Director of Student Life

Student Experience

This is a fantastic opportunity to join the University in a brand-new role as we develop our services with the ambition to provide an outstanding student experience aligned to our strategy. The University of Surrey is committed to providing high quality teaching and an excellent student experience. We are proud that our students rank us in the top 10 in the UK for student satisfaction, and we were shortlisted by The Times for ‘University of the Year 2023’.

This is an outstanding and unique opportunity for the new postholder to develop and shape all elements of the student experience in relation to student support and co and extra-curricular student facing provision at the University.

The role

As Director of Student Life, you will provide strategic leadership and high-level operational service delivery of our student-facing services, including:

• Our highly regarded Widening Participation and Outreach team
• Our ‘one stop shop’ for student support via MySurrey Hive
• Support and advice services for our students, including money advice, support for our diverse international student community, and faith and reflection services
• Our specialist services providing disability, neurodiversity, mental health, and wellbeing support
• Our award-winning Employability and Careers team

As the leader of these areas, you will deliver value for money and effective deployment of resources, ensuring activities are targeted to deliver the student experience our students expect and deserve. You will drive organisational and cultural change and will take a leading role in ensuring the directorate makes effective and innovative responses to strategic priorities.

About you

We are looking for someone with an excellent understanding of the Higher Education sector who understands that student experience is a key part of the core mission of a university. You must be passionate about supporting students and will be someone who always puts students at the heart of decision making, inspiring your team to do the same and deliver the best possible support.

You will be forward thinking, comfortable with delivering change, and will be keen to explore how technology and digitalisation can support service improvements and increase efficiencies. You will enjoy working at pace and will be comfortable with complexity and uncertainty, able to work autonomously to deliver your objectives. An excellent communicator, you must be able to establish credibility with staff and key stakeholders across the organisation.

What we can offer

The University of Surrey is a top UK University set in a beautiful campus in Guildford, half an hour’s journey from the centre of London. We offer a vibrant and forward-thinking working environment with access to a variety of staff development opportunities to help you fulfil your potential. In addition to salary, you will receive a generous annual leave entitlement, substantial pension, childcare assistance, and access to first-class sports and leisure facilities. We are happy to support blended working, with some time spent on campus and some from home.

How to apply

To apply for this role, please upload a CV and cover letter detailing how you demonstrate the knowledge and experience required for this role. You will also be asked to answer four brief questions to help us understand your experience and suitability for the role.

Further Information

To arrange an informal discussion about the role, please contact Trish Ryder, EA to the Chief Student Officer on [email protected]

Interviews will be held w/c 23rd January 2023.

Please note, you will need to be willing to demonstrate some flexibility in your working hours, as some activities may take place outside of core hours. You will also be required to be part of an out of hours rota, requiring you to be contactable by phone for student emergencies which occur outside of standard University hours.

The University of Surrey is committed to providing an inclusive environment that offers equal opportunities for all. We place great value on diversity and are seeking to increase the diversity within our community. Therefore we particularly encourage applications from under-represented groups, such as people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups and people with disabilities.