Director of Student Life

Location: Aston University Main Campus

We are seeking a Director of Student Life and would be delighted to receive applications from candidates with the experience and skills to lead vibrant teams of talented people, evolving processes and systems.

Aston University is a mid-sized dual-intensive university ranked in the top 35 universities in the UK and in the top 5% globally. We are an agile and innovative organisation that thrives on collaboration and partnerships with businesses and the community. Our integrated placement year, our applied high-impact research, and our commitment to enhancing employability and social mobility of our students, all help to make Aston University distinct both nationally and internationally.

Our expert central services have significantly expanded to deliver a seamless student journey from enrolment to graduation and employability helping our students to remove the barriers to their academic and professional goals. The Director of Student Life will drive student-centred customer services through our evolving Student Solutions Centre. They will lead our offer in collaboration with the Director of Employability, the Academic Registrar, and by listening to our stakeholders. They will receive strategic support from the Chief Student Officer (CSO).

The successful role holder will have experience of leading student service teams that support students in crisis. They will ensure that the Student Life teams who cover the welfare, pastoral and advice services provide a sector-leading, accessible and safe experience for Aston University students that puts the students at the heart of everything we do. They will be able to inspire confidence in their advice and act at all times with impeccable integrity. Our Director will set the professional tone.

This is an exciting senior role. Key to the appointed candidate’s success will be a commitment to a customer-focussed and digitally-led set of services which are ready for changes in student or sector demand. Ultimately, the successful candidate will have the agility to work in a positive, collaborative and creative manner.

The closing date for applications is Monday 17^th November 2025.

Should you wish to discuss the role in strict confidence, please contact Kaveri Prashanth, Head of HR Operations and Talent Acquisition k.prashanthpatali@aston.ac.uk

Interview date: 02/12/2025