Introduction
At the University of Southampton, we are committed to excellence in education, research and enterprise, applying our insight and inventiveness to solve complex global challenges. As a founding member of the Russell Group and a top 1% global university, we are ambitious for our students’ success.
Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise (CESE) is an essential part of the University, responsible for supporting our students and graduates to plan their future career paths and develop essential enterprising skills. We are a team of about 60 staff, covering the full range of careers, employability and student enterprise activities.
This is an exciting opportunity to lead Career Advantage – our new international employability programme – and shape a distinctive, high-impact offer that enhances outcomes and opportunities for international students in the UK and in-country.
The role
As Head of Career Advantage, you will provide strategic leadership, operational management and ongoing development of this high-profile international programme. Working within Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise (CESE), you will design and deliver a coherent, data-informed service aligned to the University Strategy, International Strategic Plan and Employability Action Plan.
You will lead and develop an international team (UK, India and China based) of 9 staff, set clear service standards and targets, manage budget and resources, and build a robust evidence base to demonstrate impact, particularly in relation to international graduate outcomes.
The role involves close partnership working with colleagues across the University, including Global Recruitment & Admissions and Development & Alumni Relations, as well as external stakeholders such as employers, professional bodies and in-country partners. You will also retain a caseload, delivering high-quality careers education, guidance and coaching to international students through workshops, embedded curriculum activity and 1:1 support.
Occasional international travel and some evening/weekend work will be required.
About you
You will hold a Level 7 careers guidance qualification recognised by the Career Development Institute and bring significant experience in higher education careers and employability.
We are looking for someone who:
- Has substantial experience of working with international students and understands the opportunities and challenges they face
- Has an understanding of the wider strategic picture of how HE careers and employability supports students to succeed in different graduate labour markets
- Has experience of building effective stakeholder relationships and delivering positive service outcomes
This is an exciting opportunity for anyone looking for a management role including both strategic and operational responsibilities. We would strongly encourage you to contact us for an informal discussion about the role. If you are interested in finding out more, please contact Katy Gordon: K.J.B.Gordon@soton.ac.uk
We are committed to supporting our staff and students, we are open to a flexible and hybrid working approach.
As well as benefits such as a generous holiday allowance and additional university closure days, we will support your long-term future too, with access to the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS), subsidised health and fitness facilities and a range of discounts.
We welcome applicants that value the diversity of our community and are willing to play their part in supporting the mission of inclusivity.
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