Head of the Students' Union

Location: Camden (Kings Cross, London) / Hawkshead (nr Potters Bar, Herts)

Closing Date: 23.59 hours BST on Friday 19 April 2024

Interview Date: To be confirmed

The Position

An exciting opportunity for an outstanding leader has arisen at the Royal Veterinary College Students’ Union (RVCSU). We are seeking a new Head of the RVCSU, who will support our elected non-sabbatical officers, the Board of Trustees and a small team of staff to deliver our vision for an outstanding student experience.

The RVCSU and the Royal Veterinary College have a proud history of shaping the lives of students and providing a transformative experience. We have a diverse and vibrant community of over 2500 students, both undergraduate and postgraduate, across two campuses in London and Hertfordshire. 

As the Head of the RVCSU, you will provide strategic leadership and operational management, bringing new ideas and perspectives to develop and expand the portfolio of events, activities, and services that the Students’ Union provide.

The Person

We are looking for a candidate who will provide leadership and who will support and develop the elected officers and staff to collectively deliver the strategic aims of the SU and enhance the student experience.

We are looking for candidates with a proven track record in inspirational and inclusive leadership, who can turn a strategy into reality and who thrive on change. You will excel in managing and developing people and have excellent communication skills. You will have a good understanding of charity governance, financial management and organisational development. You will be an innovative thinker who encourages the sharing of ideas, with the ability to build collaborative relationships both within and external to the RVCSU.

You may have experience working as a senior manager in Students’ Unions or more broadly in service delivery to students in the Higher Education sector in the UK. It is not essential that you come from the Higher Education sector, but you must be able to demonstrate a good understanding of the issues that affect students.

We offer a generous reward package including: 

• Competitive and attractive pension package
• Generous 30 days annual leave (plus bank holidays and concessionary days) pro-rata
• On site café and restaurant
• Free membership to the Fitness and Wellbeing Centre located on site 
• Cycle to work scheme
• Free mini-bus service to and from Potters Bar station and Hawkshead Campus
• A range of family friendly policies, including adoption, maternity and paternity pay and leave

Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact Prof Imelda McGonnell, Vice Principal for Students on +44 202 7468 1223 or email: imcgonnell@rvc.ac.uk

We promote equality of opportunity and diversity within the workplace and welcome applications from all sections of the community. 

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