ABOUT WEST DEAN

West Dean is internationally recognised as a centre of excellence for art, design, craft, and conservation education.  The work of staff and students, frequently rooted in traditional skills, is both innovative and world leading.  We are making bold and ambitious moves as an organisation with the expansion of our portfolio, the redevelopment of our estate and our strategic push on diversity and sustainability. 

ABOUT THE ROLE

We have an exciting new opportunity for a dedicated and experienced Senior Student Welcome Officer (Nights) to join our vibrant community at West Dean College, based in the idyllic Grade II listed rural campus in the stunning South Downs near Chichester (West Sussex).

As a Senior Student Welcome Officer (Nights), you will play a crucial role in ensuring the safety, security, and satisfaction of our students and guests during night hours. This is an exciting new opportunity to become an integral part of a dynamic team within a prestigious educational institution.

Key Responsibilities:

• To supervise the Student Welcome operations during night hours, ensuring student and customer satisfaction by providing a courteous and efficient service, proactively addressing student and guest inquiries, striving to enhance their overall experience at West Dean.

• Oversee campus premises during night hours, ensuring the safety and security of students, staff, and facilities, acting as the first point of contact in case of emergencies, promptly responding to incidents and implementing appropriate procedures.

• Work closely with other college staff and departments to coordinate activities and resolve issues effectively.

• Support the Campus Services Manager in ensuring the efficient running of the Student Welcome operation, through the effective management and utilisation of Student Welcome Officers.

• To lead Student Welcome Officers in their daily and nightly tasks, assisting the team with day to day queries, and to support the Campus Services Manager with training and development of staff.

To be successful in this role, candidates will need:

• Previous experience in a similar role, preferably within an educational or hospitality setting.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact effectively with students, staff, and visitors.

• Excellent problem-solving abilities and the capacity to remain calm and composed in stressful situations.

• Flexibility to work night shifts on a rotating schedule, including weekends and holidays.

• A proactive and customer-focused approach to service delivery, with a commitment to ensuring student satisfaction.

This is a night role working 8pm-8am 7 days on 7 days off.  Flexibility will be required to cover holidays, sickness or other absence.

Contract:  Permanent

Salary:  £29,789.76 per annum

Hours:  Average of 42 hours per week / 7 days on 7 days off / 12 hours per night

Holidays:  33 days per holiday year (October to 30 September) inclusive of Bank Holidays.

Sickness:  10 (pro rata for part-time hours) days in any consecutive twelve month period, or longer period at the Foundation’s discretion, after six months’ continuous service.

Benefits:  Contributory pension scheme, subsidised meals, free and discounted places on short courses at West Dean, employee assistance programme, mental health first aid support, cycle to work scheme, West Dean Staff Discount Card.

If you are passionate about providing exceptional service, fostering a warm and inclusive environment, and being part of a dynamic team in a vibrant setting, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity.

• Please view the Senior Student Welcome Officer Nights Job Pack Mar 2024 document (opens in a pop up)