Postgraduate Sabbatical Officer

Are you passionate about improving the postgraduate experience at Birkbeck? The Postgraduate Sabbatical Officer plays a pivotal role in representing the interests of postgraduate students. As the voice of postgraduate students, this paid position provides an opportunity to lead, advocate, and create meaningful change within the Birkbeck community.

Purpose of the Role

• Act as the primary representative and advocate for postgraduate students’ academic and personal well-being.
• Coordinate and support the Postgraduate Network, ensuring strong engagement with the postgraduate community.
• Collect and act on feedback from students to ensure their voices are heard and represented in decision-making.
• Work with the Students’ Union and university bodies to enhance the postgraduate student experience.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Representation:

   • Advocate for students’ views in university meetings, committees, and academic panels.
   • Serve as a liaison between students, the Union, and the university.

2. Initiatives and Campaigns:

   • Create and lead initiatives to improve the student experience.
   • Run campaigns, events, and activities that foster community and engagement.

3. Community Building:

   • Develop and nurture a sense of community among postgraduate students.
   • Create opportunities for networking and collaboration.

4. Governance:

   • Contribute to the governance of the Students’ Union as a Trustee.
   • Support the Union’s strategy, finances, and organizational decisions.

5. Accountability and Professionalism:

   • Provide termly reports on activities to the Student Parliament and Trustee Board.
   • Commit to the Union’s values, ensuring a professional and dedicated approach.

Eligibility

To stand for this role, candidates must:

• Be a current postgraduate student at Birkbeck at the time of the election.

Skills and Attributes

We are looking for someone who is:

• Passionate about postgraduate representation and making positive changes.
• Proactive and committed to the Birkbeck community.
• Skilled at managing multiple responsibilities and meeting deadlines.
• Enthusiastic about advocacy and community building.

Benefits

• Gain invaluable leadership and advocacy experience.
• Develop professional skills through training and networking opportunities.
• Work closely with top university leaders and contribute to decision-making processes.
• Make a tangible impact on the postgraduate student experience.

Time Commitment

• 21 hours per week (adjustable to 20 hours for international students on visas).

Benefits and Development Opportunities

• Extensive training, including officer development and trustee training.
• Networking opportunities with University leaders and external stakeholders.
• Experience in governance, strategy, and advocacy.
• Personal and professional growth in a supportive environment.

Visibility Requirements

• Attend essential Union meetings, including Student Parliament and Trustee Board.
• Be present at the Students’ Union office once a week during term time.
• Participate in promotional activities, including videos and photos for Union campaigns.

Join Us

Are you ready to champion postgraduate students and lead impactful change? The Postgraduate Sabbatical Officer role is your chance to leave a lasting legacy at Birkbeck. Nominate yourself today!