Senior Director for Student Life

About the role

Location: London Campus Benefits: The university supports staff maintaining a good work/life balance, offer flexible working and parental leave opportunities, an Employee Assistance Programme which provides free, confidential advice on both home and work concerns as well as optional private medical insurance, season ticket loans and being part of the cycle to work scheme. Reports to: CEO in London and Senior Vice Chancellor for Student Life in Boston Start: 1st August 2026 The role The Senior Director for Student Life in London serves as the senior Student Life leader for Northeastern University's London campus, playing a pivotal role in creating transformative experiences through residential life, student activities, and student support. Dual reporting to the CEO in London and Senior Vice Chancellor for Student Life in Boston, the Senior Director is responsible for implementing and adapting the university's student experience strategy within the London context while maintaining alignment with Northeastern's global vision. The Senior Director serves as a trusted advisor to students and the primary representative of Student Life in London. The successful candidate will be a student-centred professional who values mentoring and interacting with students in a variety of formal and informal settings, while also possessing the ability to lead departments, manage resources, and collaborate across the university. They are responsible for providing a strong model for student retention and must be skilled at both implementing network-wide initiatives and advocating for London-specific needs. This position directly supervises the Director of Residence Services and Student Support and the Director of Student Engagement, providing strategic direction and operational oversight for residence life, housing operations (including mobility programme halls management and private rented sector advisory and referral services for the wider student population), student activities programming, student union operations, and student communications without limitation. The Senior Director holds responsibility for Student Life in London and has provision across all student cohorts, including undergraduate, postgraduate, degree apprenticeship, and mobility programme students. Each cohort carries distinct welfare, support, and regulatory obligations that must be reflected in operational planning and staff development. Duties and Responsibilities: 30% - Strategic Leadership and Implementation Implements the university's strategic vision for Student Life on the London campus, adapting initiatives appropriately for local context, UK higher education practices, and student population needs while being true to the Northeastern experience. Works closely with the Senior Vice Chancellor in Boston on strategic planning for student experience initiatives, providing regular updates on London operations and student needs. Collaborates extensively with colleagues across Northeastern's global network to implement programming, initiatives, and resources around student experience and belonging. Represents Student Life on London campus committees and in senior leadership discussions, articulating how Student Life contributes to institutional priorities. Develops local strategic priorities that complement and advance the broader divisional goals. 35% - Direct Supervision and Departmental Oversight Provides direct supervision and strategic direction to the Director of Residence Services and Student Support and the Director of Student Engagement. Conducts regular one-on-one meetings with direct reports, providing mentorship, feedback, and professional development support. Sets clear performance expectations and conducts annual performance evaluations. Oversees budget development and fiscal management for London Student Life operations. Reviews and approves departmental goals, assessment plans, and major initiatives. Leads the recruitment and performance management of direct reports. Holds institutional accountability for the full Student Life portfolio - residential operations, student support, student activities, student union, and student communications - setting strategic direction and holding direct reports accountable for operational delivery within their respective areas. This includes institutional accountability for the student support function; ensuring services are appropriately resourced and meet all regulatory requirements; and acting as the senior escalation point for the Director on complex or high-risk matters involving student support or safeguarding. Ensures compliance with UK statutory and regulatory requirements, as detailed in the UK Regulatory and Compliance Responsibilities section below. 20% - Student Advocacy and Campus Presence Maintains an active and visible presence on the London campus, fostering accessibility and positive relationships with students and staff. Advises students and resolves individual concerns, serving as an esca

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