Chief Executive Officer at Newcastle University Students' Union
Salary: £86,892 – £97,973 per annum. In line with NUSU's Pay Policy, new starters are typically placed at the bottom of the scale, with annual increments applied thereafter.
Hours: Full-time
Location: Newcastle upon Tyne
Contract: Permanent
About Newcastle University Students' Union
Atkinson HR are pleased to be supporting Newcastle University Students' Union (NUSU) in the search for their next CEO. NUSU is a dynamic, student-led organisation at the heart of one of the UK's leading research universities. They exist to represent, support, and enrich the lives of students, providing outstanding services, championing student welfare, and creating a vibrant community in which every student can thrive.
This is a genuinely exciting moment to join NUSU.
About the Role
As Chief Executive Officer, you will provide overall leadership and management of NUSU, setting and delivering the organisation's strategic direction in close partnership with elected Student Officers and the Board of Trustees.
You will empower student leaders to fulfil their democratic mandate, lead a high-performing Senior Leadership Team, and ensure that everything you do is anchored in the needs and aspirations of the student membership. Maintaining a collaborative and constructive relationship with Newcastle University will be central to your success.
NUSU operates a diverse range of services, including a well-established commercial offer that plays an important role in supporting the organisation’s wider aims. You will provide strategic oversight of this activity, ensuring it remains sustainable, values-driven, and responsive to student needs.
We are looking for an innovative and forward-thinking leader who is open to new ideas and approaches. You will be an engaging and approachable people-person, able to build strong relationships, inspire confidence, and create an environment where colleagues and student leaders feel empowered to contribute and thrive.
You will hold overall accountability for the financial performance, legal compliance, and reputation of the organisation, ensuring NUSU remains sustainable, credible, and responsive to the evolving demands of the higher education sector,
About You
NUSU are looking for a strategic and inspirational leader with a genuine passion for student experience and higher education. You will bring a proven track record of leading complex organisations, managing diverse teams, and driving meaningful change, alongside the emotional intelligence to work effectively with a democratically elected student leadership.
You will be financially astute, commercially aware, and confident navigating governance and compliance responsibilities. Equally, you will be a skilled relationship builder with the ability to work in genuine partnership with the University, external stakeholders, and the wider Students' Union sector.
A commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion is non-negotiable. You will champion a culture in which every student and staff member feels valued, heard, and able to contribute.
How to Apply
Please click 'Apply' to be redirected to Atkinson HR’s website, where you can download the Candidate Information Pack and find details of how to apply.
For an informal conversation about the role and application process, please contact Atkinson HR via. the information in the candidate pack.
Key Dates
Closing date: Midday, 5th May 2026
Longlist Interviews (Remote): Tuesday 19th May 2026
Final Stage Interviews (In-person, Newcastle upon Tyne): Tuesday 2nd June 2026