At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students and startups in a dynamic environment, ensuring smooth operations and positive experiences.
- Company: Join Edinburgh Innovations, a progressive and collaborative team dedicated to entrepreneurship.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 40 days off, flexible working, and a comprehensive benefits package.
- Other info: Embrace diversity and inclusion in a team that values bold ideas and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on student entrepreneurship while developing your skills in a creative workplace.
- Qualifications: Strong organisational, digital, and communication skills; experience with Microsoft Office and event support.
The predicted salary is between 26516 - 32872 £ per year.
Our Role: Are you highly organised, detail-oriented, and passionate about supporting students and startups? Edinburgh Innovations is looking for a collaborative and proactive Student Enterprise Support Executive to help support the smooth running of our Student Enterprise programmes, systems, reporting, and student-facing activities. This is an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic team that supports thousands of students and recent graduates exploring entrepreneurship and innovation each year. You’ll play a key role in supporting operational excellence across events, reporting, systems, communications, and digital resources while helping maintain a positive and collaborative student experience.
This post is full-time (35 hours per week). Due to the collaborative and operational nature of the role, the successful candidate will be expected to work a minimum of 3 days per week in the office following onboarding. During the first 6 months in post, the successful candidate will be expected to work full-time in the office to support training, integration into the team, and understanding of systems and processes. The salary for this post is Grade 5 £26,516 - £32,872 per annum.
The experience and qualities we are looking for:
- Strong digital and analytical skills
- Strong organisational skills and excellent attention to detail
- Excellent written communication and proofreading skills
- Experience using Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Teams, Word, and Excel
- Confidence working with digital systems, spreadsheets, and reporting tools
- Experience supporting events, operational activities, reporting processes, systems, or student-facing services
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced team environment
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
- Comfortable working collaboratively as part of a team
At Edinburgh Innovations (EI), our culture is built on three core values: Collaborative, Progressive and Innovative. We believe the best results come from working together, sharing ideas, and supporting one another. We’re always looking forward, embracing change, challenging assumptions, and pushing boundaries to grow. Innovation is at the heart of what we do, encouraging creativity and fresh thinking at every level of the business.
If you thrive in a team-driven environment that values bold ideas and continuous improvement, you’ll fit right in.
Championing Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. At EI we celebrate diversity in all its forms and actively seek to create a team that reflects the communities around us. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities because different perspectives make us stronger.
As a valued member of our team, you can look forward to:
- A competitive salary that reflects your skills and experience
- An exciting, positive, and creative workplace that’s as rewarding as it is challenging
- A generous 40 days of combined annual leave and public holiday entitlement
- A comprehensive benefits package, including a defined contribution pension scheme (currently 3.5/4.5% employee and 9/14.5% employer contributions), family-friendly policies, flexible working options, and more
- Ongoing support to develop your skills, grow your career, and recognise your achievements
About You: At EI, we look for people who live our core behaviours in everything they do. You collaborate effectively with colleagues and contribute positively to team success. You take ownership of your work and deliver high-quality outcomes. You are proactive and willing to identify opportunities to improve processes and ways of working. You actively seek opportunities to learn and develop. You care about delivering an excellent experience for students, colleagues, and stakeholders.
If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you.
Application Information: Please submit your CV along with a covering letter that tells us why you’re interested in the role and how your skills and experience make you a strong fit.
Right to Work: All applicants must have the right to work in the UK at the time of application. Unfortunately, we are not able to offer sponsorship for this role. You will be required to provide documentation as part of the recruitment process to confirm your eligibility to work in the UK.
Key dates to note: Applications will close on 27 July 2026. Primary interviews will take place on 11 August 2026 and will consist of:
- 45-minute in-person Interview at the Bayes Centre
- A second Interview will take place on 18 August 2026.
- A 20‑minute in‑person practical task at the Bayes Centre
- 30‑minute in‑person meet the team at the Bayes Centre
Student Enterprise Support Executive employer: The University of Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation meets inclusivity. With a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits, employees are encouraged to grow professionally while contributing to cutting-edge research in cyber-security. Located in Glasgow, the university fosters a vibrant community that values diversity and promotes equal opportunities for all staff members.
Contact Details:
The University of Edinburgh Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Student Enterprise Support Executive
✨Get Involved in Startup Events
Dive into the local startup scene! Attend pitch nights, hackathons, and networking events. It's a great way to meet founders and like-minded folks. Plus, you never know who might put in a good word for you at a startup like The University of Edinburgh!
✨Show Off Your Creativity
Startups love unique ideas! Create a portfolio or a personal website showcasing your past projects, especially those relevant to startups. This personal touch can really make you stand out when you're applying for that full-time gig at The University of Edinburgh.
✨Leverage Startup Communities Online
Get active on platforms such as Indie Hackers, Startup Grind, or even LinkedIn groups focused on startups. Participating in discussions can increase your visibility and open up potential job leads, especially at buzzing companies like The University of Edinburgh.
✨Direct Applications are Your Best Bet
Don't shy away from applying directly through our website. Startups often check their own portals first before other job sites. Tailor your application to show how you can add value to The University of Edinburgh — a personal touch goes a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Student Enterprise Support Executive
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Entrepreneurial Spirit:When applying for a role in startups and entrepreneurship, it's crucial to highlight any experience you have with starting your own projects or businesses. We love seeing examples of your initiative, so sprinkle in stories of how you’ve taken risks or solved problems creatively—this is what makes you stand out!
Tailor Your CV for Impact:In the startup world, your CV should reflect not just your experience, but the impact you've made. Use quantifiable achievements to show your contributions, like percentage increases in growth or revenue. Remember, we’re looking for go-getters who know how to get results!
Craft a Provocative Cover Letter:Your cover letter is a chance to showcase your passion and motivation for working at The University of Edinburgh. Don't just list your skills—share your vision and what excites you about the entrepreneurial journey. Connect your personal aspirations with what we need, and let your enthusiasm shine through!
Keep Your Portfolio Handy:If you have a portfolio showcasing any past projects or entrepreneurial efforts, definitely mention it in your application. Though not always necessary for full-time roles, it can provide us with deeper insights into your work style and creativity. If you have a blog, products, or any innovation, we'd love to see it!
How to prepare for a job interview at The University of Edinburgh
✨Show Your Entrepreneurial Spirit
In startups, they love seeing passion and initiative. Be ready to share any personal projects or ideas you've worked on. This shows you’re not just about the 9-to-5, but you’re invested in creating value, which is key in this fast-paced environment.
✨Brush Up on Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect to be thrown some curveballs during the interview—startups often face unexpected challenges. Having a couple of examples up your sleeve where you’ve creatively solved problems will really impress them. It's all about how you think on your feet!
✨Know Your Stuff About the Industry
Since you're applying for a full-time role, they’ll want to see you've done your homework. Make sure you understand where the startup stands in its industry, including competitors and market trends. It’s a great way to show you're genuinely interested and can contribute from day one.
✨Show Flexibility and Adaptability
Startups can pivot quickly, so highlight your adaptability. Share examples of when you've successfully navigated change or taken on roles outside your comfort zone. This shows you’re ready for whatever comes your way, which is crucial in a startup atmosphere!