Work with us

*Actual Title: Advice Function Manager 

We are looking for a proactive, team-oriented individual who is dedicated to leading a team to provide support and guidance to students on the university's academic policies and procedures.

The Post

The Student Advice Service Function Manager is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the Union’s Advice Service; this includes the physical and digital delivery of impartial advice and advocacy for students on issues affecting University of Portsmouth students. The post holder will provide Operational Leadership of the delivery of a physical and digital service, supporting/ representing students and quality assuring University policies which affect students. They will work with students, the University and other stakeholders to develop and maintain an exceptional student centred service for the provision of advice. They are also responsible for ensuring the annual objectives of the Advice Service function and relatable elements of the Union’s strategy are set and met.

The Person

We are looking to recruit a motivated, inspirational individual who is passionate about delivering an excellent student centred service. The post-holder will have experience of providing advice and support to clients in an advisory capacity/professional setting, supporting and motivating a staff team and will demonstrate experience in developing and increasing service provision. The individual will demonstrate the skills necessary to develop new initiatives and support the delivery of strategic and student led projects that inspire participants. In addition, the post-holder will have excellent communication skills, an understanding of best practice in supporting Union representatives, the skills to undertake and present research, analyse data and have the ability to handle competing priorities. An understanding of the complex issues faced by students in a Higher Education setting is essential

What we offer

• Strong team mentality, supportive and sociable workplace
• Regular training opportunities and team development days
• 38 days holiday (30 days annual leave + 8 bank holidays) and additional Christmas leave (University shutdown)
• Flexible working (e.g. flexitime, career break, paid time off for volunteering)
• 35 hour week
• Enhanced sick pay, maternity, paternity or adoption leave
• Access to University staff benefits: discounted gym membership, free library membership, bike safe
• Employee Assistance Programme

The Organisation

The University of Portsmouth Students’ Union (The Union or UPSU for short) is a forward thinking, friendly organisation with a vision of “delivering a positive impact with every Portsmouth student”. As a charity led by its values and guided by its members, we offer a wide range of services and activities to support and enrich the lives of our students. UPSU employs approximately 30 career staff, a further 30 student staff and we work with over 1000 registered student volunteers and over 100 student groups.

Further Information

For more information on this opportunity and how to apply, please visit www.upsu.net/careers. For an informal conversation about this opportunity, please contact Brendan McCarthy, on brendan.mccarthy@upsu.net or 02392 843648

Closing date for applications: Midday, 25th April 2025
Interviews will be held on date: 8th May 2025 

We kindly ask that candidates do not send CVs or cover letters as these will not be considered. You can find an application form on our website.

Anonymous shortlisting will be carried out for this role to ensure a fair and consistent approach to recruitment. We will not disclose any personal details to the shortlisting panel. Any documents or links with identifying information will not be used during shortlisting, but can be submitted if you are selected for an interview.

We are strongly dedicated to embedding equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) within our community and we are passionate about creating a welcoming and inclusive environment which supports everyone from recruitment through to appointment, regardless of your background. We welcome applications from all talented people and as part of this commitment, we are working to improve the diversity of our workforce to ensure that it is as relevant and representative of our student community as possible and are actively encouraging applications from underrepresented groups.

The Union is a MINDFUL EMPLOYER® and we are committed to creating a supportive and open culture and actively support the mental wellbeing of all staff.

Due to the high number of applicants, if you have not heard from UPSU by the interview date you should assume you have been unsuccessful in your application.