Job Description

The Post

The Student Groups Function Manager is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the Union's Group team, within the Student Opportunities function. The post holder will oversee and support the management of two coordinators, while reporting to the Senior Opportunities Manager, to deliver the Union's core Group's offer. This includes responsibility for the delivery of volunteer training, financial support and processes, grievance management, academic society support, and societal development. The post holder will also be responsible for the development of the Student Leadership Portal, providing digital development and opportunities to engage student volunteers.

The Person

We are looking to recruit an enthusiastic, inspirational individual who is passionate about delivering an excellent student-centred service. The post-holder will have:

Experience of leading and managing projects Experience supporting, motivating and training people. Line management experience is preferred, however we welcome applications from those who have transferable experience from managing volunteers or ad-hoc staff. Experience of developing and increasing participation and will demonstrate the skills necessary to develop new initiatives Excellent communication skills An understanding of best practice in supporting Union representatives The skills to undertake and present research and analyse data Ability to handle competing priorities.
An understanding of modern student life is essential, and an understanding of volunteer management is desirable.

What we offer

Strong team mentality, supportive and sociable workplace Regular training opportunities and team development days 38 days holiday (30 days annual leave + 8 bank holidays) and additional Christmas leave (University shutdown) Flexible working (e.g. flexitime, career break, paid time off for volunteering) 35 hour week Enhanced sick pay, maternity, paternity or adoption leave Access to University staff benefits: discounted gym membership, free library membership, bike safe Employee Assistance Programme

The Organisation

The University of Portsmouth Students' Union (The Union or UPSU for short) is a forward thinking, friendly organisation with a vision of "delivering a positive impact with every Portsmouth student". As a charity led by its values and guided by its members, we offer a wide range of services and activities to support and enrich the lives of our students. UPSU employs approximately 30 career staff, a further 40 student staff and we work with over 1000 registered student volunteers and over 100 student groups.

Further Information

For more information on this opportunity and how to apply, please visit www.upsu.net/careers. For an informal conversation about this opportunity, please contact Ashley Martin, Senior Student Opportunities Manager, on ashley.martin@upsu.net or 02392 843647

Closing date for applications: midday, 12th January 2026

Interviews will be held on date: 21st January 2026

We kindly ask that candidates do not send CVs or cover letters as these will not be considered. You can find an application form on our website.

Anonymous shortlisting will be carried out for this role to ensure a fair and consistent approach to recruitment. We will not disclose any personal details to the shortlisting panel. Any documents or links with identifying information will not be used during shortlisting, but can be submitted if you are selected for an interview.

We are strongly dedicated to embedding equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) within our community and we are passionate about creating a welcoming and inclusive environment which supports everyone from recruitment through to appointment, regardless of your background. We welcome applications from all talented people and as part of this commitment, we are working to improve the diversity of our workforce to ensure that it is as relevant and representative of our student community as possible and are actively encouraging applications from underrepresented groups.

The Union is a MINDFUL EMPLOYER and we are committed to creating a supportive and open culture and actively support the mental wellbeing of all staff.

Due to the high number of applicants, if you have not heard from UPSU by the interview date you should assume you have been unsuccessful in your application.

Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 24 months

Pay: 28,570.00-32,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Additional leave Bereavement leave Casual dress Company events Company pension Cycle to work scheme Enhanced maternity leave Enhanced paternity leave Flexitime Free flu jabs Paid volunteer time Sabbatical Sick pay Work from home
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Portsmouth PO1 2EF

Application deadline: 12/01/2026