At a Glance
- Tasks: Coordinate exciting projects and events that enhance student life at the University.
- Company: Join the vibrant University of Portsmouth Students’ Union, dedicated to making a positive impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy 38 days holiday, flexible working, and access to great staff perks.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace focused on equality, diversity, and mental wellbeing.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team that empowers students and drives change.
- Qualifications: Experience in project management and a passion for supporting others.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 ÂŁ per year.
The UPSU Student Opportunities Function is a flexible and responsive function that coordinates resources across the Union and supports the delivery of projects, campaigns or events quickly to meet student needs. This function ensures projects remain on track and objectives are met. The Projects Specialist post supports the delivery of the Union's central events and activities, including the organisation of student elections, Freshers’ Fayre and our September and January Welcome periods. The Projects Specialist post also supports ad hoc projects throughout the year, responding to current student issues and peer-led ideas.
We are looking to recruit a dynamic, inspirational individual who is passionate about delivering an excellent student centred service. The post-holder will have experience of leading and managing projects and supporting and motivating people. The successful postholder will have strong project management skills and be able to devise, plan and execute appropriate activity to deliver against success measures. They will also have experience of training and empowering both staff and volunteers, with the confidence to deliver sessions to groups of students.
In addition, the post-holder will have excellent communication skills, an understanding of best practice in project management, a good understanding of both operational and reputational risk management and the skills and ability to handle competing priorities.
What we offer:
- Strong team mentality, supportive and sociable workplace
- Regular training opportunities and team development days
- 38 days holiday (30 days annual leave + 8 bank holidays) and additional Christmas leave (University shutdown)
- Flexible working (e.g. flexitime, career break, paid time off for volunteering)
- 35 hour week
- Enhanced sick pay, maternity, paternity or adoption leave
- Access to University staff benefits: discounted gym membership, free library membership, bike safe
- Employee Assistance Programme
The University of Portsmouth Students’ Union is a vibrant, forward thinking organisation with a vision of “delivering a positive impact with every Portsmouth student”. As a charity led by its values and guided by its students, the Union provides wide-ranging services and activities for the 20,000 + students of the University of Portsmouth. The Union is based in the centre of Portsmouth and turns over £1.7M per annum, employing approximately 35 career staff and a further 35 student staff. The organisation also works with over 1000 registered student volunteers and has close to 8000 members of student societies.
For more information on this opportunity and how to apply, please visit www.upsu.net/your-union/careers. For an informal conversation about this opportunity, please contact Ashley Martin, Senior Function Manager - Projects at.
Closing date for applications: 11th May 2026
Interviews will be held on date: Week commencing the 18th of May 2026
We kindly ask that candidates do not send CVs or cover letters as these will not be considered. You can find an application form on our website.
Anonymous shortlisting will be carried out for this role to ensure a fair and consistent approach to recruitment. We will not disclose any personal details to the shortlisting panel. Any documents or links with identifying information will not be used during shortlisting, but can be submitted if you are selected for an interview.
We are strongly dedicated to embedding equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) within our community and we are passionate about creating a welcoming and inclusive environment which supports everyone from recruitment through to appointment, regardless of your background. We welcome applications from all talented people and as part of this commitment, we are working to improve the diversity of our workforce to ensure that it is as relevant and representative of our student community as possible and are actively encouraging applications from underrepresented groups.
The Union is a MINDFUL EMPLOYER® and we are committed to creating a supportive and open culture and actively support the mental wellbeing of all staff.
Due to the high number of applicants, if you have not heard from UPSU by the interview date you should assume you have been unsuccessful in your application.
Locations
Projects Coordinator in Hampshire, Portsmouth employer: University of Portsmouth Students' Union
Contact Detail:
University of Portsmouth Students' Union Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Projects Coordinator in Hampshire, Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research the University of Portsmouth Students’ Union and its values. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees or volunteers at UPSU on LinkedIn or through social media. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Think about how your past experiences align with the role of Projects Coordinator. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and showcase your project management skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re following the process they’ve set out, which is always a good look!
We think you need these skills to ace Projects Coordinator in Hampshire, Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get to Know Us: Before you dive into the application, take a moment to explore our website and understand what we’re all about. Knowing our values and mission will help you tailor your application to show how you fit right in with our team.
Follow the Instructions: We’ve made it clear that we don’t want CVs or cover letters, so make sure you stick to the application form provided on our website. Following instructions shows us that you can pay attention to detail, which is super important for the Projects Coordinator role.
Show Your Passion: In your application, let your enthusiasm for student services shine through! Share any relevant experiences that highlight your passion for supporting students and managing projects. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely excited about making a difference.
Be Yourself: Don’t be afraid to let your personality come through in your application. We’re looking for dynamic individuals who can inspire others, so showing your authentic self will help us see how you could fit into our vibrant team.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Portsmouth Students' Union
✨Know Your Projects
Familiarise yourself with the types of projects and events the Union runs, like student elections and Freshers’ Fayre. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with these activities and how you can contribute to their success.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your ability to lead and motivate teams. Think about times when you've trained or empowered others, and be ready to share how you can bring that energy to the role.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since excellent communication is key for this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Consider how you would explain complex project management concepts in a simple way to students or volunteers.
✨Be Ready for Competing Priorities
Think of scenarios where you've successfully managed multiple tasks at once. Be prepared to discuss your strategies for prioritising work and ensuring that all objectives are met, especially in a fast-paced environment.