- Support and Retention Adviser

University of Winchester; Winchester; Hybrid; GBP 27,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working possibilities

Benefits and discounts

Learning and Development opportunities

Health and wellbeing provision

Defined contribution pension

Generous holiday entitlements

Job summary

The University of Winchester invites applications for a Support and Retention Adviser (SARA) in the Department for Student Support and Success. You will help enhance student engagement, retention and confidence, supporting individuals and cohorts to achieve success.

You will provide guidance to students in distress, assisting their transition into Higher Education and throughout their studies. The University offers hybrid working, a generous benefits package, and a defined contribution pension.

Qualifications

• Educated to undergraduate level with a compassionate, empathetic and flexible approach.
• Experience providing guidance and support to people in distress.
• Ability to support students during transition into Higher Education.

Responsibilities

• Support positive student engagement and enhance the student experience.
• Facilitate student retention and build confidence and aspiration among students.
• Develop interventions to address areas of concern at faculty or programme level.

Skills

Empathy

Communication

Guidance & support

Education

Undergraduate degree

Job description

Applications close at midnight on the date stated below, late applications will not be accepted.

Job details

Job reference 3270 Date posted 07/09/2026 Application closing date 21/09/2026 Salary £27,319 to £30,378 per annum Package Full time, 37 hours per week Contractual hours Blank Basis Blank Job category/type Professional Services (Administration, Technical) Attachments Information sheet - UoW Group - 2026.pdf SSS-H16 - Support & Rerention Adviser - JD.pdf

The University of Winchester has an exciting opportunity to join the Department for Student Support and Success as a Support and Retention Adviser (SARA). The University has a long-standing commitment to providing students with support and guidance to help provide a positive student experience and engagement. Good quality support, both at an individual and cohort level, plays an important role in the retention of students, the motivation of students to build confidence for student success (progression and employability) and in building a strong sense of a learning community. To enhance the support offered to students, the University has developed a model of focused support in each of our faculties to be led by the team of Support and Retention Advisers.

You will play an important part in supporting positive student engagement with the University, enhance the student experience, facilitate student retention and build confidence and aspiration amongst the student body. Our ideal candidate will play a key role in creating an active learning community and developing interventions to address areas of concern at a faculty or programme level.

Applications are welcome from those with the demonstrable knowledge and experience of providing guidance and support to people in distress. It is essential that applicants have the required skills to offer support to students during their transition into Higher Education and throughout their studies. Educated to undergraduate level, our ideal candidate will be compassionate, empathetic and flexible whilst recognising and maintaining boundaries.

As a University group we believe our offer is compelling. This includes:

• Beautiful campus and working environment
• Hybrid working possibilities for many roles
• Broad range of benefits and discount schemes
• Learning and Development opportunities
• Health and wellbeing provision, including on site gym
• Competitive salary framework, including annual increments
• Defined contribution pension scheme
• Generous holiday entitlements

Employer

• Internal applicants: your employer will remain unchanged
• External applications: University of Winchester Services Ltd

Interview Date: 7 & 8 October 2026

To educate, to advance knowledge and to serve the common good.