Chief Executive Officer

Chief Executive Officer, University of South Wales Students’ Union

Location: Treforest Campus (will work across all sites) 

Type: Permanent, Full Time 

Closes: 12pm on Tuesday 16th April 2024

Salary: £60,000 to £65,000 

Are you looking for a role where you can lead the University of South Wales Students’ Union on its exciting transformational journey? If so, we are looking for you! A value’s driven leader who will support us to grow and develop to offer lifelong opportunities and enrich the experiences for all South Wales students.

The University of South Wales Students’ Union (USWSU) is an independent education charity that supports and represents over 20,000 students across multiple campuses, including Treforest, Newport, and Cardiff. We also extend our support to students studying at partner institutions. Our mission is to put students first with the vision to ensure that students have the best experience possible at the University of South Wales.

About the role 

Under the direction of the Board of Trustees, the Chief Executive is accountable for the performance, management, development and sustainability of the Union and responsible for developing and leading the Union's services, strategy and objectives to meet students’ needs.  

We are looking for a dynamic CEO who will lead our organisation through its Turnaround program, working to ensure that we provide the best services for all students across all campuses and partner colleges. You will excel in people-management practices and ensure these are embedded throughout the management structure, ensuring that the organisation understands and can deliver on its strategic priorities. You will be able to coach and support the elected officers, and Trustee Board. You’ll have oversight of governance, ensuring that the elected leadership are empowered as key decision makers and that the staff team share the purpose and vision of the organisation.  

You will be an inspirational leader, able to enhance the internal and external reputation of the Union, and will network effectively within the University, maintaining and developing partnerships built on trust and respect.  

The successful candidate won’t necessarily need to come from the Higher Education sector, but you must be able to demonstrate a good understanding of the trends and issues that affect our students. You will have a good understanding of charity governance, financial management and organisational development.    The Union, our Board of Trustees and the University all offer an encouraging environment and are committed to supporting the ongoing development of our new CEO, to ensure they can be at their best. 

Key Dates:

Closing Date: 12pm on Tuesday 16th April

First Stage Interviews (Remote): Thursday 23rd April

Final Interviews (In-person): Thursday 2nd May

How to Apply  

Please click 'Apply’ to be redirected to our website, where you can download the Candidate Information Pack, Job Description, and find details of how to apply under the heading SU Vacancies.  

For an informal conversation about the role and application process, please contact our recruitment partners, Atkinson HR Consulting. Their details can be found in the candidate pack.