Education & Advocacy Manager(UK Visa Sponsorship)

Job Description

About Us & The Big Picture

We are one of the most comprehensive student organisations in the UK — a registered charity, staffed by over 150 career professionals and 300+ student staff. We coordinate a huge range of services: extracurricular programmes (sports, music, drama, societies, volunteering), social and communal spaces, student democracy and representation, support services, and intercultural engagement.

Right now, we’re entering an exciting phase  rolling out our new Student Life Strategy. This means growing our programmes to improve student wellbeing, boost equity, build skills and confidence, foster international & intercultural connections, and deepen engagement with our local community.

Joining us means being part of a team that enables students not only to thrive at university, but to shape the experience of their peers and leave lasting impact.

 The Role  What You’ll Be Doing

As Education & Advocacy Manager, you will:

• Lead and steer a network of over 2,000 academic representatives to influence decision‑makers at UCL.
• Develop and deliver strategies that strengthen student representation  ensuring students have real influence over their learning experience, across all levels and stages of study.
• Work closely with student leaders and university stakeholders to bring about meaningful change and improvements to student academic experience.
• Manage people, budgets, and operational processes to achieve strategic goals.
• Communicate very effectively: present information clearly to diverse audiences (students, staff, senior leaders) and advocate for student needs.
• Provide leadership in volunteer/representative management and help shape educational policy.
• This is a pivotal role, putting students at the heart of academic governance and institutional change at a globally respected university.

 What We’re Looking For  Ideal Candidate Profile

You should have:

• Demonstrated experience influencing academic or social policy, or shaping institutional change in educational settings.
• Proven skills in managing people, budgets, and complex processes to deliver strategic outcomes.
• Strong communication skills: able to present, negotiate and advocate effectively across different audiences.
• A solid understanding of current issues and trends in higher education and student experience.
• A passion for student representation, equity, and improving university experience.
• We welcome candidates who are motivated, empathetic, and ready to make an impact — someone who believes in the power of student voice and inclusive governance.

 Visa / Right-to‑Work & Sponsorship (for International Applicants)

This role may be eligible for visa‑sponsorship, subject to eligibility and approval. Prospective applicants should carefully review the UK visa / immigration requirements:

• The job must satisfy criteria for a Skilled Worker visa: you need a job offer from an approved UK employer + a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
• The employer must meet visa sponsorship regulations (minimum salary, eligible occupation code, working-time, etc.).
• You may need to meet English-language requirements (unless exempt), and other eligibility criteria for the visa.
• If you qualify for sponsorship and receive a CoS, you should apply in time, and ensure all documentation and visa conditions are met before commencing employment.
• Given recent changes (from 22 July 2025), eligible roles under Skilled Worker visa generally require a higher skill threshold (graduate‑level or above), unless the job appears on an eligible occupation or shortage list.

 How to Apply

• Applications must be submitted using our online application form. (We do not accept CVs alone.)
• Your supporting statement should address the person specification and explain why you’re suited to this role.
• Screening calls are scheduled for 12, 13 & 14 January 2026; interviews & assessments will take place on 28 January 2026 (in person).
• If you require visa sponsorship, make sure to indicate this clearly during application and ensure you meet all eligibility requirements before applying.