Student Success Coach

The University of Surrey is a global community of ideas and people, dedicated to life-changing education and research. 

We are ambitious and have a bold vision of what we want to achieve - shaping ourselves into one of the best universities in the world, which we are achieving through the talents and endeavour of every employee.  

Our culture empowers people to achieve this aim and to collectively, and individually, make a real difference.

The role

The post holder will proactively engage with students who may be at risk of leaving the University, through targeted and bespoke 1:1 support. This includes those who need support but may not necessarily reach out. For example, they may not be engaging fully in their studies or attending regularly. The post holder will work closely with colleagues to support transition, retention and progression amongst those students who are most at risk. In particular, they will work closely with personal tutors and the senior personal tutor, alongside specialist student services teams across the University to ensure timely, seamless support and effective case management for each identified student. They will work to an agreed set of KPIs focused principally on engagement and retention and positive student outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide one-to-one coaching and group support for Economics students .
• Use data and referrals to proactively identify students at risk of disengagement.
• Build trusted, ongoing relationships with students to promote belonging and academic progress.
• Support students in accessing wider university services and resources.
• Monitor progress using engagement and attendance systems, and contribute to institutional improvements through feedback and insight.

About you

We're looking for someone with:

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build empathetic, supportive relationships.
• Experience working with students in advisory or coaching roles.
• A commitment to student development and equity of access.
• Excellent organisational and communication skills.
• Confidence in using data to track progress and inform interventions.

A willingness to undergo standard DBS clearance is essential.

What we can offer

In addition to salary, you will receive a 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

Please apply on the University website with your CV and cover letter, focusing on the key responsibilities of the role outlined above. 

For an informal discussion please contact Prof. Holger Breinlich (h.breinlich@surrey.ac.uk) or Prof. Venetia Evergeti (v.evergeti@surrey.ac.uk).

Interviews will be held during the week commencing 4 August 2025.

The University is committed to providing an inclusive environment that offers equal opportunities for all. We place great value on diversity and are seeking to increase the diversity within our community. Therefore, we particularly encourage applications from under-represented groups, such as people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups and people with disabilities.

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