At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students with placements, providing guidance and managing records using digital tools.
- Company: Join the University of Derby, a top-rated institution focused on student success.
- Benefits: Enjoy 38 days of annual leave, a supportive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: This role requires full-time on-site presence at our Kedleston Road campus.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while working in a dynamic and inclusive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in student support or administration is preferred but not essential; strong communication skills are a must.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
About the University
We have one simple promise – to make a positive impact. Through our ground-breaking research, teaching excellence and commitment to sustainable living, we are changing lives for the better. The University of Derby is a modern university with a modern outlook. Everything we do is driven by delivering excellence and opportunities for our students, our staff and our region. We have some of the best university facilities in the UK and achieve outstanding results for our teaching and research and have been awarded Gold in the prestigious Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023 – making it one of the top universities in the country recognised for its outstanding student experience and student outcomes.
Financially strong and seriously ambitious we offer our employees an inclusive culture that centres itself around staff wellbeing, where you can be confident you will receive all the help and encouragement you need to build a rewarding career with lots of opportunities to enhance your skills.
About the College/Department
The Registry supports all aspects of the student journey, right from initial enquiry and application, all the way through to final award and student completion. We strive to provide an outstanding service to all our users and to be thought leaders in our fields of expertise, developing research informed practise. Registry teams work collaboratively with stakeholders to deliver a high-performance culture that promotes wellbeing, diversity and opportunity for all, supporting excellent student experience.
About the team
The Placements Team plays a central role in supporting students throughout the many placement journeys that take place. We work in partnership with academic colleagues, professional services and external stakeholders to ensure high-quality placement experiences are provided to our student body. The team provides expert advice, guidance and administrative support to students and placement providers, ensuring that placements are well-coordinated, compliant with University regulations and aligned to Professional Standards and Regulating Body (PSRB) requirements and quality expectations.
Working collaboratively across Colleges, the team supports the development and maintenance of robust processes, and ensures a consistent, inclusive, student-focused service. Through effective use and management of information and data, the team contributes to student retention, progression and achievement, while also supporting funding, reporting and regulatory requirements associated with placement provision. We value a leadership styles that empower colleagues, encourages accountability fostering trust and professional growth within the team.
Committed to continuous improvement, the Placements Team actively reviews its services, and engagement with stakeholders to promote best practice across the broad scope of placement activity. At its core, the team is dedicated to delivering an excellent student experience and ensuring that placements are meaningful, well-supported and professionally managed.
About the Role
The primary responsibility of the Placements College Advisor is to act as a first point of contact for student records (within Placements), offering advice, information, and guidance to students, academics and other colleagues where necessary. The role involves working closely with academic colleagues to deliver comprehensive program support. A key aspect of this position is the utilization of a variety of digital technologies to support the operations of the Placements Team. This includes facilitating communication and record keeping through the ARC system, as well as gathering and analysing information to understand student engagement and performance.
This role offers a unique opportunity to join a supportive and forward-thinking team dedicated to providing exceptional educational experiences. Applications are encouraged from individuals who are eager to contribute to the mission of the University of Derby and support students in achieving their academic and professional goals.
Please note, this role is a student facing role which means an on site presence is required year round. This means staff will be expected to be able to attend our Kedleston Road site full time.
Anticipated interview date: Tuesday 21st July 2026
About You
We are seeking a highly organised and experienced professional with substantial experience of delivering information, advice and guidance within a professional setting; ideally within Higher Education, placements, student administration or a related student-facing function, however this is not essential. You will have a strong understanding of the student journey and the regulatory framework that underpins academic quality and standards.
You will demonstrate excellent organisational and prioritisation skills, with the ability to manage a varied and complex workload, respond to escalated issues and implement effective solutions. You will be confident in analysing and interpreting data from multiple systems, producing clear reports and using management information to inform decision-making and support student retention, progression and achievement. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential, with the ability to build effective working relationships with academic colleagues, professional services, students and external stakeholders.
You will be proactive, detail-oriented and committed to continuous improvement, with the ability to develop and enhance processes in line with University regulations and funding requirements. A commitment to inclusive practice and delivering an outstanding student experience is non-negotiable. You will demonstrate a supportive and empowering management style, valuing collaboration, openness and mutual respect in all team interactions.
Benefits
Generous annual leave entitlement of 38 days inclusive of
College Advisor - Placements (0159-26) - Derby, DE22 1GB employer: University of Derby
The University of Derby is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that prioritises staff wellbeing and professional growth. With access to state-of-the-art facilities and a commitment to excellence in teaching and research, employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact on students' lives while enjoying generous benefits and opportunities for skill enhancement in a supportive environment.
