Head of Student Services

Location: Remote working with the opportunity to attend the Leeds office.

Number of roles: 1

We are looking for a Head of Student Services to join our team. 

The Head of Student Services (Essex) at Kaplan Open Learning (KOL) will take overall responsibility for the operational management of all student-facing support services dedicated to supporting students studying a University of Essex Online programme, leading the Student Support, Disability Support, Student Experience and Study Skills teams. You will also play a critical role in supporting the delivery of the organisation’s strategic ambitions through achievement of key performance indicators, ensuring legislative and regulatory obligations are met, and overseeing the development of innovative and inclusive academic skills support.

This is a data driven and results-based role working in a fast-paced environment which requires responsive adaptability and a commitment to supporting growth.

Managing a busy workload, you will enjoy working collaboratively with multiple teams to ensure students are provided with the highest level of support and guidance across an expanding portfolio of programmes.

A detailed job description can be viewed here.  If the link does not work for you, please copy and paste the following URL into your web browser: https://tinyurl.com/9u2jf6wp

What you’ll bring to the role  

Essential Requirements

• Undergraduate Degree and experience of working in a fast-paced, dynamic HE environment.

• Strong leadership and people management experience

• Excellent communication skills and evidence of successfully delivering complex and difficult messages to staff in an appropriate, professional way.

• Evidence of an ability to think strategically and with agility.

• Evidence of ability to oversee, support and help deliver change.

• Evidence of ability to use rigorous data collection, management and analysis to drive decision making.

• Confidence to take ownership of problems and use initiative to find solutions.

• Evidence of ability to undertake independent work to tight deadlines.

• Proven credibility with key internal and external stakeholders including the ability to engage with senior staff and colleagues in a variety of roles.

• High level of emotional intelligence, including resilience, self-awareness and tact.

• High level of IT skills with an ability to embrace new technology.

Desirable Requirements

• Postgraduate degree or studying toward a Postgraduate degree.

• Awareness and engagement with strategic issues relating to student services in the HE sector. 

What we do 

Kaplan Open Learning is one of the world’s largest and most experienced providers of online degree education. We currently work with two UK partner Universities to deliver undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes. Our students complete their studies through online learning using our interactive virtual classroom with rich multi-media resources which provide a gateway to a learning community supported by a dedicated academic and professional services team.    

Our mission is to continue to transform students’ lives and careers by delivering and expanding our suite of innovative, industry led and career enhancing higher education programmes. 

What we offer  

As well as a competitive salary, hybrid/home working where possible, and paths for career progression, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:  

• 28 days annual leave* 

• Big discounts on Kaplan courses for you and your family

• 24/7 confidential helpline providing counselling and other support services 

• Company pension contributions 

• Maternity, Adoption, Shared Parental and Paternity/Partner pay which is well above statutory levels 

• Medicash Health Cash Plan  

*Please note that the annual leave entitlement will be calculated on a pro rata basis if the role is part time.  

How to apply 

To apply, please submit your CV and a covering letter of no more than 600 words explaining how you meet the following three essential criteria. Please provide direct examples where possible:

• Strong leadership and people management experience

• Evidence of ability to oversee, support and help deliver change.

• Confidence to take ownership of problems and use initiative to find solutions.

The closing date is 2 February 2025. Note, we recommend that you apply at the earliest as we reserve the right to close the role before the closing date if we have gathered a suitable shortlist.

Additional Application Information 

As part of our commitment to safeguarding, depending on the nature of the role, successful candidates may be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.  

A sponsorship licence is a legal requirement for employers seeking to hire individuals from outside the UK or those who require a work visa to work in the country. Unfortunately, Kaplan Open Learning do not possess this licence at this time. 

Application Support  

If you require support completing the application or wish to talk to someone about the role, please email the Recruitment Team kaplanstaff.recruitment@kaplan.com

Disability Confident Scheme and Reasonable Adjustments 

At Kaplan International, we are committed to working in a diverse organisation and strive to provide equality of opportunity for all. We encourage and welcome applications from individuals, regardless of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment or identity, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnership.  

Following the submission of an application, applicants will receive details of how to request their application be considered under our Disability Confident Scheme.  Applicants will also be given information on how to request reasonable adjustments if selected for interview.