Head of Student Success

Birkbeck University of London; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 64,000 - GBP 72,000; Full time

Job summary

A renowned institution for higher education in Greater London seeks a Head of Student Success to enhance student engagement and retention across its diverse community. The successful candidate will lead the Student Success Team, oversee strategic initiatives, and collaborate with staff to support non-traditional students. This full-time role offers a competitive salary of £64,290 to £71,792 per year and includes flexible working arrangements alongside excellent benefits.

Benefits

31 days paid leave

Flexible working arrangements

Pension scheme

Qualifications

• Educated to degree level with comprehensive knowledge of education policy.
• Understanding of barriers faced by non-traditional students.
• Experience in higher education teaching and learning strategies.

Responsibilities

• Lead initiatives to improve student engagement and retention.
• Oversee the Access and Participation Plan implementation.
• Collaborate with staff to promote student success.

Skills

Leadership

Education policy knowledge

Data analysis

Team culture creation

Education

Degree level education

Job description

Overview

Are you an influential leader with a passion for supporting student participation and success in higher education? Birkbeck, University of London, is seeking a new Head of Student Success to lead its work to improve student engagement, retention and attainment across its diverse student body. As a member of the Education and Student Experience Directorate’s senior team, you will have an opportunity to manage and develop Birkbeck’s Student Success Team and shape its work to improve student outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, delivery and evaluation of strategic initiatives to improve student engagement, retention and success at Birkbeck.
• Oversee the implementation and evaluation of Birkbeck’s Access and Participation Plan and future initiatives to support equality of outcomes for students.
• Collaborate with academic and professional support staff across the institution to promote student success and close attainment gaps across the student life cycle.
• Develop and implement Birkbeck’s commitments as a University of Sanctuary covering initiatives to widen access to education and support forced migrants into the community.
• Work with the Development and Alumni Office to identify fundraising opportunities aligned with Birkbeck’s values and strategic ambitions for student transition, engagement and success.

Qualifications and experience

• Educated to degree level with comprehensive knowledge of education policy and current trends in higher education.
• Understanding of barriers and challenges to success faced by non-traditional students and those starting university with vocational qualifications.
• Proven leadership and management experience with the ability to create an effective team culture and to plan, monitor and deliver objectives on time, within budget and to a high standard.
• Experience delivering teaching and learning strategies in a higher education setting and comfort working with data to inform institutional decision-making and evaluation of student success initiatives.

Desirable/Additional experience

• Experience in roles such as Access and Participation Plan Manager, Student Success Manager, Learning and Teaching Strategy Manager (as applicable).

Contract and salary

Salary: £64,290 rising to £71,792 per annum. Grade 9 on the College's London Pay Scale, including a consolidated London Weighting Allowance. Contract: Permanent, full-time (35 hours per week) with a flexible and hybrid working pattern (two days on site; in-person meetings, training and events on site at Bloomsbury).

Benefits

Benefits of working at Birkbeck: a competitive salary and pension scheme, 31 days paid leave, flexible working arrangements, generous benefits in the HE sector, and being located in the heart of Bloomsbury, Euston, London.

Application details

Closing date: Friday 19 February 2026. Interview date: Wednesday 4 March 2026. Please submit a CV and a statement for consideration.

Enquiries

If you would like to know more about the role, please contact Suzie Morris (Director of Education and Student Experience) by email: [e-mail]. If you have difficulty using the recruitment portal, please contact [e-mail], providing your name and the job reference number. Only formal applications through the online system will be considered.

Equal opportunity

We welcome applicants from all sections of the community and backgrounds to apply. The College is committed to improving the gender and cultural diversity of its workforce, holding an Athena SWAN award and operating Disability Confident & Mindful Employer schemes.