Student Careers & Employability Lead

Position: Student Careers & Employability Lead

Location: On-site at London Borough and Harbour Exchange Campuses

Salary: £38,000 – £43,000

Hours: Full Time: 9am – 5pm, Monday-Friday Occasional weekend and evening work required.

Department: Student Services

Reporting to: Head of Student Experience and Outcomes

Responsible for: Student Career & Employability Officers

About us

Victoria College of Arts and Design (VCAD) provides higher education teaching and learning in the arts, design, creative industries and business fields. Our goal is to guide and support our students on their journey to becoming successful individuals and citizens. We strive to offer the best services and resources available to ensure that our students are well-prepared for graduate-level employment within the creative industries or any other aspect of the world of work. From enrolment to graduation, we are dedicated to nurturing our students\’ growth, fostering their creative and critical skills and equipping them with the confidence and abilities needed to excel in a professional environment. Whether through the dedication of our lecturers and support staff, our outstanding facilities, or our network of industry connections, Victoria College of Arts and Design is committed to helping and mentoring our students so that they achieve their personal goals and build themselves sustainable and fulfilling careers.

Position Overview:

VCAD is seeking a Student Careers & Employability Lead to join our team. The successful candidate will lead the Careers & Employability team, providing high-quality support to help students secure appropriate employment. This role requires excellent leadership, communication and organisational skills as well as the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.

In collaboration with the Head of Student Experience and Outcomes, the role holder will ensure our student services continually evolve to meet student needs and maintain the highest standards of care and professionalism.

Additionally, the role holder will remotely oversee teams based in our other VCAD locations remotely (London, Manchester), with occasional visits to these campuses.

Responsibilities:

• The key responsibilities of the position of Student Careers and Employability Lead include:
• Deliver high-quality careers information, advice, and guidance through online and face-to-face sessions for individuals and groups.
• Manage the careers provision, including team support, task allocation, priority setting, and performance targets.
• Establish and maintain relationships with employers to develop internships and professional development opportunities.
• Maintain and grow a database of volunteering and internship providers, connecting employers with VCAD students.
• Develop online resources to support students seeking employment opportunities.
• Conduct one-to-one and group meetings and workshops to prepare students for the workforce.
• Assist employers in promoting job opportunities to students through our online platform, targeted emails, and careers newsletter.
• Support on-campus activities, such as job fairs and workshops.
• Collaborate with local employers to identify skill gaps and employment opportunities for students (temporary, part-time, full-time, and online).
• Prepare reports on careers and employability activities and contribute to meetings and briefings.
• Keep up to date with current labour market information.
• Act as a subject matter expert for student careers and employability services at VCAD.
• Provide support for other duties as requested by the Head of Student Experience and Outcomes or the Directors of VCAD.

Requirements:

Essential / Desirable: (E) (D)

(where required, training and professional development will be provided to the successful applicant by VCAD, to facilitate their ability to deliver the responsibilities of this role to an excellent standard)

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, or equivalent professional experience. (E)
• Demonstrated experience managing and mentoring a team, with the ability to lead across multiple locations. (E)
• Strategic thinking and effective communication skills. (E)
• Experience delivering workshops and one-to-one appointments. (D)
• Knowledge and experience in employer engagement. (E)
• Effective networking and negotiating skills. (E)
• Commitment to staying informed about current labour market trends, particularly in the business and creative industries. (E)
• Experience in student or academic administration within higher education (D).
• Excellent customer service and communication skills, with the ability to build strong relationships. (E)
• Strong interpersonal skills and experience in developing and maintaining stakeholder relationships. (E)
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment, with strong time management skills. (E)
• High degree of accuracy and attention to detail. (E)
• Flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends. (E)
• Strong IT skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel and familiarity with student management systems. (E)
• Commitment to upholding the values and policies of VCAD and partner universities. (E)

Leadership Competencies:

• Empathetic Leadership: Ability to lead with empathy and understanding.
• Strategic Thinking: Capable of developing and executing strategies to enhance student engagement.
• Adaptability: Flexible approach to evolving student needs and institutional priorities.

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 advise.
• Financial wellbeing education
• My Mind Pal (mental fitness)

If you are passionate about supporting students in their academic journey and have the skills and experience required for this role, we encourage you to apply.

Join our team at Victoria College of Arts and Design and help make a positive impact on the lives of our students.