Director of the Students' Union

The University of Law; Greater London; Remote; GBP 54,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave 30 days

Private Medical Scheme

Life Assurance

Contributory Pension

Season Ticket Loans

Job summary

The University of Law is seeking an exceptional Directors of the Students’ Union to shape its next chapter, govern effectively and strengthen student voice across multi-campus and online communities. You will set strategic direction, lead governance with the Governing Board, and drive independence while building partnerships with University leadership and external bodies.

A degree-level qualification or equivalent senior leadership experience is required.

Qualifications

• Extensive leadership within a Students’ Union and understanding of SU operations.
• Deep knowledge of SU governance and working with Governing Boards.
• Experience shaping strategy and delivering measurable outcomes.
• Ability to manage budgets, forecasting and financial sustainability.
• Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders and manage risk.
• Strong communication and relationship-building with diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Set the Union’s strategic direction and translate priorities into measurable outcomes for students.
• Strengthen democratic participation and student engagement across campuses and modes of study.
• Governance and independence: advise the Governing Board and evolve structures for future independence.
• Develop and empower the team to improve ways of working and capability.
• Lead budgeting, financial planning and risk management for sustainability.
• Build partnerships with University leadership and external partners to enhance impact.

Skills

Leadership experience

Governance & representation

Strategic planning

Financial acumen

Stakeholder management

Communication & relationships

Equality & inclusion

Education

Degree-level qualification or equivalent senior leadership experience

Job description

The University of Law is seeking an exceptional Students’ Union strategic leader to shape the next chapter of our Students’ Union and strengthen its impact on the student experience.

This is a significant leadership opportunity for someone who understands Students’ Union governance, democratic representation and the relationship between an SU, its elected officers, Governing Board and University. As a Director of the Students’ Union, you will set the strategic direction, strengthen student engagement and lead the organisation’s development towards greater independence.

This role is primarily remote with some travel as and when required.

As a Director of the Students' Union you will already have extensive knowledge of relevant higher education, Students’ Union and regulatory frameworks.

Although the role is remote, its reach is wide-ranging, spanning multi-campus and diverse student communities, including undergraduate, postgraduate, apprenticeship, online and international students. Working with elected student officers, the Students’ Union team, its Governing Board and senior leaders, you will help build an effective, inclusive and financially sustainable organisation that gives students a strong and independent voice.

The role of Director of the Students' Union:

• Strategic leadership: Set the Union’s direction and translate priorities into measurable outcomes for students.
• Student voice and representation: Strengthen democratic participation, advocacy and engagement across our diverse student communities and modes of study.
• Governance and independence: Work closely with the Governing Board, providing strategic advice, assurance and constructive challenge while developing the governance and operating arrangements required for future independence.
• Organisational development: Build on the strengths of the existing team, developing capability, improving ways of working and ensuring resources support the Union’s priorities.
• Financial sustainability: Lead financial planning, budgeting and risk management, identifying opportunities for income diversification, fundraising and external partnerships.
• Partnerships and impact: Build effective relationships with University leadership and external partners, using student insight and data to demonstrate impact and improve the student experience.

You will bring proven Students’ Union leadership experience, a strong understanding of democratic governance and the strategic capability to shape the Union’s future and lead its transition towards independence.

You will understand the importance of student representation, effective governance and maintaining an independent student voice while building constructive relationships with the University.

Essential criteria

• Significant leadership experience within a Students’ Union, with a strong understanding of SU operations, democratic representation and the student experience.
• Detailed practical knowledge of Students’ Union governance, including direct experience of working with an SU Governing Board or equivalent governing body.
• Understanding of the relationship between the Students’ Union, elected student officers, its Board and University leadership.
• Proven experience of developing and delivering strategy, leading organisational change and achieving measurable outcomes.
• Experience of leading teams, developing organisational capability and improving organisational effectiveness.
• Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, forecasting, resource allocation and financial sustainability.
• Experience of influencing senior stakeholders, managing organisational risk and providing strategic advice at Board or executive level.
• Experience of using data and insight to inform decisions and evaluate impact.
• Working knowledge of charity law and regulations, including registration and ongoing compliance.
• Working knowledge of employment law and, where relevant, TUPE and associated employment considerations.
• Degree-level qualification in a related subject or equivalent senior leadership experience.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with a strong commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion and democratic student representation.

You will bring resilience, integrity and the ability to balance strategic ambition with effective delivery, leading through ambiguity while developing people, strengthening partnerships and protecting the independence of the student voice.

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to shape the future of the Students’ Union, strengthen its influence and build the foundations for a sustainable, independent organisation with reach across our UK campuses and diverse student communities.

If you understand Students’ Union leadership from the inside, have experience working with an SU Governing Board and are ready to lead its next chapter, we would love to hear from you.

Closing date for applications is 15th November 2026

Why join us?

Along with a competitive salary of £60,000, you’ll enjoy:

• A generousannual leave entitlement of 30 days plus bank holidays
• Access to a wide range of staff and student discount platforms
• Private Medical Scheme and Life Assurance
• Contributory Pension Scheme
• Season Ticket Loans and Student Discounts

Benefits & Wellbeing information

Be part of a diverse and inclusive community

We are committed to ensuring our workforce is reflective of our diverse student population. We actively seek to increase representation across all backgrounds and identities, and we provide support and adjustments throughout the recruitment process.

For more information, please contact [e-mail]

Please note: For this opportunity, you must be able to prove you have the right to work in the UK - if in doubt please visit the following link Employers' right to work checklist - GOV.UK ( www.gov.uk ).

Please note we are not a licenced sponsor.

Some posts within the University are subject to a DBS check - you will be notified of this during the application process.