About The Team: Student Services comprise a range of geographically dispersed student service teams, delivering a high-quality service to a broad range of tertiary students (including further education, work-based learners, distance learners, undergraduate and postgraduate students). These support services are aimed at empowering our students to thrive in a culture of inclusivity and belonging, where every student feels valued and supported in their learning and development, including their broader student experience. The opportunity The postholder will report directly to the Provost and Deputy Principal and be a member of SRUC's Academic Leadership Team. The role is responsible for the strategic and operational direction of SRUC's student services including: Careers advice and guidance Counselling, wellbeing, financial and pastoral support Learning support Library support Campus administration Widening participation The postholder will: Provide strategic leadership for the enhancement of SRUC's student services, including the streamlining of all related systems and processes. Develop and implement coherent and effective cross-SRUC student services and associated policies and procedures. Provide strong and collegial leadership of the Student Services team, supporting and nurturing them through proactive professional and personal development. Monitor and evaluate mechanisms for student services provided by SRUC establishing and reporting against agreed Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and using this information to inform strategic and operational planning for improvement in service delivery. Establish effective working relationships and liaison with key contacts both internally and externally, including student organisations, SRUC teams, relevant external agencies, networks, and forums to ensure that student services are effectively and efficiently delivered. Lead the coordination of SRUC induction and welcome activities. Contribute to relevant SRUC strategies including Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, and Widening Access and Participation. Chair the Student Support and Engagement Committee. Contribute to statutory reporting for the areas of responsibility. This will include liaising with Registry to collect, collate and report on student characteristics and providing a whole SRUC view of student support service efforts and their success to the funding council and other governmental bodies. The post holder will liaise with academics and support staff outside of their own team to gather, synthesise and present a view on a wide range of activities related to current and future students. Oversee, manage, and monitor the budget for SRUC's student services, contributing to financial management and planning. As hybrid working arrangements are currently in place, flexibility of location within Scotland may be considered. Minimum Qualifications: Qualified to at least SQCF level 9 (e.g. Bachelors/Ordinary Degree), in a relevant area. Ideally qualified to SCQF level 11 (e.g. Masters degree or Postgraduate Certificate/ Diploma), in a relevant area. Membership of relevant professional networks and/or bodies. OR Demonstrable comparable occupational experience Driving licence as occasional travel to remote areas not covered by public transport may feature in this role. Required Skills and Experience: Experience of strategic planning, target setting, evaluation, and reporting preferably in an HEI environment. Experience of successful partnership working with internal and external colleagues to support the learning, development, and welfare of students. Proven effective leader of individuals and teams. Experience of leading change in a complex organisation. Experience of managing budgets and other resources e.g. physical. Proven record of evaluative ability, to recognise areas for improvement and plan for excellence. Understanding of the strategic role of Student Services in supporting student learning, development, and welfare within a tertiary organisation with both campus and work-based/distance delivery. Excellent communication, negotiating and influencing skills to facilitate, support and enhance an inclusive culture of supporting students at SRUC; able to engage at all levels in the organisation. Ability to write and present in a style which is understandable to both internal and external audiences. Strong IT skills across common business software platforms e.g. Word, Excel etc. Ability to work collaboratively, and cross-functionally. Highly organised and able to deliver to deadlines. Desirable Skills and Experience: Experience of managing change within an education setting. Experience of working on national initiatives / participating in strategic groups. For full person specification, please read the Job Particulars document. Admin ref: AJN/AS/020/24 Why work for SRUC? Generous annual leave Enhanced pension contributions (5% employee and 10% employer) Cycle to work scheme Discounted RAC Membership Generous family leave Flexible working patterns Hybrid working solutions (in some areas) Tailored investment in and individuals' learning and development How to Apply: Please complete an online application form clicking ‘Apply'. Please fully read the Job Particulars document before applying. Closing date for applications: 8 January 2025 Interview date(s): Stage one: 23/01/2025 or 03/02/2025 SRUC Leading the way in Agricultural and Rural Research, Education & Consultancy. SRUC is committed to valuing Diversity, advancing Equality and respecting Human Rights throughout the organisation and encouraging applications from disabled people using the “Disability Confident Employer” symbol. SRUC is a member of the Athena SWAN charter. SRUC. A Charitable company limited by guarantee, SC003712. Registered in Scotland No SC103046