Student Welfare Manager

About West Dean College
West Dean College is a leading specialist institution dedicated to practice based education in arts, crafts, conservation, and design. Nestled in the beautiful South Downs National Park and with a new London campus in Bloomsbury, we provide an inspiring, hands-on learning environment. From undergraduate and postgraduate degrees to short courses and professional development, our distinctive model of education supports over 9,000 students each year.

As part of the Edward James Foundation, we combine education, research, and cultural heritage, fostering creativity and innovation while celebrating our unique history.

The Role
We are seeking a compassionate and proactive Student Welfare Manager to lead and deliver a professional, student-centred welfare service across our Bloomsbury and Sussex campuses.

This is a pivotal role in ensuring our students feel supported, safe, and empowered throughout their time at West Dean. You’ll provide advice and guidance on a range of welfare issues, from wellbeing and financial support to accommodation and learning needs—helping students to overcome barriers, build resilience, and thrive both personally and academically.

You will also play a key role in coordinating reasonable adjustments, liaising with academic staff and external agencies, and fostering a positive, inclusive student culture. Beyond problem-solving, this role is about creating opportunities for students to gain confidence, transferable life skills, and a strong sense of belonging.

About You
We’re looking for someone with both professional expertise and a genuine passion for supporting student wellbeing. Ideally, you’ll have:

• A degree or equivalent professional qualification.
• Experience providing welfare or wellbeing support in an educational setting, preferably higher education.
• Strong knowledge of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion practices.
• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage a complex caseload effectively.
• Confidence in working within a brief intervention framework.

Above all, you’ll bring empathy, resilience, and the ability to build trust with students and staff alike. A collaborative mindset and innovative approach to enhancing wellbeing provision will help you thrive in this role.

Desirable experience includes creating online resources, delivering group workshops, and accurate record-keeping in line with GDPR requirements.

Why Work With Us?
At West Dean, you’ll join a supportive, creative, and collaborative community. Alongside a unique working environment, we offer:

• Hybrid working – flexibility to balance time on campus and from home.
• Generous holidays – including additional closure days over Christmas.
• Subsidised meals – enjoy discounts on food and refreshments on campus.
• Professional development – free and discounted access to our short courses.
• Contributory pension scheme and life assurance.
• Employee Assistance Programme – confidential support for health, wellbeing, and advice.
• Enhanced sick pay.

Closing date for applications is Midnight on 12 October 2025.

Diversity and Inclusion
We value the diversity of our staff and students and are committed to creating an inclusive community. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and particularly encourage those who are underrepresented in higher education to apply.
If you are passionate about student wellbeing and want to make a positive impact in a unique educational environment, we would love to hear from you.

Type / Role:

Subject Area(s):

Location(s):