Head of Student Success

Overview

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 manage and develop Birkbeck’s Student Success Team and shape its work to improve student outcomes.

The Head of Student Success leads the design, delivery and evaluation of strategic initiatives to improve student engagement, retention and success s includes overseeing the implementation and evaluation of Birkbeck’s Access and Participation Plan and future initiatives to support equality of outcomes for students.

The role works in collaboration with academic and professional support staff from across the institution to promote student success and to improve and close attainment gaps across the student life cycle. It is offered on a permanent, full time (35 hours a week), hybrid contract with a salary of £64,290 rising to £71,792 per year.

• Oversee the development and implementation of Birkbeck’s commitments as a University of Sanctuary covering initiatives aimed at widening access to education and welcoming forced migrants into the community.
• Collaborate with the Development and Alumni Office to identify fundraising opportunities aligned with Birkbeck’s values and strategic ambitions for student transition, engagement and success.
• Lead and manage the Student Success Team, planning, monitoring and delivering objectives on time, within budget and to a high standard.
• Design, deliver and evaluate teaching and learning strategies in a higher education setting and use data to inform institutional decision-making and the evaluation of student success initiatives.
• Oversee the ongoing development and implementation of Birkbeck’s commitments as a University of Sanctuary and related widening access activities.

• 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 deliver objectives on time, within budget and to a high standard.
• Experience delivering teaching and learning strategies in a higher education setting.
• Ability to work with data to inform institutional decision-making and evaluate student success initiatives.

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 contract, full-time (35 hours per week), with a flexible and hybrid working pattern (two days on site; on-site meetings, training and events will be in Bloomsbury). Closing date: 19 February 2026. Interview date: 4 March 2026.

Please submit a CV and a statement for consideration. For enquiries, contact Suzie Morris (Director of Education and Student Experience) at  If you have difficulty with the recruitment portal, contact  with your name and the job reference number.

We welcome applicants from all sections of the community and backgrounds. 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. Further information is available at

Benefits of working at Birkbeck include a competitive salary and pension scheme, 31 days paid leave, flexible working arrangements, generous benefits in the HE sector, and a central location in Bloomsbury, London.