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- Tasks: Lead student influence initiatives and empower 47,000 students to create meaningful change.
- Company: Join Manchester Students’ Union, a vibrant hub for student-led transformation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working options, and a clear progression pathway.
- Other info: Supportive, inclusive workplace with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of student advocacy and make a real impact in your community.
- Qualifications: Experience in changemaking, strategic leadership, and strong relationship-building skills.
The predicted salary is between 42689 - 55770 £ per year.
Be at the forefront of student-led change in one of the UK’s most exciting and dynamic cities – join us as Associate Director Student Influence at Manchester Students’ Union. Manchester Students’ Union is seeking a visionary Associate Director to spearhead our student influence work, empowering over 47,000 students to become powerful changemakers across the University, the city, and beyond.
The Role
As Associate Director Student Influence, you’ll lead the strategic development and operational delivery of our changemaking activity. You’ll ensure students are represented and supported to lead meaningful change, whether through policy, campaigning, or building grassroots movements. You’ll work closely with elected student leaders, university stakeholders, and civic partners to grow UMSU’s influence locally and nationally.
This is a senior leadership role, reporting to the Director of Student Engagement and accountable for a team including a Head of Policy, Head of Student Campaigns and Senior Officer Development Coordinator.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and implement strategies to grow UMSU’s influence across university, city, and nationally.
- Lead and mentor a high-performing team to deliver impactful change initiatives.
- Cultivate relationships with policy makers, civic organisations, and sector bodies.
- Champion student-led, evidence-informed approaches to advocacy and representation.
- Oversee democratic processes and political education initiatives.
- Drive performance through strategic planning, budgeting, and resource management.
Essential Criteria
We welcome applicants from all educational backgrounds. You’ll need to demonstrate:
- Proven experience in changemaking, whether from a campaigns, organising, advocacy, policy or public affairs background.
- Strategic leadership and team management in a values-led organisation.
- Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship-building skills.
- Ability to develop and deliver innovative strategies for change.
- Excellent communication and diplomacy, with a collaborative mindset.
- Commitment to inclusivity, transparency, and student empowerment.
Why Join Us?
- Competitive salary and generous benefits see full list here
- Hybrid working options
- Clear progression pathway through our graded role structure
- A supportive, inclusive, and values-driven workplace
If you’re an experienced changemaker ready to shape the future of student influence, we want to hear from you. Join us as an Associate Director and help us build a better student experience.
Please read the full role profile before applying, as well as our guide to recruitment.
Details
- Salary: £42,689 - £55,770 per year
- Contract: Permanent
- Hours: 35 hours per week
Associate Director Student Influence employer: University of Manchester Students' Union
Contact Detail:
University of Manchester Students' Union Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director Student Influence
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to current employees at Manchester Students’ Union. You never know who might help you land that interview!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the organisation and its values. Understand their mission around student influence and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will show them you’re genuinely interested and ready to make an impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors. Focus on articulating your changemaking experiences and how they relate to the role. The more comfortable you are speaking about your skills, the more confident you’ll feel during the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the only way we accept applications, so make sure you follow the process. Tailor your application to highlight your strategic leadership and commitment to student empowerment – that’s what we’re all about!
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director Student Influence
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start your application, make sure to read through the job description thoroughly. It’ll give you a clear idea of what we’re looking for and help you tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience.
Showcase Your Changemaking Experience: We want to see your passion for student influence! In your application, be sure to include specific examples of your changemaking experience, whether it’s through campaigns, advocacy, or policy work. This is your chance to shine!
Be Authentic and Personal: Let your personality come through in your application. We value authenticity, so don’t be afraid to share your motivations and what drives you to empower students. A personal touch can really make your application stand out.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember, we only accept applications through our website, so make sure to submit yours there. It’s super easy, and you’ll find all the necessary details to complete your application smoothly!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Manchester Students' Union
✨Know Your Changemaking Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of changemaking, advocacy, and student representation. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experiences that showcase your ability to lead initiatives and drive change.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare to talk about your leadership style and how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Think of instances where you mentored others or led a project to success, as this role requires strong team management.
✨Build Relationships Before the Interview
Research Manchester Students’ Union and its key stakeholders. If possible, connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn to gain insights into the culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your responses.
✨Communicate Your Vision
Be ready to articulate your vision for student influence and how you plan to implement innovative strategies. This is a senior role, so demonstrating strategic thinking and a clear plan will set you apart from other candidates.