Work with us

*Actual Role Title: Union Projects Specialist 

The Post

The UPSU Projects Function is a flexible and responsive function that coordinates resources across the Union and supports the delivery of projects, campaigns or events quickly to meet student needs. This function ensures projects remain on track and objectives are met. The Projects Specialist post supports the delivery of the Targeted Support delivery team. Driving up student’s satisfaction with their course, UOP and enhancing their overall experience. The post holder will lead on the delivery of projects to provide skills, employability opportunities and other activities to develop students and will also be expected to project manage and deliver on a wide range of additional activities and events where required.

The Person

We are looking to recruit an enthusiastic, inspirational individual who is passionate about delivering an excellent student centred service. The post-holder will have experience of leading and managing projects and supporting and motivating people. The successful post holder will have strong project management skills and be able to devise, plan and execute appropriate activity to deliver against success measures. They will also have experience of training and empowering both staff and volunteers, with the confidence to deliver sessions to groups of students.

In addition, the post-holder will have excellent communication skills, an understanding of best practice in project management, a good understanding of both operational and reputational risk management and the skills and ability to handle competing priorities.

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 pro rata) and additional Christmas leave (University shutdown)
• Flexible working (e.g. flexitime, career break, paid time off for volunteering)
• 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 35 career staff, a further 100 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/your-union/careers.

For an informal conversation about this opportunity, please contact Ashley Martin, Senior Function Manager - Student Opportunities at ashley.martin@upsu.net

Closing date for applications: 13th January 2025
Interviews will be held on date: 22nd January 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.