At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students' academic success through engagement, monitoring, and tailored assistance.
- Company: Join Victoria College of Arts and Design, a leader in arts and creative education.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous annual leave, career development, gym discounts, and financial wellbeing support.
- Other info: Full-time role with occasional evening and weekend shifts; training provided.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives in a vibrant, supportive environment.
- Qualifications: A degree or equivalent experience, strong communication skills, and a passion for student success.
The predicted salary is between 26000 - 29000 £ per year.
Company: Victoria College of Arts and Design
Location: On-site at London Borough and Harbour Exchange Campuses
Salary: £26,450 to £29,000 per annum
Working Hours: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week.
Working Schedule: Monday to Thursday (Including regular Friday evening and Saturday working. The working pattern will be discussed and agreed with the successful applicant. During busy periods, additional evening and weekend shifts may be required on a rostered basis.)
Department: Student Services
Reporting to: Student Engagement Manager
How to apply
Submit one file with your CV and Cover letter detailing how you meet the requirements of the role
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, VCAD 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 looking for a proactive and dedicated Student Engagement Officer (SEO) to join our vibrant team across our London campuses. The SEO will play a key part in providing an exceptional academic experience by focusing on attendance, submissions and engagement. They will provide tailored support to address barriers to academic progress, ensuring students remain motivated, engaged and on track.
The ideal candidate will possess strong communication and organisational skills, along with a passion for student success. The SEO will collaborate closely with lecturers and support services to monitor student progress, identify areas for intervention and help drive high retention rates. This role is integral to creating a supportive, inclusive environment where students feel connected, empowered and equipped to succeed at VCAD.
Responsibilities
- Maintain consistent communication and accurately record interactions with students via email, phone and in-person, ensuring timely responses while maintaining professional boundaries. Monitor, track and analyse student attendance, submissions and engagement, proactively intervening to address disengagement.
- Support students' academic development by conducting workshops on IT, organisational and study skills.
- Direct students to appropriate support services, collaborating with various departments to ensure a comprehensive approach to student success.
- Offer guidance on academic regulations, mitigating circumstances and processes for interruptions, deferrals and withdrawals.
- Organise and participate in support sessions to address student concerns, offering personalised guidance and assistance.
- Drive improvements in attendance rates, academic progression and overall student satisfaction.
- Compile and submit weekly reports on student progress, attendance trends, challenges and interventions, covering areas such as submissions, retention, and potential risks.
- Maintain up-to-date weekly reports, ensuring timely and accurate documentation.
- Assist with administrative processes including enrolment/induction and provide suggestions for improvement.
- Uphold confidentiality, sharing information only when necessary and in line with institutional policies.
- Support other duties as directed by the Student Engagement Manager or Head of Student Experience and Outcomes.
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, or equivalent professional experience. (E)
- Strong commitment to service delivery with experience in student or academic administration within higher education. (D)
- Excellent customer service and communication skills, with the ability to build strong relationships. (E)
- Excellent interpersonal skills, including active listening and effective written and verbal communication. (E)
- Strong organisational and time management skills, with the ability to work in a face paced environment to manage competing demands while meeting deadlines. (E)
- Flexible, approachable and an excellent team player. (E)
- High degree of accuracy and attention to detail. (E)
- Strong IT skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel for data management and reporting, and familiarity with student management systems. (E)
- Ability to handle sensitive information with confidentiality and maintain appropriate boundaries. (E)
- Commitment to upholding the values and policies of VCAD and partner universities. (E)
Benefits
- Annual leave (7.2 weeks)
- Workplace pension scheme.
- Company Sick Pay.
- Statutory maternity and paternity pay.
- Employee Assistance Programme (HA Wisdom Wellbeing)
- Virtual GP access (Livi)
- 'Speak Up Service' - confidential support service to report any workplace concerns
- Specialist physical and mental wellbeing support services with 24/7 confidential counselling support (Wisdom)
- Specialist menopause support, including online CBT (Wisdom)
- Financial, legal and medical advice services provided (Wisdom)
- Life & Leadership coaching (Wisdom)
- Financial coaching (MUNNY)
- Discounts and perks, offering savings on shopping, activities and more (Bright Exchange)
- Career development and training opportunities.
- Training and self-development opportunities.
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.
Student Engagement Officer employer: Victoria College of Arts and Design
Victoria College of Arts and Design is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that values collaboration and diversity. Employees benefit from professional development opportunities and a supportive environment that fosters growth, making it an ideal place for those passionate about educational administration. Located in a creative hub, the college provides a unique chance to engage with a dynamic community while contributing to the student experience.
Contact Details:
Victoria College of Arts and Design Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Student Engagement Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges students face in higher education, especially in creative fields. Understanding these issues will help you demonstrate your empathy and readiness to support students effectively during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former Student Engagement Officers or similar roles within educational institutions. They can provide valuable insights into the day-to-day responsibilities and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach when discussing your fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific strategies you would implement to improve student engagement and retention. Having concrete examples ready will show your proactive mindset and commitment to enhancing the academic experience for students.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your IT skills by being familiar with common student management systems and data analysis tools. Highlighting your proficiency in these areas will reassure the hiring team of your capability to manage student records and reporting effectively.
We think you need these skills to ace Student Engagement Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in student engagement or academic administration. Use specific examples that demonstrate your communication and organisational skills, as well as your commitment to student success.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for supporting students. Address how your skills align with the responsibilities of the Student Engagement Officer role, and mention any relevant experiences that showcase your ability to foster student engagement.
Highlight Relevant Skills:In your application, emphasise your strong IT skills, particularly with Microsoft Office Suite and any experience with student management systems. Mention your ability to handle sensitive information and maintain confidentiality, as this is crucial for the role.
Showcase Your Commitment:Demonstrate your commitment to service delivery and student success throughout your application. Include examples of how you've previously supported students or contributed to their academic development, which will resonate with the values of Victoria College of Arts and Design.
How to prepare for a job interview at Victoria College of Arts and Design
✨Show Your Passion for Student Success
Make sure to express your genuine enthusiasm for supporting students in their academic journeys. Share specific examples of how you've helped students overcome challenges or improve their engagement in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Strong Communication Skills
Since the role requires excellent communication, prepare to showcase your ability to connect with students and colleagues. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and consider using role-play scenarios to demonstrate your interpersonal skills.
✨Highlight Your Organisational Abilities
The position demands strong organisational skills. Be ready to discuss how you manage multiple tasks and deadlines effectively. You might want to share a time when you successfully juggled competing priorities while maintaining high standards.
✨Familiarise Yourself with VCAD's Values
Research Victoria College of Arts and Design's mission and values before the interview. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to creating a supportive and inclusive environment for students.
