Societies Officer in Dundee

Dundee University Students’ Association (DUSA) is an independent charity representing over 13,000 students at the University of Dundee. Every student is automatically a member, and everything we do is shaped by their voice. We are here to help students thrive academically, socially, and personally. From societies and volunteering to events, retail and hospitality, DUSA creates welcoming spaces where students can connect, belong, and make the most of university life. We are also the independent voice of students. Through elected officers and representatives, we ensure students influence decisions that affect their education and experience. Our Advice & Support team provides free, confidential advice to students across a wide range of issues. Based at the heart of campus in Dundee, a friendly, creative, and affordable city, DUSA operates seven days a week, delivering services, opportunities and support that put students first.

The Societies Officer will continue to grow our student societies and communities, using marketing and administrative support to ensure students can pursue their passions and build meaningful connections throughout their time at the University of Dundee. You will divide your time between objectives around building belonging and creating meaningful and effective relationships with students, societies and the wider university community. You will work closely with Societies Support and act as their key point of support, providing direction and oversight to ensure the day-to-day delivery of society services runs smoothly and effectively. This role reports to our Head of Operations.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Line-manage the Societies Lead, providing regular supervision, guidance and support to ensure effective delivery of the societies programme.
• Assist in the development and management of society processes ensuring effective and efficient delivery of a range of operational activities.
• Lead and oversee DUSA’s society provision and act as the lead staff contact for society matters requiring senior oversight.
• Contribute to and help implement the student engagement strategy.
• Carry out effective and accurate data collection, ensuring key society successes, metrics, and targets are recorded and reported on.
• Actively promote achievements, developments, general activity and progress of student groups and campaigns externally via the appropriate channels.
• Develop and build training and workshops that benefit society committees, and lead on all society committee training.
• Lead, organise, and improve the administration of societies including assisting societies with financials and banking.
• Maintain and develop student communities both online and offline and support the amplification of student voices.
• Support the development and delivery of major events such as Freshers’ Fair, Freshers’ Week, Halloween, St Patrick’s Day and other key events in the DUSA calendar.
• Develop a comprehensive societies events calendar, supporting societies to enhance their events and promote their activities.
• Ensure that all society activities are compliant with health & safety policies, DUSA policies and are covered by appropriate insurance.
• Conduct regular meetings with societies to seek and act on feedback.
• Support student societies as a means of representation around causes, concerns and activities that matter to students.
• Support individual society members through mediation where necessary.
• Provide support and guidance for students wishing to establish new groups and societies, working closely with the relevant teams.
• Support the Vice President of Student Activities in developing projects, initiatives and research in learning, teaching, and the wider student experience.
• With support from the Executive Support & Volunteering Co-ordinator, promote student participation in extra-curricular and voluntary activities.
• Work closely with Events/Operations to improve engagement and opportunities available to societies at DUSA.
• Conduct research into the higher education and voluntary sectors, particularly with respect to fostering communities.
• Adopt a collaborative approach with departments.
• Positively promote and uphold the values and policies of DUSA.
• Carry out any other appropriate duties which may be considered necessary by line management.

The Person

• Ability to cultivate a positive working environment; proactive, personable, with a positive mindset.
• Tactful and diplomatic, able to deal with confidential information in a sensitive manner.
• Ability to relate to people from different backgrounds.
• Non-judgemental, with positive regard towards diverse groups.
• Resourceful with highly developed problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Adaptable, accommodating, helpful and able to respond promptly and effectively to emerging issues.

Qualifications/Knowledge/Experience

• Experience of effective working as part of a team.
• Experience of line management or supervising others.
• Experience of community engagement and event management.
• Experience of building rapport and partnerships with wider networks (internal and external).
• Experience of designing and delivering training in-person and online.
• Demonstrable commitment to continuous professional development.
• Knowledge and experience of Microsoft Office 365 and management of social media channels.
• Ability to work on numerous projects simultaneously.
• Knowledge of equality and diversity issues affecting the student population.
• Experience and strong understanding of Students’ Associations.
• Ability to work flexible hours.

Hours of Work

The post is full-time 35 hours per week with the hours worked each week varied in line with organisational requirements. The role of Societies Officer has been matched to a Grade 3 role and is remunerated at £27,346.00 per annum. No additional payments or allowances and no contractual entitlement to overtime.

Staff Benefits

• Discount on food and drinks.
• Free entry to our events + 2 friends.
• Real World Experience.
• Professional Development to a commercial grade of work output.
• Development of portfolio across a range of events, campaigns, and outlets.