Student Engagement & Development Officer

The Student Engagement & Development Officer supports the Residence Life team in fostering safe, diverse and inclusive communities within university accommodation. The role leads daily E&D operations, manages a small team, and delivers a range of events and activities that enhance the residential student experience.

Responsibilities

• Events organisation and management:
  • Support the Lead Residence Life Manager in planning and delivering a robust programme of events and activities.
  • Lead the planning, organisation and project management of large‑scale events, including risk assessments, bookings, administrative tasks, liaison with external providers and budget management.
  • Delegate roles to E&D staff, brief them and act as the main contact for events.
  • Liaise with wider teams (EFM/ACS, University and Students’ Union) to support event delivery.
  • Collect and evaluate event data (attendance, satisfaction, impact) and produce reports for internal and external stakeholders.
  • Coordinate regular evaluation reports summarising key measures, budget status and overall performance for the Lead Residence Life Manager.
  • Manage the delegated events budget, monitor spending and ensure cost‑effective decisions.
  • Input into the annual E&D service review and develop recommendations for improvement.
• Communications and Marketing:
  • Collaborate with the Lead Residence Life Manager and ACS UNICUS Marketing team to develop marketing and communications strategies.
  • Create and promote content for events through webpages, newsletters, emails and social media.
  • Analyse longitudinal feedback from students and stakeholders and report findings.
  • Support the annual review and update of the Residence Life webpage content.
  • Contribute to short‑ and medium‑term projects arising from service improvement initiatives.
  • Maintain knowledge of best practice and develop new ideas through research and networking.
• Line Management:
  • Line‑manage two E&D Coordinators (G5), including objective setting, performance reviews and regular one‑to‑one meetings.
  • Provide support for event delivery, marketing and promotion, and act as escalation point for the Residence Life Engagement inbox and database management.
• Other responsibilities:
  • Deputise for the Lead Residence Life Manager as required.
  • Represent Residence Life at meetings and events such as Open Days, Housing Fair, Activities Fair, and Arrivals Weekend.
  • Adapt duties flexibly to reflect changing service needs.
  • Demonstrate commitment to professional behaviours and ethical decision‑making, embedding the University sustainability strategy where possible.
  • Perform any other duties commensurate with the grade of the post.

Essential Qualifications

• Good honours degree (or equivalent experience).
• Knowledge and understanding of current issues and context within Higher Education.
• Excellent interpersonal, presentation and communication skills.
• Experience in designing, organising and managing complex events, including budget management and risk assessments.
• Excellent IT and media skills, including internet and creative packages.
• Excellent record‑keeping skills, maintaining accurate records and processing data (including student feedback).
• Effective organisational and time‑management skills to prioritise a varied workload and meet deadlines.
• Excellent customer service skills, with the ability to identify additional service requirements or shortfalls.
• Experience of managing and reviewing individual progress, ensuring alignment with team and organisational priorities.
• Proven ability to undertake diverse projects to develop service improvements in support of departmental objectives.
• Ability to handle sensitive information with integrity and in accordance with GDPR and other legal requirements.

Desirable Qualifications

• Relevant additional experience or qualifications in higher education operations, community development or event management.

Benefits

• A minimum of 38 days annual leave (including bank holidays), with the option to purchase additional days.
• Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid options for some roles.
• Generous pension scheme.
• Wide range of staff network opportunities (Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
• Recognition awards for outstanding contributions.
• Commitment to professional development, learning, and mentoring schemes.
• Family‑friendly policies, including paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies, support for menopause, paid time off and support for fertility treatment.

Employment Details

• Grade: 6
• Salary: £32,080 – £36,636 per annum
• Working arrangement: Full time, permanent
• Closing Date: 08/07/2026
• Disability Confident Employer – applicants meeting essential criteria will be invited to interview.

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