team dedicated to empowering student voices and fostering collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by helping students find their voice and become changemakers.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and experience in project leadership and volunteer support.
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.
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.
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.
Representation Officer (Part-time) employer: Open University Student Union
The Open SU is an exceptional employer that champions a vibrant and inclusive work culture, dedicated to empowering its staff and the diverse student community it serves. With a strong focus on personal and professional growth, employees are encouraged to develop their skills while making a meaningful impact in the lives of part-time and distance-learning students. Located within a dynamic educational environment, the Open SU offers unique opportunities for collaboration and innovation, ensuring that every team member feels valued and supported in their role.
Contact Detail:
Open University Student Union Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Representation Officer (Part-time)
✨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 the Open SU’s values and recent projects. We want to see that you’re genuinely interested in empowering students and making a difference, so come armed with ideas on how you can contribute!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for advocacy! During interviews or networking events, share personal stories about how you've supported others or led projects. This will help us see your commitment to empowering students.
✨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 vibrant team at the Open SU.
We think you need these skills to ace Representation Officer (Part-time)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Thoroughly:Before you start writing, make sure you understand what we're looking for. Dive into the job description and highlight key skills and values that resonate with you. This will help you tailor your application to show us why you're the perfect fit!
Showcase Your Passion:We want to see your enthusiasm for empowering students! Use your application to share experiences where you've supported others or led projects. Let us know how your values align with ours at Open SU, and why you’re excited about this role.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and long-winded explanations. Make it easy for us to see your skills and experiences that match the role – we love a well-structured application!
Apply Through Our Website:When you're ready to submit your application, make sure you do it through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy – just click on 'Apply' and follow the prompts!
How to prepare for a job interview at Open University Student Union
✨Know Your Values
Before the interview, take some time to reflect on your personal values and how they align with the Open SU's commitment to a positive team culture. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've demonstrated these values in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Representation Officer, strong communication is key. Prepare to discuss instances where you've effectively communicated with diverse groups or led projects. Practise articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, as this will be crucial during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Empowerment
The role focuses on empowering students and supporting volunteers. Think of examples where you've helped others grow or become advocates. Share these stories during your interview to illustrate your passion and commitment to making a difference.
✨Prepare for Collaborative Scenarios
Since you'll be working closely with both colleagues and volunteers, be prepared to discuss how you approach teamwork. Consider past experiences where collaboration was essential to success, and be ready to explain how you manage deadlines and prioritise tasks in a busy environment.
