Student Services Manager – WaterBear (Brighton Campus)

Join WaterBear – The College of Music

WaterBear is a pioneering music college with campuses in Brighton, Sheffield and Online. As a College of Falmouth University, we offer a unique, flexible approach to music education, supporting around 750 students per campus, plus a thriving online community of learners. From seasoned professionals to ambitious young creatives, our diverse student body is growing fast.

With new centres on the horizon, we’re set to pass 2,000 students—and we’re just getting started. Innovative, agile, and bold, WaterBear is reshaping music education in the UK.

We are now seeking a Student Services Manager to lead our student support provision and help shape the student experience at our Brighton campus.

About the Role

As Student Services Manager, you will lead a dedicated team to deliver high-quality student support services, including wellbeing, learning support, safeguarding, and academic study support. You’ll play a key role in fostering a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment for all students.

• Start Date: 1st September 2025
• Reports to: Head of Education (Brighton)

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage student support services across campus
• Oversee wellbeing, learning support, and counselling provision
• Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead and manage safeguarding protocols
• Collaborate with academic and support teams to enhance student engagement and retention
• Design and evaluate support programmes using data and feedback
• Manage team performance, training, and development
• Ensure compliance with relevant policies and regulations

What We’re Looking For

Essential:

• Proven track record working in a higher education student support role
• Proven leadership in managing student services teams
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organisational skills
• Strong initiative, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities
• Commitment to inclusivity, empathy, and student wellbeing

Desirable:

• Understanding of the music industry or creative portfolio careers
• Experience supporting diverse or non-traditional learners
• Mental health first aid or trauma-informed care training
• Experience in liaising with external agencies (e.g. council services, police, mental health teams)

Preferred Qualifications

• Relevant Master’s or BA (Hons) degree
• Relevant wellbeing, counselling or learning support qualification

Choose WaterBear

• Be part of a growing, innovative institution shaping the future of music education
• Work in a supportive, student-centred environment
• Opportunities for professional development and coaching
• Help build a culture that values wellbeing, creativity, and collaboration

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your CV and a cover letter as one PDF document. Please outline your suitability for the role via the ‘Apply’ button above (jobs@waterbear.org.uk).

We encourage you to apply now. Advertising will remain open until a suitable applicant is found. Note that this role does not offer sponsorship and you will need to have the right to work in the UK.