Chief Executive

Based in the vibrant waterfront city of Plymouth, the University of Plymouth Students’ Union is a registered charity that exists to support the wellbeing of all students at the University. We pride ourselves on helping students enjoy a successful, fulfilling and rewarding life during their studies, and supporting them to prepare for the future. We do this by helping to create a sense of belonging in our student community, effectively representing the student voice, supporting students' mental and physical wellbeing and enabling them to have fun.

Following the retirement of the current role holder, we are looking for our next Chief Executive who will provide strong and inspirational leadership, support and empower our elected student officers, and help us build on our successes. This is a fulfilling and rewarding role, building a connected community and helping shape the lives of existing and future students so they get the most out of their time while studying and learning at the University of Plymouth.

As well as being an experienced senior manager from an organisation of similar complexity and with a strong social purpose, you must share our values and be committed to an ethos that places students at the centre of all we do. You will also be able to demonstrate an awareness of the current issues affecting the higher education environment and an understanding of cultural sensitivity, with a commitment to equality and diversity and the provision of inclusive services. Direct experience in the Students’ Union sector would be an advantage.

As an ambassador for the Students’ Union, you will have highly effective interpersonal skills and the ability to build effective relationships across the organisation and with its stakeholders. In particular, through strong partnership working skills, you will nurture and enhance our relationship with the University.

Key dates:

• The closing date for applications is Friday 10th November 2023
• Final Interviews will be held on Monday 20th November 2023

To apply:

Your application should include on separate documents:

• a letter of application setting out your interest in the role and details of how you match the essential requirements in the Person Specification
• a comprehensive curriculum vitae
• details of two referees, your current remuneration and notice period (Referees will not be contacted without your permission)
• a completed Personal Details form (available below)
• a completed Equality Monitoring form (available below)

Please send your application to jobs@su.plymouth.ac.uk

Please contact Nicky Goldthorpe on nicky.goldthorpe@su.plymouth.ac.uk if you would welcome an informal discussion about the role.

Key documents:

UPSU Chief Executive Recruitment Pack (including Person Specification)

Personal Details Form

Equality Monitoring Form