Head of Student Accommodation Services

Want to shape the residential experience of thousands of students at one of the world's leading universities?

We're looking for an exceptional leader to head our Student Accommodation Services, leading the team responsible for accommodation allocation, housing compliance and residential planning and relationship management across Durham University's collegiate estate and the wider student housing market – a service associated with a c. £65m income stream.

This is a highly influential role, sitting at the intersection of student experience, strategic planning, regulatory compliance and institutional growth. You'll work closely with senior leaders across the University and external stakeholders, helping to shape the future of Durham's distinctive collegiate model and ensuring students have a safe, inclusive and outstanding experience across their time at Durham.

We're looking for a strategic and customer-focused leader with experience in accommodation, housing or a similar complex service environment, who can inspire teams, drive improvement and build strong partnerships.

The Head of Student Accommodation Services is responsible for the operational management and strategic development of the University’s residential accommodation management services, including leading the College Membership and Accommodation Office, contributing to the University’s delivery of a safe, inclusive collegiate living environment while managing budgets, staff and assuring compliance against all relevant legislative and policy standards.

The College Membership and Accommodation Office (CMAO) is responsible primarily for the allocation of college membership and accommodation within the University’s residential estate (a c. £65M income stream). The Office coordinates the University’s compliance with the UUK / GuildHE Student Accommodation Code to ensure compliance with the Housing Act 2004.

CMAO also acts as an interface between students and the private sector housing market to address housing-related needs, and the post-holder will develop and maintain strong relationships with key external stakeholders, including PBSA providers, the Local Authority and local letting agent forums. This includes maintaining market insight, monitoring sector and market developments, and working collaboratively with existing and prospective development partners to inform future accommodation opportunities.

The Head of Student Accommodation Services leads and manages this team and the stakeholder relationships with the Dean of Colleges, Heads of Colleges, Estates and Facilities, Admissions, Strategic Planning and Insight Office and other University and external stakeholders, with responsibility for briefing the University’s Executive on the impact of student accommodation performance on financial and student number planning.

For further information about the role, responsibilities and the person specification, please view our application pack

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