Director of Student Services

Do you have proven experience in leading the delivery of student and support services and a dedication to providing a transformative student experience?

At the University of Kent, we are seeking a new Director of Student Services to continue and build upon our award-winning work in this space, placing our diverse, passionate and independent students at the heart of what we do.

You will play a key part in developing the University for the future, providing strategic leadership and operational oversight to a range of student services including Student Support and Wellbeing, Student Conduct and Complaints, Student Life, and Careers and Employability.

We are looking for a visionary leader who can guide and manage these areas to deliver an excellent student experience at a time of significant change in the sector. You will shape the non-academic aspects of student life, ensuring that all students can get the support and resources they need to thrive. The role is demanding and rewarding, and pivotal to the achievement of our ambitions as a university.

As Director of Student Services, you can expect to be involved in:

leading on the development of strategic initiatives, working closely with Kent Students’ Union and other senior managers to improve all aspects of student life and experience;developing, managing and implementing institutional strategies, policies, procedures and guidance to support all Kent students, developing clear and concise evidence-based and analytic reports to support decisions;leading on the development, implementation and evaluation of student initiatives to support and promote student safety and student life, enhancing the University’s reputation in the local community and strengthening good community relations;leading on the strategic development, implementation, co-ordination and monitoring of student equality, diversity and inclusivity to ensure the promotion and sharing of good practice across the University, legal compliance and accountability to the University Council.

What will you bring to the role?

Proven expertise and experience in the delivery of student services such as student support and wellbeing, careers and employability, or student life and community;Experience of working within and substantial knowledge of the Higher Education (or related) sector and an understanding and/or key appreciation of the challenges facing it;Experience of responding to, and as a consequence the management of, the high-level risks that are associated with student services;Excellent and effective negotiation, influencing and communication skills, giving you the ability to deal confidently and diplomatically with a range of people at all levels.

What we can offer in return:

At Kent, you can expect a friendly, open and collaborative working environment and support in your development and wellbeing. You'll enjoy a range of great staff benefits including:

43 days' leave per year (personal leave, bank holidays and additional days allocated for the Christmas period, pro rata for part-time staff)Excellent pension scheme with generous employer contributionsComprehensive and flexible relocation package for eligible candidatesCorporate employee-funded healthcare plan, in partnership with Benenden Health

For more information about what you can look forward to if you join us, visit our dedicated webpage: Working at Kent

Full details of the role and the University are available in the Candidate Brief, available to download below.

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Professor Richard Reece, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Education and Student Experience via dvceducation@kent.ac.uk

To apply, click on ‘Apply online’ and complete the application form. Please upload your CV and a cover letter of no more than two A4 sides outlining your suitability for the role with evidence against the essential criteria being assessed at application stage (see Candidate Brief document).

For further information about the application process, please contact peopleserviceshr@kent.ac.uk quoting ref: OTR-206-24

We are ambitious for our people, our communities and the region we serve – join us in making the world a better place. Visit our website for more on who we are: http://www.kent.ac.uk/about/

Closing Date: 30 Sep 2024

Section: Senior Management

Salary: Attractive salary on Senior Professional Services scale