Full Time - Fixed Term Contract (6 Months) - Oxford

Salary £26,093 - £28,778 per annum

Buckinghamshire New University is an ambitious, modern university that is always open to fresh ideas and thinking. We believe in the transformative power of education, and in doing the right thing by our students, people and local community. That’s why our BNU community is a special place to work and study, and where people who want to make a difference can contribute and succeed.

Our University’s DRIVE values are at the heart of all that we do. We are united in being dynamic, responsible, inclusive, visionary, and empowering to ensure that we provide the best experience to our learners and offer excellent service to our partners and colleagues. Our commitment to these values is unwavering and central to our mission.

As part of the Student Hub body, the Student Engagement Officer is the first point of contact for students seeking advice and information. They will work as an embedded and fully collaborative member of the Student Hub and Wellbeing Team, providing effective, professional guidance, advice, and signposting to students. They will offer guidance in areas including enrolment and registration, financial support, disability and wellbeing concerns, course-related inquiries, and general administrative matters, with onward referral to other parts of the Directorate, Schools, or University as appropriate.

What We Offer

• a generous holiday entitlement (30 days per annum, plus bank holidays & closure days)
• hybrid working (dependent on business needs)
• training & development support opportunities
• contributory pension scheme
• discounted gym membership for our on-site gym
• a range of staff discounts with major retailers.

Please click here to see our wide range of benefits available for employees.

Please click here for our behavioural-based interview question bank.

Please click here to view our employee handbook.

If you have the qualities and attributes representative of the University’s values and ambition, we would be delighted to hear from you.

For further information about this role, please contact Daniel.Gerrish@bnu.ac.uk

All applications are to be made in full and online.

BNU is proud to have a diverse community and a strong track record of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are committed to promoting an inclusive and diverse workplace and aim to continue building an environment where everyone thrives and can be themselves. We particularly encourage applications from candidates from underrepresented backgrounds, including people from the global majority, people with disabilities, and LGBTQI+ individuals, especially in more senior roles.

Please let us know if you require any adjustments or support during the recruitment process. We are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments that would enable you to perform to the best of your abilities. Please reach out to Daniel.Gerrish@bnu.ac.uk for specific needs or more information on support options.

We ensure that our interview/shortlisting Chairs complete relevant e-learning and inclusive recruitment training.

Closing Date: 12 August 2025

Interview Date: 15 August 2025

Note: An Enhanced Disclosure from the DBS is required for this position. The successful applicant will need to give consent to check their criminal record status through the DBS, with information kept confidential. The appointment is subject to the outcome of this check. Proof of eligibility to work in the UK will also be required at interview. If you are a student with a Tier 4 visa, you must adhere to working hour restrictions.

BNU is a Disability Confident employer and committed to the Race Equality Charter. We encourage applications from diverse candidates and are committed to supporting all applicants through the process.

Job Description

Job Title: Student Engagement Officer

Faculty/Directorate: Directorate for Student Success

Grade: D

Location: High Wycombe Campus (covering all campuses)

Hours: 37

Responsible to: Senior Student Wellbeing & Engagement Officer

Responsible for: N/A

Job Purpose

The Student Engagement Officer is the first point of contact for students seeking advice and information. They will work as an embedded and fully collaborative member of the Student Hub and Wellbeing Team, providing effective, professional guidance, advice, and signposting to students. They will offer guidance in areas including enrolment and registration, financial support, disability and wellbeing concerns, course-related inquiries, and general administrative matters, with onward referral to other parts of the Directorate, Schools, or University as appropriate.

Main Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide positive, action-oriented customer service as the first point of contact for students.
• Assess student needs or issues to enable appropriate referrals.
• Provide advice, guidance, and information in areas including enrolment, financial support, disability concerns, course inquiries, and administrative matters.
• Disseminate information and guidance materials to students.
• Assist in maintaining records and statistics related to frontline service.
• Maintain knowledge of policies and procedures related to student and academic processes.
• Work as a team to ensure coverage across campuses.
• Support during events and busy periods like graduation, enrolment, and Bucks Welcome.
• Support transition activities and coordination of joining instructions.
• Comply with legislative and other requirements, including Data Protection, GDPR, Health and Safety, UKVI, and Equality and Diversity.
• Perform other duties as required.

Person Specification

A = Application, T = Test, I = Interview

Education, Qualifications & Training

Good general education to GCSE ‘A’ Level and beyond.

A

Knowledge & Experience

Experience delivering excellent customer service, knowledge of administration, familiarity with university procedures, methodical approach, awareness of student financial support.

A/I

Skills

Proficiency in Microsoft tools and digital skills.

A/I

Special Requirements

Positive, upbeat approach, willingness to travel and work occasional weekends.

I

Behavioral Competencies

• Delivering excellent service
• Working together
• Engaging with the wider context