Student Success Advisor

Royal College of Art; City Of London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious creative institution in London seeks a Student Success Advisor to provide first-line support and guidance to students. Responsibilities include delivering high-quality advice and acting as a compassionate point of contact for students in crisis. Ideal candidates should possess experience in welfare services and strong communication skills. Join the institution committed to empowering students and promoting inclusion.

Qualifications

• Experience in welfare, advice, or support services is essential.
• Ability to adapt communication approach to a diverse student body.
• Understanding of equality, diversity, and inclusive practice.

Responsibilities

• Provide first-line support and guidance to students.
• Deliver responsive, high-quality advice through various channels.
• Act as a first point of contact for students in crisis.

Skills

Experience in welfare or support services

Excellent communication skills

Problem-solving abilities

Mental Health First Aid training

Job description

In this pivotal frontline role, you'll provide first-line support and guidance to students across all aspects of university life - from financial advice and wellbeing support to housing and academic processes. You'll play a key part in ensuring that every student feels heard, supported, and empowered to thrive.

Responsibilities

• Deliver responsive, high-quality advice through drop-ins, appointments, and the College's enquiry management system.
• Provide one-to-one casework on issues including financial support, disability, housing, wellbeing, complaints, and academic appeals.
• Act as a calm, compassionate first point of contact for students in crisis, using your mental health first aid skills to triage and signpost appropriately.
• Support students through key processes such as the Disabled Students Allowance and hardship or scholarship funding applications.
• Collaborate closely with academic and professional services colleagues to ensure seamless, inclusive student support.
• Contribute to events, campaigns, and communications that promote wellbeing, inclusion, and belonging across the RCA community.

You'll work within the Student Centre, a vibrant hub that brings together multiple student-facing services. The Centre is designed to promote inclusion, community, and belonging - putting students at the heart of the RCA experience.

Qualifications

• Experience in welfare, advice, or support services (e.g. higher education, charity, or community settings).
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to adapt your approach to a diverse student body.
• A clear understanding of equality, diversity, and inclusive practice.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and resilience when working under pressure.
• Mental Health First Aid training and confidence in supporting students in distress.
• Experience in areas such as student funding, disability support, or housing advice will be an advantage, as will familiarity with enquiry management systems.

At the RCA, you'll be part of a supportive and passionate team that values collaboration, compassion, and creativity. You'll help shape a service that ensures every student has the opportunity to succeed, both personally and academically.

If you're committed to empowering students and making a tangible impact within a world-renowned creative institution, we'd love to hear from you.

Join the RCA

Join the Royal College of Art in shaping the future of student support and success. As a Student Success Advisor, you'll be part of our newly formed Academic Registry and Student Success Team, working at the heart of a world-leading art and design institution. This is an exciting time to join the College as we launch a new enquiry triage system to enhance every aspect of the RCA student journey.

RCA Benefits available here: https://www.rca.ac.uk/more/work-at-the-rca/staff-benefits/

The Royal College of Art (RCA) aims to foster an inclusive culture which promotes equality, values diversity and maintains a working, learning and social environment in which the rights and dignity of all its staff and students and stakeholders are respected.

We recognise the broad range of experiences that a diverse staff and student body brings and how this strengthens our research and enhances our teaching. In order for RCA to remain a world-leading institution we are committed to promoting equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) principles throughout all of our processes, from application through to appointment.

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