Director of Careers and Employability Services

Job Description
Queen Mary University of London is a Russell Group University with a difference. Our vision is to be recognised across the world as the most inclusive research-intensive University. By 2030, we will be the most inclusive university of its kind, anywhere.

Our founding institutions were established to provide hope and opportunity for the less privileged; today, we remain true to that vision. We attract a remarkably diverse student population: 90 per cent of our home students are from state schools, 59 per cent are BAME, and 42 per cent are the first in their families to enter higher education. At Queen Mary, inclusivity is not just a policy—it is a fundamental core value intrinsic to who we are.

The Role
We are seeking an inspirational and strategic Director of Careers and Employability to lead our Senior Management Team and provide the professional expertise required to transform graduate success. Operating within the Student Experience Directorate, you will be responsible for ensuring our services are aligned with the core institutional mission of Strategy 2030 and the Employability and Graduate Skills Strategy.

You will lead a collaborative team across Careers Education, Advice and Guidance; Employer Partnerships and Experiential Learning; and Careers and Employability Data and Delivery, acting as the lead professional expert on employability matters across the University.

Key priorities for the role include:

• Strategic Leadership: Overseeing progress against the Employability and Graduate Skills Strategy and ensuring clarity over roles and responsibilities with academic leadership.
• Partnership Development: Developing and implementing “School Partnership Agreements” to ensure employability support is tailored to the needs of diverse disciplines and our unique student population.
• Innovation: Championing digital innovation, AI, and personalised support to enhance student experience and improve graduate success.
• Data-Driven Excellence: Regularly analysing student employment outcomes and producing reports for the Senior Executive Team to inform future interventions.
• External Advocacy: Representing the University in national networks, such as the Graduate Futures Institute, and translating external trends into local policy.

Director of Careers and Employability
Queen Mary University of London
Salary: £78,029 – £85,510
Location: Mile End Campus (Full-Time, Indefinite)

About You
We are seeking a highly collaborative and strategic leader with:

• Extensive Higher Education Experience: Significant experience in a higher education environment, specifically regarding student employability or skills development.
• Strategic and Operational Maturity: The ability to think strategically while providing advice and support on operational issues.
• Stakeholder Diplomacy: Proven success in building effective, sustainable relationships with high-level internal and external stakeholders.
• Analytical Expertise: Experience in analysing and interpreting complex data (including Graduate Outcomes) to inform strategic developments.
• Commitment to Diversity: A strong, demonstrable commitment to the values of equality and diversity, matching the University's ambitious inclusivity goals.
• Entrepreneurial Mindset: Evidence of an enterprising and continuous improvement mindset, always seeking to enhance personal impact and organisational practices.

How to Apply
For further information and to access the appointment brief, click the link below. To apply, please press the apply now button at the top of the page.

If you have any queries or wish to have an informal discussion about the opportunity, please contact our retained advisor Omar Begg via email with a copy of your CV: Omar.Begg@prospect-us.co.uk

Recruitment Timetable
Deadline for applications: 23rd June
Provisional interviews with QMUL: W/c 27th July