Advertised from 24 October 2025

Role

Let's tell you more about what we're looking for...

Are you a visionary leader with a passion for transforming student experiences? Do you thrive on turning data and insights into tangible magic? If you put students first, always, and lead with authenticity and engagement, then this is your chance to make a real impact.

About Us

Heriot-Watt Student Union is dedicated to making student life better. We're the voice, the support, and the driving force behind an exceptional university experience for every student. We're a dynamic team with big ambitions, and we're looking for a Head of Student Engagement to take us to the next level.

The Role

As Head of Student Engagement, you'll be the architect of our student engagement strategy, ensuring we connect with students in meaningful ways that enhance their university journey. You'll lead a high-performing team, drive innovation, and champion the student voice at every level.

Please note: This is a maternity leave cover position, starting ASAP and continuing until April 2027

What You'll Do

• Strategic Vision & Delivery: Develop and deliver a student-first engagement strategy that aligns with the Union's goals and exceeds student expectations.
• Data-Driven Magic: Transform data and insights into tangible initiatives that create amazing experiences for students.
• Team Leadership: Inspire and empower your team to deliver exceptional results, fostering a culture of ownership and accountability.
• Student Champion: Ensure the student voice is heard and amplified, shaping decisions at the highest level.
• Relationship Building: Strengthen partnerships with the University and external stakeholders to maximize impact.

Important: This is a campus-based position, requiring a regular on-site presence.

Salary: £38,000 - £50,000 per annum (dependent on experience; salary up to £50,000 for an exceptional candidate).**

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Aviva Defined Contribution Pension
• 4x Death in Service life cover
• 28-33 days holiday (dependent on service) plus 9 Building closed days
• Training & Development Opportunities
• 25% discount on most purchases in our coffee shop, bar (food) and shop
• Discounted High Street Retail vouchers
• Cashback prepaid Credit Card
• Cycle to work scheme
• Home & Tech scheme
• Electric Vehicle Scheme* (*restrictions may apply)
• Buy extra holiday scheme (up to 10 days extra)

Your Superpowers

• You're a visionary, seeing the future of student engagement and making it happen.
• You're a strategist and a doer, balancing big-picture thinking with hands-on leadership.
• You're an authentic and engaging leader who empowers their team to achieve greatness.
• You're a data alchemist, turning insights into engagement gold.
• Above all, you put **Students First. Always.

Essential Criteria

• Proven experience in a strategic leadership role, with demonstrable impact.
• A passion for student engagement and a deep understanding of the student experience.
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and influencing skills.
• Experience of managing a high-performing team and developing individuals.
• A track record of delivering measurable outcomes in student engagement or related fields.

Application notes

More information available on our website.

If you're ready to lead the charge for student success, we want to hear from you! Please send your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role to [email protected]

Interviews will be held in person at the Union on 27 November.

Heriot-Watt Student Union is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all backgrounds.