Applying
Application deadline: 25th of August 2025
Interviews (hybrid/online available): Week of 1st September 2025 (TBC)
Start Date: ASAP
(Please note, the timeline described above is subject to change.)
Rate
£12.21 per hour (Grade 1.3)
Hours
Variable (expected 10 to 12 hours per week) The variable working hours reflect the changing demands on student representatives across the academic year – applicants must be flexible in this respect. In turn, the St Andrews Students’ Association is committed to giving flexible time off around exams and deadlines wherever possible. Specific schedules will be discussed with the successful applicant.
An average of 12 hours per week can be expected, some of which will be scheduled standing meetings/hours and some of which will be independent project work.
Details
Your role
The St Andrews Students’ Association plays a central role in advocating for and representing the interests of the student body. As the President of Union Affairs leads these efforts, the Union Affairs Intern will play a crucial role in supporting the President of Union Affairs with strategic, operational, and administrative tasks while gaining valuable hands-on experience in leadership and project management. Working directly with the President of Union Affairs, this position will ensure the smooth running of the President of Union Affairs’ priorities by managing their schedule, assisting in key University committees, conducting research, and overseeing specific projects. You will be exposed to high-level decision-making processes and have the opportunity to contribute to major student initiatives on sustainability, democracy, and strategic development.
Principle Responsibilities of Post-Holder
- Administrative Support: Provide administrative support to the President of Union Affairs to manage their schedule, identifying calendar conflicts, and ensuring effective time management. This includes tracking actions, following up on required tasks, and supporting the President of Union Affairs with logistics for meetings and events.
- Research & Briefings: Provide in-depth research on issues relevant to the President of Union Affairs’ remit, including Higher Education policy, Union strategic developments, and student democracy. Prepare briefing papers and reports to support the President of Union Affairs’ decision-making.
- Communications Support: Assist with drafting internal and external communications, including updates to staff, students, and University representatives on the President of Union Affairs’ behalf. Help coordinate the visibility of the President’s work across various platforms, including social media.
- Project Coordination: Assist the President of Union Affairs in coordinating key projects, such as campaigns on student democracy, cost-of-living, and sustainability. Collaborate with the Student Engagement and Design & Marketing Teams to ensure smooth execution of these initiatives.
- Special Projects: Assist with ad hoc projects and initiatives led by the President of Union Affairs, such as supporting student forums, town hall meetings, or strategic decisions within the Association.
Opportunities for Learning & Development
This internship provides the chance to gain significant experience in leadership, student representation, and governance. You will have the opportunity to attend and contribute to key decision-making processes alongside the President, allowing you to develop skills in project management, research, strategic planning, and stakeholder relations. The successful candidate will have access to mentorship from full-time staff and will develop their skills in a supportive environment where they can take on meaningful responsibility. There will be opportunities to lead on projects, collaborate with different departments, and grow professionally.
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Attributes
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Essential
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Desirable
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Means of
Assessment
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Education &
Qualifications
(technical, professional,
academic
qualifications and training required)
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Experience in higher education (as student or staff)
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Experience working within a studentleadership setting
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Certificates,
application letter,
CV
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Experience & Knowledge
(examples of specific experience and knowledge sought)
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Ability to evaluate, analyse and synthesise information
Experience in dealing with confidential information
Experience in organising consistent engaging social media
Interest in social justice campaigns
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Experience in student representation
Experience leading on assigned projects
Experience in coordinating successful campaigns
Knowledge of and interest in higher education funding
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CV, application letter and interview
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Competencies & Skills
(effective communication skills, initiative, flexibility,
leadership etc.)
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Strong administrative and organisational skills
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with a diverse set of stakeholders
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Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
Event planning skills
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CV, application letter, interview
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Attributes
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Essential
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Desirable
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Means of
Assessment
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Ability to communicate effectively and clearly with a wide range of people
Ability to work proactively and manage time and deadlines of self and others
Ability to attend in-person meetings in St Andrews.
Well-organised, attentive to detail and conscientious
Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion principles
Competency with the Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant software
Adaptable and flexible
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Essential Criteria – requirements without which a candidate would not be able to undertake the full remit of the role. Applicants who have not clearly demonstrated in their application that they possess the essential requirements will normally be rejected at the short-listing stage.
Desirable Criteria – requirements which would be useful for the candidate to hold. When short listing, these criteria will be considered when more than one applicant meets the essential requirements.