Head of Employability and Enterprise

Introduction to YSJ university

Situated in the heart of the historic city of York, and with the addition of our London Campus, York St John University has a long and proud tradition as a distinguished higher education provider.
Our success is founded on the quality of academic teaching and research, our thriving campus environments, our professional and pastoral support, and our values of an inclusive, innovative and ambitious community with a strong sense of belonging.

Shape student futures. Drive enterprise. Build industry partnerships.

At York St John University, we believe in the power of education to transform lives. Rooted in our values of inclusion, ambition and impact, we are proud of our thriving London Campus in the heart of one of the world’s most dynamic cities.

The London Campus, established in 2018, offers a diverse range of postgraduate taught programmes, Master’s in Research and Top-Up Degrees, primarily in the fields of business, healthcare management and technology. With a student body of approximately 3,400 and projected growth in the coming years. Located across two floors at East India Docks, the campus is part of a vibrant, co-inhabited educational environment. It is supported by a dedicated team of over 70 faculty and staff members across all key departments, providing comprehensive support to our students.

The Team

the London Careers and Enterprise Team, a group of six specialist professionals dedicated to enhancing student outcomes in careers, placements, enterprise and wider opportunities, alongside a pool of dynamic entrepreneurs who actively contribute to the Enterprise Academy.

The Role

This is a unique opportunity to make a significant impact by leading our Employability and Enterprise team and driving employability activity across the London Campus.

You will deliver high-quality services for a diverse community of postgraduate and undergraduate international students. A central and critical element of the role is overseeing placements at scale, particularly for our two-year master’s programmes where the Year in Professional Experience is a defining feature.

Build and manage strong partnerships with employers to create pipelines for placements, work experience, graduate recruitment, and executive education.

Develop impactful employer-student engagement events, sponsorships, and industry collaborations that enhance graduate outcomes and strengthen our reputation.

Provide strategic leadership to the Employability and Enterprise team, ensuring services are distinctive, student-focused, and aligned with industry needs.

Lead our Enterprise Academy, supporting entrepreneurs who contribute to our programmes and ensuring enterprise is a key feature across the curriculum.

Oversee our business incubator, home to spin-outs and small enterprises, fostering innovation and entrepreneurial growth.

Develop and maintain a strong London Campus alumni community, creating mechanisms for alumni to contribute through mentoring, placements, and wider opportunities for students and graduates.
Required skills and experience.

The successful candidate will bring proven experience of leadership in careers, employability, or enterprise services, with a strong track record of employer engagement and partnership development. You will be an inspiring leader, a confident collaborator, and a creative strategist who can bridge higher education, industry, and entrepreneurship. A strong commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion is essential.

Additional information

For informal enquiries please contact Louise Donaghy, Dean of the London Campus, l.donaghy@yorksj.ac.uk.

Closing Date - Friday 14 November 2025 at midnight
Provisional Interview Date - Monday 08 December 2025

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