At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative education and student engagement initiatives focused on Grand Challenges and SDGs.
- Company: UCL, a leading university committed to impactful education and sustainability.
- Benefits: 41 days holiday, pension scheme, gym access, and employee support services.
- Why this job: Shape the future of education while tackling global challenges and driving social change.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in interdisciplinary education and strong change-management skills.
- Other info: Collaborative role with opportunities for significant impact and career growth.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
We are seeking a Head of Education & Student Experience (Grand Challenges) and SDGs to provide strategic leadership for UCL’s challenge-led education and student engagement offer, while overseeing delivery of the University’s SDGs activities. This is a leadership role within an expanded Grand Challenges team, bringing together responsibility for education, student experience and Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) under a single, integrated portfolio.
You will embed Grand Challenges learning across the curriculum and co-curriculum, lead innovative credit-bearing and extra-curricular pilots, and champion student-led social innovation and enterprise. Working closely with academic leaders, professional services colleagues and partners including Students’ Union UCL, you will influence and support faculties to develop interdisciplinary, challenge-focused learning opportunities. You will also equip early career researchers with the skills and confidence to work in challenge-led and interdisciplinary ways.
Alongside this, you will provide strategic oversight of UCL’s SDGs activities, including engagement with national and international networks, stewardship of SDG-related partnerships and innovation programmes, and leadership on how UCL measures, communicates and evidences its contribution to the SDGs. This is a highly collaborative role with significant scope to shape direction, approaches and impact, operating at the intersection of education, research, student experience and global engagement.
You will be an experienced and credible leader with a strong track record in interdisciplinary and ESD-aligned education within a complex organisation. You will bring excellent programme and change-management skills, with the ability to work across organisational boundaries and influence senior stakeholders. You will be confident leading multifaceted portfolios, managing budgets and supporting others to deliver ambitious programmes at pace.
Strong communication and relationship-building skills will be essential, as will the ability to convene diverse groups and build shared purpose around challenge-led education and societal impact. A good understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals and their relevance to higher education, alongside a clear commitment to inclusion, collaboration and student partnership, will be key to success in this role. Above all, you will be motivated by the opportunity to help shape how students and researchers engage with the world’s most urgent challenges and contribute to meaningful social and environmental change.
As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents we also offer some great benefits:
- 41 Days holiday (including 27 days annual leave, 8 bank holidays and 6 closure days)
- Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
- Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
- On-Site nursery
- On-site gym
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
- Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
- Discounted medical insurance
Head of Education & Student Experience (Grand Challenges) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in London employer: UCL Eastman Dental Institute
Contact Detail:
UCL Eastman Dental Institute Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Education & Student Experience (Grand Challenges) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, attend events, and connect with alumni. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. Tailor your answers to show how your experience aligns with their mission, especially around education and sustainable development goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or mentors to build confidence. Focus on articulating your vision for challenge-led education and how you can drive impact.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our mission at StudySmarter.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Education & Student Experience (Grand Challenges) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in interdisciplinary education and student engagement. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission at StudySmarter!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: This role is all about strategic leadership, so don’t hold back on sharing examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past. We love seeing how you’ve influenced change and driven impact!
Demonstrate Your Passion for SDGs: We’re keen on candidates who understand the Sustainable Development Goals and their importance in education. Share your insights and experiences related to SDGs to show us your commitment to making a difference.
Apply Through Our Website: To make sure your application gets the attention it deserves, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it reaches the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at UCL Eastman Dental Institute
✨Know Your SDGs
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals and how they relate to education. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've integrated these goals into your previous work or how you plan to do so in this role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare to share concrete examples of your leadership experience, especially in interdisciplinary settings. Highlight how you've influenced stakeholders and led teams to achieve ambitious educational programmes, as this will be crucial for the role.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
This role is all about collaboration, so come prepared with examples of how you've successfully worked with diverse groups. Discuss how you’ve built relationships and fostered shared purpose around educational initiatives, particularly in complex organisations.
✨Be Ready for Change Management Questions
Expect questions about your change management skills. Prepare to discuss specific challenges you've faced in implementing new programmes and how you navigated those changes while keeping everyone on board and motivated.