Academic Skills Officer

We are pleased to be recruiting for an enthusiastic Academic Skills Officer (Pre-entry) to join our award-winning Learn with US Transition team and work in the Widening Participation and Social Mobility (WPSM) directorate at the University of Southampton. Based at Highfield Campus, the role contributes to the University’s academic skills provision to support the strategic aims of the University’s Access and Participation Plan (APP) which seeks to widen access to Higher Education for students from disadvantaged and underrepresented backgrounds.

The role 

As an Academic Skills Officer (Pre-entry), you will proactively promote and support the delivery of the Learn with US Transition programme. Your primary focus will be on supporting school and college students nationwide in completing research-based qualifications, such as the Level 3 Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), to help prospective students prepare for Higher Education. You will contribute to the design and delivery of both in-person and virtual attainment-raising activities such as interactive workshops and campus visits. Additionally, you will help create innovative online learning resources, such as the “Developing Your Research Project” FutureLearn course and deliver professional development opportunities to teachers, enhancing their confidence in supporting students undertaking research projects.

Furthermore, you will contribute to the evaluation of the programme and regularly reflect on your practice to ensure activities align with the University’s widening participation goals. While your main focus will be working with school and colleges, you will also contribute to the University’s wider academic skills provision, supporting learners throughout the entire student lifecycle. 

About you

We are looking for someone who thrives in a dynamic environment and is open to exploring innovative solutions to meet the evolving needs of students and teachers. You will have good educational knowledge, perhaps gained through experience of working in schools or universities, along with a solid understanding of research methods. 

As the Learn with US Transition programme is established amongst a range of schools and colleges, you will be adept at building and maintaining effective relationships with key stakeholders such as teachers and students. Strong communication skills and experience delivering presentations to effectively engage a diverse range of audiences are essential.

The postholder requires a full, clean driving licence and a willingness to travel, with occasional overnight stays and out-of-hours working where necessary, following consultation with your line manager. We are committed to fostering a culture of equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from individuals who share our values and support our mission of inclusivity. If you are proactive, enthusiastic and committed to supporting students from underrepresented backgrounds, we would love to hear from you.

 What we can offer you

You will be part of a friendly team working in a supportive, collaborative and developmental environment. The role is offered on a full-time permanent contract and will be based at our lively Highfield Campus where you will have access to our facilities, including Hartley Library and the newly refurbished Jubilee Sport and Recreation Centre. 

Other benefits include a generous annual leave allowance (supplemented by University closure days and public holidays) and family leave arrangements (including maternity, paternity, adoption and parental leave). Find out about the staff benefits offered by the University by visiting our website.

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact:

Katrina Lueddeke: K.M.Lueddeke@soton.ac.uk.

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