Job Description

Join us as we launch into our new and ambitious strategy and play a leading role in driving forward our delivery of our strategic aim to ‘Influence and Transform’. We want to achieve positive policy change which provides support for our predominantly part-time and distance learning students who are combining their studies with work, caring and life commitments. We believe that lifelong learning is vital to the future economy and to addressing skills gaps. We are also saddened by the reduction in part-time student numbers since 2012 and determined to see policy change to better support our students with the full variety of challenges that face them.

The Organisation

The Open University Students Association serves the interests of around 170,000 part-time and distance-learning students spread across the UK, continental Europe and beyond. Our role is to represent and support the interests of this vast and diverse community of students. We are an independent registered charity, governed by elected student leaders. Our team of vibrant, friendly and dedicated professional staff provide the vital support needed to deliver. Our new strategy includes a strategic aim to ‘Influence and Transform’ by empowering students to take a leading role in influencing the decisions that impact their study journey and their student experience.

The Job

This new role, offered on an initial 12 months contract but with potential to extend subject to funding, will take forward our work to deliver on this strategic aim. This is no ordinary public affairs and policy role, it provides the post-holder with real scope to make the role their own and make a significant impact on behalf of OU students. In addition to the main responsibilities of the post, the post-holder will take forward a series of exciting and important projects in collaboration with our students and with the Open University. Further information can be found in the attached Job Related Information.

The Person

You will offer motivation, enthusiasm, energy, tenacity and resilience and a real drive to make an impact. This will be combined with a keen interest in policy change and political affairs. You will need experience in collaboration and partnership working; delivering successful projects and events; writing engaging copy and presenting to senior level audiences. You will be a team player with a professional approach and a high degree of integrity and diplomacy. If this sounds like you, we’d welcome your application. A full person specification can be found in the attached Job Related Information.