Head of Advocacy

Sheffield Hallam Students' Union; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous paid holidays

Flexible working patterns

TOTUM discount card

Personal development opportunities

Job summary

Sheffield Hallam Students' Union is seeking an inspiring Head of Advocacy to lead our student voice, representation, advice, wellbeing and democratic engagement functions. The role is based in Sheffield with a 35-hour working week and a salary of £42,436.

You will lead three teams, work with elected officers and university partners to drive improvements to the student experience, empower diverse voices, and deliver impactful services and opportunities.

Qualifications

• Experience leading services in education or advocacy.
• Proven ability to build and develop high-performing teams.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills.
• Commitment to equality, inclusion and diverse student voices.

Responsibilities

• Oversee strategic development of student democracy and advocacy.
• Lead three teams delivering advocacy, welfare and representation services.
• Collaborate with elected officers and university partners.
• Drive initiatives improving the student experience across Hallam students.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Team development

Stakeholder engagement

Evidence-based decision making

Inclusion and social impact

Job description

Head of Advocacy

£42,436

35 hours

Hallam SU is seeking an inspiring and strategic Head of Advocacy to lead our student voice, representation, advice, wellbeing and democratic engagement functions. At Hallam Student Union, you'll have the opportunity to make a real difference to students lives, lead innovative work that drives positive change, and be part of an ambitious and values-driven organisation.

Who we are

Here at the Union, we provide services, opportunities, and facilities for our diverse membership of over 35,000 students. With students at the very heart of all we do, the Students' Union exists to represent students' academic interests, help them to look after their wellbeing and ensure we give our students quality opportunities during their time at Sheffield Hallam.

What’s the job?

Accountable for the strategic development and operational delivery of our student democracy, representation, campaigning, advice service and welfare work; delivered through the 3 operational teams that comprise the Advocacy business unit. This is a pivotal leadership role, responsible for ensuring that students are at the heart of decision‑making across the University while leading high‑performing teams that deliver impactful services and opportunities.

Working closely with elected officers, student leaders and University partners, you will drive initiatives that improve the academic and wider student experience for all Hallam students.

Who you are:

We're looking for a collaborative and influential leader with experience of developing services, leading teams, using insight to inform strategy, and building strong stakeholder relationships. You'll be passionate about equality, inclusion and ensuring diverse student voices are heard and acted upon.

What you'll bring:

• Strategic leadership experience within a student, education, membership or advocacy environment.
• A track record of leading and developing successful teams.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and influencing skills.
• Experience of using evidence and insight to drive organisational improvement.
• A commitment to student empowerment, inclusion and social impact.

Why apply?

Apart from being paid for a job you will love, there are other benefits for joining us. We have a culturally diverse and progressive atmosphere; you will get generous paid holidays and the option of flexible working patterns. We are professionals and take pride in the work that we do but we also do not take ourselves too seriously, so expect a casual dress code and work environment. You will also be eligible to apply for a TOTUM (NUS Extra) discount card, accessing a range of savings from leading retailers. Alongside that, we understand the value and importance of our staff continuously developing personally and professionally.

We’re committed to equality of opportunity for all. We welcome applications from individuals regardless of their race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, age, gender, or disability status. We want to support diverse and inclusive work environments and are actively looking for people who share our values.

If you would like any further information or an informal enquiry about the role please contact Jenny Booth, our Commercial & Income Director, at [e-mail]

Closing date for receipt of all applications is 10am on 9 November 2026

Interviews are planned to be held on 23 November 2026