Director of Student Life and Library Services

Job Location:  Gateway House

Employee Weekly Hours:  37.00

Job Description: 

Main duties and responsibilities

At De Montfort University, we are proud to be an ambitious, empowering institution with a bold vision for the future. We are now seeking an outstanding leader to join us as Director of Student Life and Library Services—a pivotal role shaping the student journey from induction through to graduation.

Reporting to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Education, Student Experience and Equalities, you will lead our integrated library, learning support, and student life services. This is a brilliant opportunity to influence the full breadth of student experience provision, ensuring it is innovative, inclusive, and aligned to DMU’s Empowering University strategy.

As Director, you will:

• Provide strategic and operational leadership across student life and library services, enhancing engagement, wellbeing, and belonging.
• Champion the continuous improvement of student support services, informed by data, national benchmarks, and sector best practice.
• Lead transformation initiatives that strengthen our teaching and learning environment and drive improvement in key student success measures.
• Collaborate with senior colleagues and the Students’ Union to foster a vibrant, supportive community across our Leicester, London, and Dubai campuses.
• Represent DMU nationally and internationally, positioning the university at the forefront of innovation in student experience.

We are looking for an inspiring and highly motivated leader with:

• A significant record of achievement at senior level in higher education or a comparable sector.
• Proven experience of delivering measurable enhancements to the student experience, underpinned by data-led approaches.
• The ability to design and implement successful strategies for large, complex, multi-disciplinary services.
• Exceptional communication skills and the credibility to influence at the highest levels, internally and externally.
• A strong track record of motivating, empowering, and developing diverse teams to deliver excellence.

You will bring both vision and pragmatism, balancing strategic thinking with the ability to deliver meaningful change. With deep knowledge of current and emerging trends in higher education and student support, you will be committed to driving innovation, inclusivity, and student success.

This is a senior leadership role where your impact will be felt across the university community and beyond. If you are passionate about shaping outstanding student experiences and ensuring every student thrives, we would be delighted to hear from you.

To view details about the role, including the Job Description and Person Specification, please click here to view the candidate pack. 

To apply, please click the ‘Apply’ button above to be redirected to our website. Please submit the following:

• A CV setting out your career history, including key responsibilities and achievements, and details of two referees
• A cover letter explaining how you consider your skills, qualities and experience provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with particular reference to the person specification set out in the candidate pack

Contact

For any informal enquiries or for an informal conversation regarding the role, please initially email Alice Parker (Talent and Development Advisor): alice.parker@dmu.ac.uk.

Applications are welcomed up until midnight on Sunday 19th October 2025.

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