Student Engagement & Experience Manager

Student Engagement & Experience Manager - £24.72ph plus holiday pay - SE LondonStart ASAP to 31st July 2025 initially

We are currently seeking an experienced and proactive Student Engagement & Experience Manager to support the Student Success department, located in a leading UK University, department during a critical period of transition. This role will work closely with the Head of Student Success to develop and implement key operational plans, engage with stakeholders and enhance the student experience and engagement strategy.

The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in shaping a new student voice framework for the University, strengthening student engagement approaches and operationalising new initiatives within the evolving department structure. This is an exciting opportunity for a management-level professional leader with extensive experience in student engagement, student experience, student voice and surveys and/or partnership working within universities and/or students’ unions.

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MAIN DUTIES

• Lead on the development of a new student voice framework, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities.
• Design and implement a detailed student voice work plan for 2025-26, including the execution of student surveys and student partnership initiatives.
• Work collaboratively with the Students’ Union, new academic schools and other stakeholders to develop and embed a planned approach for student engagement.
• Support the operationalisation of existing plans by creating clear implementation strategies and ensuring effective delivery.
• Assist in setting up new working practices, processes and structures within the Student Success team to align with the restructuring efforts.
• Develop an operational and communication plan for the Student Communications team and service.
• Engage key stakeholders, including students, academic staff and professional services colleagues, to ensure co-creation and effective implementation of student success initiatives.
• Provide expert advice and guidance on student experience matters, drawing on sector best practices.

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PERSON SPECIFICATION

• Significant experience in student experience, student engagement, or student partnership work within higher education and/or students’ unions.
• Strong understanding of the UK higher education landscape, including challenges related to student voice, access, and participation.
• Proven ability to develop strategic frameworks, operational plans and engagement strategies.
• Experience in leading and managing projects, particularly those involving multiple stakeholders across an institution.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to build effective relationships across departments and with students.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience in drafting reports, strategic plans and communication frameworks.
• Ability to work autonomously at a management level, take initiative and drive forward projects in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
• Experience working within a period of organisational transition or restructure is highly desirable.
• A commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion in student engagement and institutional development.

Desirable Skills and Experience

• Knowledge of the Access & Participation Plan framework and regulatory requirements related to student success.
• Experience in designing and delivering student surveys and using student feedback to inform institutional change.

Gray & Associates is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity.