At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead student entrepreneurship initiatives and support innovative projects at the University of Leeds.
- Company: University of Leeds, renowned for its commitment to student enterprise and innovation.
- Benefits: 42 days holiday, health perks, personal development courses, and gym discounts.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team and expand your network in the field of entrepreneurship.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' entrepreneurial journeys and shape the future of innovation.
- Qualifications: Experience in entrepreneurship, leadership skills, and a passion for supporting student innovators.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
This is a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact on the University of Leeds community by nurturing a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship among students. This will directly support the University’s aspirations to be recognised as one of the top universities in Europe for student entrepreneurship by 2030.
The University of Leeds has a national reputation for student enterprise, having won a series of awards for its outstanding initiatives, including Spark and the Centre for Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Studies. The University now seeks to build on this success through a new phase in developing student enterprise opportunities for all students and continuing to provide a wide range of targeted business support to student and recent graduate founders. This role forms a key part of this ambition.
You will play a central role in shaping the future of company formation and student enterprise, manage the activities of Spark and the Discover enterprise programme, including incubation, and lead on creating opportunities for students across the University to take their first steps in developing impactful new ideas and initiatives, practically developing their entrepreneurship and leadership skills, whilst supporting founders throughout their business development and growth.
You will manage a small but dedicated team, provide business advice to prospective founders, advise students on their business journeys, lead a series of development workshops, competitions and events, and support public dissemination of successful projects and impact. You will manage a range of grant funding opportunities and build relationships with alumni and business donors. You will manage the financial aspects of the department, attend management meetings, and be involved in the ongoing development of the University’s enterprise strategy.
You will be responsible for the established Spark and Discover enterprise team, work with the Academic Lead for Enterprise, Advancement Team, makerspaces, faculties, Nexus and Research and Innovation Services to help embed enterprise into the University strategy and drive engagement.
You will be able to rapidly assess and alter provision in response to student, staff and industry feedback and evaluate the impact of the work undertaken by the students and communicate this impact locally, nationally and internationally as appropriate.
In summary, this role at the University of Leeds offers a dynamic, impactful, and growth-oriented opportunity. It allows you to develop entirely new co-curricular programming, make a difference in students’ lives, and expand your skills and network within the field of entrepreneurship and innovation. It’s a role that combines professional development with personal satisfaction and a chance to shape the future of student entrepreneurship at the University.
If you have the drive to inspire and support student innovators, while working closely with staff supporting the university’s student enterprise strategy, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity to shape the future of entrepreneurship at the University of Leeds.
What we offer in return:
- 26 days holiday plus approx. 16 Bank Holidays/days that the University is closed by custom (including Christmas) – That’s 42 days a year!
- Health and Wellbeing: Discounted staff membership options at The Edge, our state-of-the-art Campus gym, with a pool, sauna, climbing wall, cycle circuit, and sports halls.
- Personal Development: Access to courses run by our Organisational Development & Professional Learning team.
- Access to on-site childcare, shopping discounts and travel schemes are also available.
To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact: Greg Miller, Deputy Director of Student Opportunity.
Head of Student Enterprise in Leeds employer: University of Leeds
The University of Leeds is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters collaboration between academia and industry. With opportunities for hybrid working, generous holiday allowances, and a robust pension scheme, employees are supported in their professional growth while contributing to meaningful research and innovation initiatives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Student Enterprise in Leeds
✨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 University of Leeds!
✨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 University of Leeds.
✨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 University of Leeds.
✨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 University of Leeds — a personal touch goes a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Student Enterprise in Leeds
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 University of Leeds. 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 University of Leeds
✨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!
