Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support student groups in delivering exciting activities and events.
- Company: Join the vibrant University of Portsmouth Students’ Union team.
- Benefits: Enjoy 38 days holiday, flexible working, and great staff perks.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team dedicated to inclusivity and wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in student life while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in customer service and event coordination is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
At the University of Portsmouth Students’ Union we have over 160 student groups led by over 700 volunteer student committee members. An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Student Opportunities Function as a Student Groups Project Specialist, supporting these student groups to deliver a wide-ranging programme of activity.
The post will involve supporting the development and success of student groups through managing finances and budgets, advising on event planning and delivery, coordinating taster sessions and outreach opportunities, planning and delivering training, providing day-to-day customer service and guidance, resolving complaints, and supporting democratic processes such as AGMs (committee elections) and handovers.
The post-holder will be confident working in a student-facing environment, building positive relationships with student leaders. They will have experience delivering excellent customer service and providing clear advice and support to diverse groups of people with varying needs and levels of experience. They will be highly organised, able to manage competing priorities, meet deadlines and maintain accurate records while supporting a busy and varied portfolio of activity.
Experience of monitoring budgets and working within financial procedures is desirable, alongside the confidence to apply policies consistently and appropriately. The post-holder will be skilled in problem solving and able to handle challenges constructively, including resolving issues, managing complaints and supporting groups to overcome barriers to success. They will be comfortable taking initiative, making sound decisions and working independently while contributing positively to a wider team.
They will also have experience coordinating events, training or engagement activity, and be able to motivate and support student staff and volunteers to deliver high-quality opportunities that enhance the student experience. Knowledge of the higher education or membership sector would be beneficial, although applicants with relevant transferable experience are encouraged to apply.
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
For more information on this opportunity and how to apply, please visit www.upsu.net/careers. For an informal conversation about this opportunity, please contact Jonathan Tyler-Moore, Student Groups Manager, on jonathan.tyler-moore@upsu.net or 02392843671. Closing date for applications: Midday 22nd May 2026. Interviews will be held on date: 1st June 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.
Student Groups Coordinator in 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 Student Groups Coordinator in Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the role and the organisation inside out! Research the University of Portsmouth Students’ Union, its values, and the student groups you’ll be working with. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you’re genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn or through university connections. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for standing out in the application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to customer service, event planning, and problem-solving. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your relevant experience.
✨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 serious about the opportunity and ready to engage with the process.
We think you need these skills to ace Student Groups Coordinator in Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start filling out the application form, take a good look at the job description. We want to see how your skills and experiences match what we're looking for, so make sure you highlight those in your answers!
Be Clear and Concise: When you're writing your application, keep it straightforward. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and get straight to the point. This will help us understand your qualifications and experiences better.
Show Your Passion for Student Engagement: We love seeing candidates who are genuinely excited about supporting student groups! Share any relevant experiences or ideas you have that demonstrate your enthusiasm for enhancing the student experience.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It's the easiest way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re following the correct process. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Portsmouth Students' Union
✨Know Your Student Groups
Before the interview, take some time to research the various student groups at the University of Portsmouth. Familiarise yourself with their activities and challenges. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you provide tailored advice during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Customer Service Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've delivered excellent customer service. Think about situations where you resolved complaints or supported diverse groups. Highlighting these skills will demonstrate your ability to thrive in a student-facing environment.
✨Be Organised and Prioritise
Since the role involves managing competing priorities, come prepared with a strategy for how you handle multiple tasks. You could discuss a time when you successfully juggled several responsibilities, ensuring deadlines were met while maintaining accuracy.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Abilities
Think of specific instances where you've faced challenges and how you overcame them. Be ready to discuss your approach to problem-solving, especially in relation to supporting student groups and resolving issues constructively.