Chief Student Officer Location: Aston University Main Campus Salary: £71,566 to £87,971 per annum Grade: Grade 10 Contract Type: Permanent Basis: Full Time Closing Date: 23.59 hours GMT on Monday 17 November 2025 Interview Date: Tuesday 02 December 2025 Reference: 1181-25 Release Date: Wednesday 29 October 2025 We are seeking a Director of Student Life and would be delighted to receive applications from candidates with the experience and skills to lead vibrant teams of talented people, evolving processes and systems. Aston University is a mid-sized dual-intensive university ranked in the top 35 universities in the UK and in the top 5% globally. We are an agile and innovative organisation that thrives on collaboration and partnerships with businesses and the community. Our integrated placement year, our applied high-impact research, and our commitment to enhancing employability and social mobility of our students, all help to make Aston University distinct both nationally and internationally. Our expert central services have significantly expanded to deliver a seamless student journey from enrolment to graduation and employability helping our students to remove the barriers to their academic and professional goals. The Director of Student Life will drive student-centred customer services through our evolving Student Solutions Centre.They will lead our offer in collaboration with the Director of Employability, the Academic Registrar, and by listening to our stakeholders. They will receive strategic support from the Chief Student Officer (CSO). The successful role holder will have experience of leading student service teams that support students in crisis. They will ensure that the Student Life teams who cover the welfare, pastoral and advice services provide a sector-leading, accessible and safe experience for Aston University students that puts the students at the heart of everything we do. They will be able to inspire confidence in their advice and act at all times with impeccable integrity. Our Director will set the professional tone. This is an exciting senior role.Key to the appointed candidate's success will be a commitment to a customer-focussed and digitally-led set of services which are ready for changes in student or sector demand. Ultimately, the successful candidate will have the agility to work in a positive, collaborative and creative manner. Should you wish to discuss the role in strict confidence, please contact Kaveri Prashanth, Head of HR Operations and Talent Acquisition k.prashanthpatali@aston.ac.uk What we offer: Aston University is a dynamic and vibrant campus located within Birmingham city centre, which has excellent transport links via bus or train. The role is offered as 'dynamic working', which means working both on campus and from home dependent on the activity. Excellent training and development opportunities. A generous annual leave scheme with 30 days bookable leave and a further 13 days bank holiday and University Closure days. Everyday discounts to a number of activities and retailers. Great family friendly policies. On site gym and pool with discounted staff membership available Further information on our Benefits and Rewards can be found here. Further details: Job Details University Information Email details to a friend Apply Online The University celebrates the rights of freedom of speech and academic freedom and is committed to maintaining and protecting these rights within the law. An offer to work at Aston University will never be denied on the basis of an individual's lawful expression of their beliefs, ideas or opinions. Aston University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. It promotes equality and diversity in all aspects of its work. We strive to have robust inclusivity strategies in place, to encourage colleagues to have the confidence and freedom to be themselves in the workplace. For more information, visit: https://www2.aston.ac.uk/about/inclusive-aston We recognise the value of flexible working. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss what flexible working options are available for particular roles. If you require the job details document or an application form in an alternative format please contact the recruitment team at recruitment@aston.ac.uk