Job Title: Head of Student Activities

Department: Student Activities

Reporting to: Director of Membership Services

Salary: £30,811 – £34,010 (Beginning at the start of the band)

Role status: Permanent, Full-Time, 37 Hours a Week

Place of Work: Cardiff Metropolitan University Cyncoed Campus with an expectation to travel and work between our two sites (Other site in Llandaff)

About the Role

We are seeking a dynamic and strategic leader to join our team as Head of Student Activities. This role is central to delivering an outstanding student experience by overseeing a diverse range of extracurricular opportunities, including societies, sports clubs, and major student-led events. You will drive innovation, inclusivity, and engagement across all student activities, ensuring they contribute to the vibrant and supportive culture of our community.

As part of this role, you will also line manage a small team of staff, supporting their professional development and ensuring the successful delivery of student activities services.

How to Apply

To apply for the position please send your CV and a supporting statement outlining how you meet the person specification to our People & Culture Manager; apring@cardiffmet.ac.uk

Recruitment Timeline

Applications Close: 17th October 2025

Interviews: 23rd & 24th October 2025

Key Responsibilities

Provide strategic leadership in the development and delivery of high-quality student activities.
Line manage the Activities Team, ensuring clear objectives, effective support, and opportunities for growth.
Oversee the delivery of competitive sports programmes, including BUCS (British Universities & Colleges Sport) fixtures, ensuring smooth operations and compliance with national standards.
Ensure a diverse and inclusive programme of opportunities that foster student engagement and personal development.
Manage budgets and resources effectively, ensuring financial sustainability of activities and events.
Oversee health and safety compliance, safeguarding procedures, and risk management for student-led initiatives.
Lead the planning and execution of major events within student activities (including, but not limited to, Freshers’ Fayre, Varsity, Society and Sports Awards), ensuring accessibility and inclusivity.
Support student leaders through training, development programmes, and governance advice.
Build strong relationships with student groups, University departments (including Met Sport), external facility providers, suppliers, and governing bodies.
Monitor student engagement trends and adapt services to meet evolving needs.

Communication & Networking

Act as the primary point of contact for student groups, supporting committees and student leaders.
Communicate regularly with internal stakeholders (university staff, Union teams) and external partners.
Liaise with governing bodies (including BUCS) and external organisations to build partnerships and secure support for student activities.

Decision Making & Planning

Responsible for operational decisions around activity funding, event planning, and society governance.
Provides recommendations for service improvements and contributes to long-term strategic planning.
Oversees fixture schedules, committee training, and the delivery of student development programmes.

Person Specification

Essential:

Experience in student activities, events, or volunteer management.
Experience in line management, coaching, or supporting staff.
Strong understanding of governance structures for student groups.
Knowledge of BUCS structures, competition management, and national sporting frameworks.
Knowledge of risk assessment, safeguarding, and health and safety compliance.
Proven ability to manage budgets, resources, and large-scale event planning.
Strong leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills.
Creative problem-solving skills and the ability to enhance student engagement.

Desirable:

Experience working within a Students’ Union or Higher Education environment.
Knowledge of sports development or society management.
Ability to develop strategic initiatives aligned to organisational goals.

Annual Leave & Benefits:

25 Days Annual leave (In addition to Bank Holidays)
Summer & Christmas Closure Periods
1 Working From Home day a week
Ongoing Professional Development
2 Wellbeing days per year
Birthday off
Employee Assistant Program
Enhanced carers & parental leave policies

Cardiff Met Students' Union jobs

Head of Student Activities