Success Partner

University of Reading; Reading; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent educational institution in Reading is seeking two Success Partners to provide specialized academic and pastoral support for Home Foundation Year students. Responsibilities include identifying and supporting at-risk students and fostering a culture of help-seeking. Ideal candidates will have a degree or experience in Higher Education, excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and a proactive approach to student engagement. Join a diverse team dedicated to fostering student success in a supportive environment.

Qualifications

• Experience in a Higher or Further Education setting.
• Excellent communication skills with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to manage time effectively and prioritize tasks.

Responsibilities

• Provide academic and pastoral support to Home Foundation Year students.
• Work with the Engagement Officer to identify students at risk.
• Promote a supportive culture where students feel comfortable asking for help.

Skills

Experience of providing advice and guidance to students

Excellent interpersonal skills

Excellent listening skills

Organisational skills

Excellent written communication skills

Knowledge of study practices for undergraduate success

Ability to deal empathetically with students

Education

Degree qualification or experience studying in Higher Education

Job description

Full time, permanent contract. Closing date: 23:59 22 January 2026. Interviews will be held on: 11 and 12 February 2026. Due to the complexity of the Skilled Worker Visa route and eligibility criteria, applicants requiring sponsorship are recommended to check their eligibility on the Home Office website. We cannot provide advice to candidates at the application stage and will only discuss visa routes with candidates who are invited to interview.

We have an exciting opportunity within our Study Advice team supporting our Home Foundation Year students. If you are passionate about supporting students to reach their potential, are empathic and proactive, then we would love to hear from you. As a Success Partner you will be providing specialised academic and pastoral support to improve the engagement, retention and outcomes of our Home Foundation Year students. You will work with our Engagement Officer to identify students at risk of not reaching their full potential, reach out to them and build supportive relationships. You will offer practical advice on study practices on an individual or small group basis, help students set goals and track progress. You will promote a culture where students feel comfortable asking for help and guide them to the appropriate university services.

This job is based in the Library at our Whiteknights campus. The Library offers a friendly working environment and is strongly committed to continuing professional development and staff training.

We are seeking two Success Partners. One will have line management responsibility for the Engagement Officer and the other will create the team evaluation reports.

You will have:

• Experience of providing advice and guidance to students in a Higher or Further Education setting
• A degree qualification or experience of studying in a Higher Education environment
• Excellent interpersonal skills with an ability to communicate effectively with students, academics and other professional staff
• Excellent listening skills with an ability to listen actively and explore and identify issues
• Organisation skills with an ability to prioritise tasks and manage own time
• Excellent written communication skills
• The ability to deal empathetically with students who may be suffering from stress
• Knowledge of study practices needed for success at undergraduate level
• An awareness of HE strategic issues and how they may impact student learning (e.g. widening participation, funding).

Contact Name Dr Sonia Hood

Contact Job Title Study Advice Manager

Contact Email address [e-mail]

Alternative Contact Name Dr Edward Powell

Alternative Contact Job Title Study Adviser

Alternative Contact Email address [e-mail]

The University is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and the Race Equality Charter, and champions LGBT+ equality. We are a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2). Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.