Head of Belonging and Support
Create Connection, Belonging and Opportunity for Students.
At the heart of every great student experience is a sense of belonging - and we're looking for a leader who can help create it.
This is an exciting opportunity to shape how students connect, participate and access support across Exeter Students’ Guild. As our Head of Belonging and Support, you will lead the systems, services and communities that help students build confidence, develop relationships and make the most of their university experience. You'll oversee student-led activity, communities, volunteering and independent advice services, ensuring they are accessible, inclusive and designed around student needs. As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, you'll play a pivotal role in creating opportunities for all students to engage, thrive and progress into leadership. If you're a strategic leader who is passionate about inclusion, empowerment and creating meaningful student experiences, we'd love to hear from you.
The Role
Role: Head of Belonging and Support
Hours: 35 hours per week (worked flexibly)
Salary: Grade E £52,055.01 - £55,225.18
Contract: Full Time, Fixed Term for 2 years
Location: Exeter/Hybrid
Who are we?
Exeter Students’ Guild is the University of Exeter’s students’ union, led by students for students. We’re an independent charity, offering a wide range of opportunities, services and support to help students get the most out of their unique journeys at university. This includes everything from social activities to making sure things are going well on their academic course. We have over 300 student groups and all of our work is led by, and in the best interest of our members.
The Guild is a truly rewarding place to work. Our talented and passionate staff make a real difference to the lives of students every single day, working together to achieve the Guild’s purpose: to shape an excellent student experience for all students at Exeter by empowering them to take their place in the world and make a positive difference. We are looking for people who recognise that the Guild is student-led and share a genuine passion for student engagement and empowerment. If you share a commitment to our values and want to be part of a radically inclusive organisation with a seriously exciting future ahead, we can’t wait to hear from you.
What will you bring?
- You'll have significant experience leading participation, engagement, student support, or community-focused services at a strategic level.
- You'll be able to design and improve systems that make it easy for people to engage, access support and achieve their goals.
- You’ll have a strong understanding of inclusion, belonging and the barriers that can prevent people from participating fully.
- You’ll be confident leading complex services involving safeguarding, risk management and stakeholder partnerships.
- You’ll know how to build strong relationships, influence a range of stakeholders and work collaboratively to achieve shared outcomes.
- You’ll be an empowering leader who develops people through coaching, support and inclusive leadership.
- You'll share our commitment to student empowerment, equitable access and creating opportunities for all students to thrive.
We offer lots of great benefits including enhanced family pay, at least 6-weeks’ holiday, sustainable travel incentives, access to exclusive discounts and perks and a free confidential advice service. We’re committed to helping you achieve a healthy balance between your work and home life through a real commitment to flexible and hybrid working. We also provide access to great development opportunities, including a personal development budget for you to spend on sharpening your skills. We’ll also help you to gain valuable experience, ensuring that you have opportunities to grow your career both here at the Guild and beyond.
Inclusion is central to the Guild. We approach our work collaboratively, empower our people and celebrate our uniqueness. If you’re driven to empower others and achieve great things, you’ll fit right in. Our people are proud of who they are and value each other’s differences, and we are committed to creating a diverse community that is radically inclusive of race, gender, age, religion, identity and experience.
To view the role profile and to find out more about us and what we do to help our students LOVE Exeter, please visit our website www.exeterguild.com
For general enquiries, please contact us at [email protected]
How to Apply?
NOTE: To apply for this position, you will need to submit your application via our recruitment portal located on our website. We are not accepting applications via Indeed on this occasion. Website: www.exeterguild.com
Application Timeline
- Closing Date: 9am 24 August
- Shortlisting: 25 – 27 August
- Assessment Day: 9-10 September
Please submit your application via our recruitment portal. You will need to provide an up-to-date copy of your CV, and answer the following questions related to the person specification for the role:
- Describe a significant system or service redesign you have led. What changes did you make, what informed your approach, and what was the impact?
- Describe a situation where you had to balance autonomy, empowerment or participation with safety, compliance or organisational risk. What tensions did you need to navigate, how did you approach the challenge, and what impact did your decision have?
- Tell us about a time when you identified and addressed barriers that were preventing people from engaging, participating or accessing opportunities. How did you identify the issue, what action did you take, and what was the impact?
Please note:
- We will contact you to let you know the outcome of your application. This can sometimes take a few days.
- You must be able to provide proof of your right to work in the UK before starting work with us. We are not currently able to sponsor employees requiring a visa.
- Applications received after the above closing date will not be considered.
A message from your new Manager, Alison Chambers, Chief Executive
At the Guild, we know that belonging doesn't happen by accident. It takes intentional design, inclusive communities and effective support systems to help students feel that they have a place where they can be themselves and succeed.
As Head of Belonging and Support, you'll lead that work at a strategic level, shaping how students connect, participate and access support throughout their time at Exeter. You'll join a talented and ambitious team that cares deeply about students and isn't afraid to think differently. If you're a collaborative leader who enjoys creating opportunities for others and turning big ideas into meaningful impact, I would love to hear from you! If you would like an informal chat about this role please get in touch via [email protected]
Pay: £52,055.00-£55,225.00 per year
Benefits:
- Additional leave
- Casual dress
- Company events
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Discounted or free food
- Enhanced maternity leave
- Enhanced paternity leave
- Health & wellbeing programme
- Paid volunteer time
- Sick pay
- Work from home
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Exeter EX4 4PZ
