Associate Director of Student Experience

Interview Date: Wednesday 19 June 2024

The University of Surrey is a global community of ideas and people, dedicated to life-changing education and research. Set within its Guildford-campus, its 3,000 staff provide exceptional teaching and practical learning to over 16,000 students. A home to research excellence, Surrey provides world-class research facilities and an environment to nurture and develop academic research into real world commercial applications.

The University is seeking to appoint an Associate Director of Student Experience, a senior role bringing together student engagement and delivery of exceptional student facing support services, leading an existing team of around 40 professionals.

The role

Reporting to the Director of Student Life, and playing a key role in the Chief Student Officer Leadership Team, the Associate Director of Student Experience will:

• Play a pivotal role in shaping the student experience of our diverse student body.
• Lead the Student Engagement function at Surrey, responsible for fostering a vibrant and inclusive campus.
• Work with students to develop communities that are supportive and allow students to thrive and meet their potential.
• Support colleagues across the university to ensure students are involved in co-creating their university experience.
• Oversee the Surrey Student Hubs as a single point of support, advice, and guidance both online and in person for all students.

About you

The successful candidate will have experience in delivering exceptional customer-facing services, additionally experience in delivering events would be helpful. The role will require a natural, authentic leader who can balance strategic challenges with the imperative to deliver fast, effective solutions through a dedicated team of professionals, keeping the student experience at the heart of their decision making at all times.

A background in higher education is not essential and we would be keen to receive applications from individuals across other sectors who believe they have skills and experience that are a match to our job profile. Beyond that, an ability to operate in a dynamic, fast changing, complex environment is essential. This is a great opportunity to help shape the future path of the University and will suit someone who is driven, highly collegiate, responsive, and innovative.

What we can offer

In addition to salary, you will receive a yearly incremental pay rise, generous annual leave entitlement of 25 days holiday plus 7 university closure days and 8 bank holidays (pro rata for part time roles), a generous pension, access to world-class leisure facilities on campus, a range of travel schemes, and supportive family friendly benefits including an excellent on-site nursery.

How to apply

To apply for this role, please submit your CV and a cover letter.

Interviews will be held on campus on Wednesday 19th June 2024.

For an informal conversation please contact Emma Rowsell, Director of Student Life, via e.rowsell@surrey.ac.uk 

We appreciate that sometimes people can be put off applying if they don't match every requirement. However, if you're excited about the role and think you can do what we've described we welcome your application. If you're not sure quite who we are looking for, do contact us with any questions.

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