Location: On-site at London Borough and Harbour Exchange Campuses
Hours: Full Time: 9am – 5pm, Monday-Friday. Occasional weekend and evening work required
Salary: £31,000 per year
Department: Student Services
Reporting to: Student Careers and Employability Lead
About us
Victoria College of Arts and Design (VCAD) provides higher education teaching and learning in the arts, design, creative industries and business fields. Our goal is to guide and support our students on their journey to becoming successful individuals and citizens. We strive to offer the best services and resources available to ensure that our students are well-prepared for graduate-level employment within the creative industries or any other aspect of the world of work. From enrolment to graduation, we are dedicated to nurturing our students' growth, fostering their creative and critical skills and equipping them with the confidence and abilities needed to excel in a professional environment. Whether through the dedication of our lecturers and support staff, our outstanding facilities, or our network of industry connections, Victoria College of Arts and Design is committed to helping and mentoring our students so that they achieve their personal goals and build themselves sustainable and fulfilling careers.
Position Overview:
VCAD is seeking an experienced Careers Advisor to join our team. The successful candidate will be part of the Student Careers and Employability team, providing high-quality support to help students secure appropriate employment. This role requires excellent communication and organisational skills as well as the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
In collaboration with the Student Careers and Employability Lead, the role holder will ensure our student services continually evolve to meet student needs and maintain the highest standards of care and professionalism.
Responsibilities:
The key responsibilities of the position of Careers Advisor include:
* Deliver high-quality employability information, advice and guidance through online and face-to-face sessions for individuals and groups.
* Support the employability provision in the Business and Creative Industries.
* Collaborate closely with academic staff, employers and external partners to deliver tailored employability programmes and initiatives, enhancing graduate outcomes for VCAD students.
* Establish and maintain relationships with employers to develop internships and professional development opportunities.
* Maintain and grow a database of volunteering and internship providers, connecting employers with VCAD students.
* Develop online resources to support students seeking employment opportunities.
* Deliver one-to-one and group meetings and workshops to prepare students for the world of work in the Business and Creative Industries.
* Assist employers in promoting job opportunities to students through our online platform, targeted emails and student newsletter.
* Support on-campus activities, such as job fairs and workshops.
* Collaborate with local employers to identify skill gaps and employment opportunities for students (temporary, part-time, full-time and online).
* Prepare reports on employability activities and contribute to meetings and briefings.
* Develop digital and online employability resources, including use of virtual learning platforms.
* Keep up to date with current labour market information.
* Provide support for other duties as requested by the Student Careers and Employability Lead or the Head of Student Experience and Outcomes.
Requirements:
Essential / Desirable: (E) (D)
(where required, training and professional development will be provided to the successful applicant by VCAD, to facilitate their ability to deliver the responsibilities of this role to an excellent standard)
* Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, or equivalent professional experience. (E)
* Relevant professional qualification in Careers Guidance, Coaching, HR, or similar. (D)
* Proven experience delivering engaging career development workshops and coaching (D)
* Experience working with mature, diverse or Widening Participation student populations. (D)
* Experience developing digital employability resources. (D)
* Knowledge and experience in employer engagement. (D)
* Effective networking and negotiating skills. (D)
* Commitment to staying informed about current labour market trends, particularly in the business and creative industries. (D)
* Experience in student or academic administration within higher education. (D)
* Excellent customer service and communication skills, with the ability to build strong relationships. (E)
* Strong interpersonal skills and experience in developing and maintaining stakeholder relationships. (E)
* Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment, with strong time management skills. (E)
* High degree of accuracy and attention to detail. (E)
* Flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends. (E)
* Strong IT skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel and familiarity with student management systems. (E)
* Commitment to upholding the values and policies of VCAD and partner universities. (E)
Benefits
* Annual leave (7.2 weeks)
* Workplace pension scheme.
* Company Sick Policy.
* Statutory maternity/paternity pays.
* Career development opportunities
* Training and self-development opportunities.
* Gym membership discounts
* Retail discount schemes
* Cinema discounts
* Grocery discounts
* Cycle to work
* Investing and savings opportunities
* Financial wellbeing – personal debt advise.
* Financial wellbeing education
* My Mind Pal (mental fitness)