Full time, permanent
Location: London
Salary: £64,611 to £76,211 per annum (Including London Allowance)
Introduction to YSJ university
Situated in the heart of the historic city of York, and with the addition of our London Campus, York St John University has a long and proud tradition as a distinguished higher education provider.
Our success is founded on the quality of academic teaching and research, our thriving campus environments, our professional and pastoral support, and our values of an inclusive, innovative and ambitious community with a strong sense of belonging.
Shape student futures. Drive enterprise. Build industry partnerships.
At York St John University, we believe in the power of education to transform lives. Rooted in our values of inclusion, ambition and impact, we are proud of our thriving London Campus in the heart of one of the world’s most dynamic cities.
The London Campus, established in 2018, offers a diverse range of postgraduate taught programmes, Master’s in Research and Top-Up Degrees, primarily in the fields of business, healthcare management and technology. With a student body of approximately 3,400 and projected growth in the coming years. Located across two floors at East India Docks, the campus is part of a vibrant, co-inhabited educational environment. It is supported by a dedicated team of over 70 faculty and staff members across all key departments, providing comprehensive support to our students.
The team
the London Careers and Enterprise Team, a group of six specialist professionals dedicated to enhancing student outcomes in careers, placements, enterprise and wider opportunities, alongside a pool of dynamic entrepreneurs who actively contribute to the Enterprise Academy.
The role
This is a unique opportunity to make a significant impact by leading our Employability and Enterprise team and driving employability activity across the London Campus.
You will deliver high-quality services for a diverse community of postgraduate and undergraduate international students. A central and critical element of the role is overseeing placements at scale, particularly for our two-year master’s programmes where the Year in Professional Experience is a defining feature.
Build and manage strong partnerships with employers to create pipelines for placements, work experience, graduate recruitment, and executive education.
Develop impactful employer-student engagement events, sponsorships, and industry collaborations that enhance graduate outcomes and strengthen our reputation.
Provide strategic leadership to the Employability and Enterprise team, ensuring services are distinctive, student-focused, and aligned with industry needs.
Lead our Enterprise Academy, supporting entrepreneurs who contribute to our programmes and ensuring enterprise is a key feature across the curriculum.
Oversee our business incubator, home to spin-outs and small enterprises, fostering innovation and entrepreneurial growth.
Develop and maintain a strong London Campus alumni community, creating mechanisms for alumni to contribute through mentoring, placements, and wider opportunities for students and graduates.
Required skills and experience
The successful candidate will bring proven experience of leadership in careers, employability, or enterprise services, with a strong track record of employer engagement and partnership development. You will be an inspiring leader, a confident collaborator, and a creative strategist who can bridge higher education, industry, and entrepreneurship. A strong commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion is essential.
Additional information
For informal enquiries please contact Louise Donaghy, Dean of the London Campus, l.donaghy@yorksj.ac.uk.
It is anticipated that the selection process will include a psychometric assessment, and an in-person interview. The shortlisted candidates will also be invited to attend a networking lunch. Further details will be provided if you are shortlisted for interview.
Unfortunately this role is not eligible for Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship however we welcome your application if you are able to evidence right to work in the UK via an alternative route.
We offer a range of family friendly and inclusive policies and facilities and welcome applications from individuals from underrepresented backgrounds. As part of our commitment to providing an inclusive working environment, consideration is given to all requests for job share or flexible working arrangements.
This vacancy is scheduled to close on the date indicated at the bottom of this advert, but we may close earlier if we receive a high level of applications.
Application process support
We are keen to support you throughout the recruitment process. Before starting your application please refer to the attached candidate application form guidance below which provides advice about completing the application process.
If you require a reasonable adjustment in order to apply for this position please contact vacancies@yorksj.ac.uk. Within the application form there is an opportunity for you to request a reasonable adjustment at the interview stage of the process, however if you wish to discuss this in further detail at any point in the process please do not hesitate to contact us. The following resource may help you adapt the device you are using to apply to suit your needs My Computer My Way (abilitynet.org.uk)
Please note that CVs are not accepted in place of the application form. Within the application process you will be asked to answer a selection of work-related questions. Our aim is to get to know you, and understand your individual skills and experience, and how you would apply these within the role. We are aware that AI can be helpful in shaping your responses, but we encourage you to share your answers in your own words.
Our benefits package
We offer a wide range of employee benefits including -
- Excellent annual leave entitlement, including five discretionary university closure days over the Christmas period
- Disability leave (applies to staff who have disclosed a disability and is also available to staff with disabled dependants)
- Pension scheme
- Health Cash Plan after six months service
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Paid leave for Armed Forces Reservists
- On-campus courses, one-to-one tutorials, and online resources to help you develop your digital skills and work with new software
- Relocation expenses package for certain roles
- Reimbursement of Skilled Worker Visa application fees and Visa loan scheme for additional costs (if applicable to the role)
Further information about life at YSJ
Our attached 'further information' document below provides further information about our culture, achievements and testimonials from our employees.
Read more about our culture, inclusive community, working arrangements and benefits for York St John employees
Read the latest news, views and stories from our staff and students.
Read more about our commitment to managing and reducing our environmental impact and to promoting sustainable development wherever we can.