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- Tasks: Manage day-to-day operations of the Union’s Group team and support student volunteers.
- Company: Join a vibrant Union dedicated to enhancing student opportunities and experiences.
- Benefits: Enjoy 38 days holiday, flexible working, and access to exclusive staff benefits.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in student life while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in project management and a passion for supporting students is essential.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team with regular training and development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The Student Groups Function Manager is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the Union’s Group team, within the Student Opportunities function. The post holder will oversee and support the management of two coordinators, while reporting to the Senior Opportunities Manager, to deliver the Union’s core Group’s offer. This includes responsibility for the delivery of volunteer training, financial support and processes, grievance management, academic society support, and societal development. The post holder will also be responsible for the development of the Student Leadership Portal, providing digital development and opportunities to engage student volunteers.
We are looking to recruit an enthusiastic, inspirational individual who is passionate about delivering an excellent student-centred service. The post-holder will have:
- Experience of leading and managing projects
- Experience supporting, motivating and training people. Line management experience is preferred, however we welcome applications from those who have transferable experience from managing volunteers or ad-hoc staff.
- Experience of developing and increasing participation and will demonstrate the skills necessary to develop new initiatives
- Excellent communication skills
- An understanding of best practice in supporting Union representatives
- The skills to undertake and present research and analyse data
- Ability to handle competing priorities.
- An understanding of modern student life is essential, and an understanding of volunteer management is desirable.
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 Ashley Martin, Senior Student Opportunities Manager, on ashley.martin@upsu.net or 02392 843647.
Closing date for applications: midday, 12th January 2026
Interviews will be held on date: 21st January 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 Manager 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 Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Before your interview, do a bit of research on the Union and its values. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a friend or in front of the mirror. This will help you feel more confident and articulate when it’s your turn to shine.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your passion! When discussing your experience, make sure to highlight your enthusiasm for student engagement and volunteer management. Let them see how much you care about making a difference.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! At the end of the interview, have a couple of thoughtful questions ready. This shows you’re engaged and gives you a chance to find out if the role is right for you too.
We think you need these skills to ace Student Groups Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get to Know the Role: Before you start filling out the application, take a moment to really understand what the Student Groups Function Manager role is all about. Dive into the job description and think about how your experience aligns with the responsibilities and skills they're looking for.
Show Off Your Experience: When you're completing the application form, make sure to highlight your relevant experience. Whether it's managing projects or supporting volunteers, we want to see how you've made an impact in similar roles. Use specific examples to illustrate your skills!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your answers straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid fluff and focus on what makes you a great fit for the position. Remember, less can be more when it comes to written applications!
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 that everything is in one place. Plus, you'll find all the info you need about the role there too!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Portsmouth Students' Union
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of a Student Groups Manager inside and out. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities mentioned in the job description, like volunteer training and grievance management. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since the role involves managing coordinators and supporting volunteers, be ready to share specific examples of your leadership experience. Think about times when you've motivated a team or developed new initiatives. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Communicate Clearly
Excellent communication skills are a must for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. You might even want to prepare a few questions to ask the interviewers about their approach to student engagement and support, which shows your enthusiasm and understanding of the role.
✨Understand Modern Student Life
Having a grasp of what students today are experiencing is crucial. Research current trends in student life and volunteer management. This knowledge will not only help you relate better to the role but also allow you to suggest relevant ideas during the interview.
