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- Tasks: Lead and shape the student experience from enrolment to graduation at VCAD.
- Company: Victoria College of Arts and Design, a purpose-driven higher education provider.
- Benefits: Generous annual leave, pension scheme, career development, and discounts on gym and retail.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on diverse students' lives and champion inclusivity.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in student services and strong data-driven decision-making skills.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on transforming student experiences and outcomes.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 £ per year.
Are you a passionate Student Experience Leader ready to make a real and lasting difference in the lives of students from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds? Victoria College of Arts and Design (VCAD) is an independent higher education provider with campuses in London and Manchester. We deliver programmes in partnership with Arts University Plymouth and are proud to serve a community of mature learners, first‑generation students, and individuals balancing study with work and family life.
We are at an exciting point in our journey — actively progressing our registration with the Office for Students (OfS) — and we are looking for an exceptional leader to take ownership of our entire student experience function at this pivotal moment.
The Opportunity
As Head of Student Experience, you will lead and shape everything that defines life as a VCAD student — from the moment they enrol to the day they graduate and beyond. You will have strategic oversight of our Student Information Team, Student Engagement Team, Student Services, Health & Wellbeing, Careers & Employability, and Academic Skills functions, reporting directly to the Directors of VCAD. This is not just a management role. It is a genuine opportunity to build, transform, and champion a student experience that is inclusive, data-driven, and sector-leading.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Leading the development and delivery of VCAD's institutional Student Experience strategy across all campuses
- Playing a central role in our OfS registration journey — with particular focus on student experience and student satisfaction
- Driving data-informed approaches to student retention, early intervention, and targeted support for students at risk
- Overseeing student wellbeing, mental health, disability support, and safeguarding compliance (Equality Act 2010, GDPR)
- Leading a comprehensive employability strategy — building industry partnerships and equipping students with the skills and confidence to thrive in the workforce
- Representing the student experience at Board and senior leadership level
- Championing equality, diversity, and inclusion across every aspect of the student journey
What We’re Looking For
We’d love to hear from you if you bring:
- Significant senior leadership experience in student services or student experience within UK higher education
- Strong working knowledge of the OfS regulatory framework, including B3 student outcomes and Access & Participation obligations
- A proven track record of using data and insight to improve student outcomes at institutional level
- Excellent people leadership skills — you know how to build, motivate, and develop high-performing teams
- A genuine and demonstrable commitment to widening participation and inclusive practice
- Experience managing budgets and delivering high-quality services in a resource-conscious environment
Bonus points if you have experience in a small or independent HE provider, familiarity with HESA data returns, or a background supporting students with complex needs.
Benefits
- Annual leave (7.2 weeks)
- Workplace pension scheme
- Company Sick Policy
- Statutory maternity/paternity pays
- Career development opportunities
- Training and self-development opportunities
- Gym membership discounts
- Retail discount schemes
- Cinema discounts
- Grocery discounts
- Cycle to work
- Investing and savings opportunities
- Financial wellbeing – personal debt advice
- Financial wellbeing education
- My Mind Pal (mental fitness)
Ready to Apply?
If you are passionate about student success and want to help shape the future of a growing, purpose-driven higher education provider, we would love to hear from you. Victoria College of Arts and Design is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to building an inclusive team and warmly welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds.
Head of Student Experience employer: Victoria College of Arts and Design
Contact Detail:
Victoria College of Arts and Design Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Student Experience
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at VCAD on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the company culture and what they really value in a candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into VCAD's mission and values. We want to show that we’re not just a good fit for the role, but that we genuinely care about enhancing the student experience and championing diversity.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice our storytelling skills! Think of specific examples from our past experiences that highlight our leadership abilities and commitment to student success. This will help us stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed. Plus, it shows we’re serious about joining the VCAD team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Student Experience
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for enhancing student experiences shine through. We want to see how you can make a real difference in the lives of students, especially those from diverse backgrounds.
Be Specific About Your Experience: Highlight your senior leadership experience in student services or similar roles. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've used data to improve student outcomes and how you’ve led teams effectively.
Align with Our Values: Make sure to reflect our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion in your application. We’re looking for someone who shares our values and can champion these principles throughout the student journey.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at VCAD!
How to prepare for a job interview at Victoria College of Arts and Design
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into the Victoria College of Arts and Design's mission and values. Understand their approach to student experience, especially for diverse and underrepresented backgrounds. This will help you align your answers with their goals and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare specific examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led teams or initiatives in student services. Highlight how you motivated your team and improved student outcomes. This is your chance to demonstrate your people leadership skills and commitment to inclusive practices.
✨Data-Driven Mindset
Since the role involves driving data-informed approaches, be ready to discuss how you've used data to enhance student experiences in previous roles. Bring examples of metrics you've tracked and how they influenced your strategies. This will show that you can make informed decisions that benefit students.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few insightful questions prepared. Inquire about their current challenges in student experience or how they envision the future of student engagement at VCAD. This not only shows your interest but also gives you a clearer picture of what the role entails.