Job Advert

At Imperial College Union, we are committed to ensuring every student has a voice that is heard, respected and acted upon. We are seeking an exceptional Head of Advocacy and Influence to lead our student voice, research, policy and representation agenda, shaping meaningful change across one of the world's leading universities.

This is a high-profile leadership position that sits at the heart of the Union's mission to deliver a world-class student experience. Working closely with elected Officer Trustees, senior University leaders and sector partners, you will lead the Union's advocacy strategy, ensuring that student insights, evidence and lived experiences drive institutional decision-making and influence policy locally, nationally and internationally.

You will be responsible for building the Union's reputation as a trusted, evidence-led voice for students, developing research and policy initiatives that create lasting impact while empowering student representatives to become effective advocates for their communities. You'll also provide strategic oversight of the Union's Advice Service, ensuring student casework insights contribute to wider institutional change.

This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of student representation at a world-leading institution. You'll lead a highly visible function, work alongside passionate student leaders and play a key role in creating positive change for thousands of students.

What you would be doing

As Head of Advocacy and Influence, you will:

Lead Strategic Advocacy and Influence

• Develop and deliver the Union's advocacy and influencing strategy, ensuring student priorities inform institutional decision-making.
• Advise senior leaders and elected Officer Trustees on how evidence, policy and stakeholder engagement can drive positive change.
• Establish ambitious objectives and measurable outcomes for the Advocacy and Influence function.

Drive Research, Insight and Policy Development

• Lead an ambitious research and insight programme, positioning the Union as the authoritative voice on the student experience.
• Analyse student trends, sector developments and policy changes, translating complex findings into actionable recommendations. Develop policy positions and consultation responses that influence University and sector-wide decision-making.
• Build and maintain relationships with policy bodies, sector organisations, higher education networks and external stakeholders.

Champion Student Representation

• Lead and enhance systems that support student representatives, ensuring they are equipped, trained and empowered to create positive change.
• Partner with the University to strengthen academic, wellbeing and community representation structures.
• Support elected student leaders to maximise their effectiveness with senior stakeholders and decision-makers.
• Oversee democratic processes, elections and representative structures to ensure they remain inclusive, impactful and representative.

Oversee the Student Advice Service

• Provide strategic oversight of a high-quality, confidential advice service that supports students through complex issues.
• Ensure casework data and emerging trends inform policy development, advocacy priorities and institutional improvement.
• Monitor service standards and drive continuous improvement across the service.

Lead and Develop High-Performing Teams

• Inspire, coach and develop a talented team committed to student voice and representation.
• Foster a culture of innovation, inclusivity and continuous improvement.
  Manage resources and budgets effectively, ensuring maximum impact and value.

Please see Job Description for full outline of responsibilities.

What we are looking for

We're looking for an inspiring and inclusive leader who is passionate about creating positive change through advocacy, insight and collaboration. You'll be an excellent communicator with the ability to build trusted relationships, influence decision-makers and bring people together around a shared purpose.

You will have experience leading strategic initiatives in advocacy, policy, research or stakeholder engagement, with a track record of turning ideas and evidence into real-world impact. Comfortable navigating complex environments, you'll combine sound judgement with a proactive, solutions-focused approach.

Most importantly, you'll champion diverse perspectives and believe in the power of representation. You'll be committed to creating opportunities for all voices to be heard, empowering others to succeed, and ensuring that students remain at the heart of the decisions that affect them.

If you're a values-driven leader who can turn insight into influence and influence into impact, we'd love to hear from you.

Please see Job Description for full outline of responsibilities.

What we can offer you

Please note this role is with the Students’ Union. We’re a registered charity in our right, with our own governance, systems, processes, and objectives. However, we work extremely closely with Imperial College London, so you’ll also be joining a wider community of staff working within higher education. If you’ve never worked in a students’ union, or are unsure why it’s different, we encourage you to get in contact. It’s a brilliant place to work.

As an employee of Imperial College, you will be part of lively community and work in a friendly and relaxed environment. Our aim is to provide to all our employees an encouraging and relaxed working environment with an emphasis on personal development and work-life balance. Based on that we offer:

• flexible working hours
• generous pension scheme
• 27 days holiday (plus 8 extra days per year for College Christmas and Easter closures and 8 Bank Holidays)
• bicycle loan scheme
• season ticket loan
• health benefits
• excellent professional development opportunities and many more.

More information can be found on the Imperial College Benefits page:

Benefits | Administration and support services | Imperial College London

Further information

To apply for the role please complete the online application form.

We are running a characteristic anonymised application process for this recruitment as part of the College’s commitment to equal opportunities and eliminating discrimination. Applicants will be assigned an application reference number and applicants’ names will not be visible to recruiting managers until the interview stage. You will not be required to attach a CV. Please also refrain from including your name in your supporting statement.

Should you require any further details on the role please contact the People team on icu.people@imperial.ac.uk.

Closing date: 22 November 2026

Interviews will be expected to take place week commencing 30 November 2026.

We welcome applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith, or disability. We particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian and other racial minority ethnic candidates and disabled candidates who are currently underrepresented in our workforce. If there are any reasonable adjustments needed through the process, we will accommodate as much as possible.

As part of our commitment to sustainability, every role within Imperial College Union contributes to our environmental and social goals. This includes actively participating in initiatives to reduce waste, conserve energy, and promote eco-friendly practices within every department.