Senior Student Support Advocate at UCSA

Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

15 Mar, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

15 Dec, 25

Experience

2 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Advocacy, Problem-Solving, Policy Knowledge, Cultural Competence, Empathy, Communication, Organizational Skills, Time Management, Interpersonal Skills

Industry

Higher Education

Description

Senior Student Support Advocate University of Canterbury Students’ Association (UCSA) · Full time · Permanent The Opportunity Are you passionate about empowering students and ensuring their voices are heard? Do you have strong advocacy skills and a knack for navigating complex policies? Are you committed to creating inclusive, culturally responsive services that support all students, including Māori and Pacific communities? Our Advocacy & Welfare Team plays a vital role in helping students succeed and belong. As Senior Student Support Advocate, you’ll lead initiatives that make a real difference in students’ lives - providing guidance, representation, and support on academic, non-academic, and hardship-related issues. This is a dynamic role where you’ll work closely with students, staff, and external organisations, ensuring advocacy services are robust, fair, and culturally inclusive. What You’ll Do Provide independent advocacy and welfare support for UC students, including representation in academic and non-academic matters. Implement and uphold guidelines for managing student-to-student conflict, ensuring fair and respectful outcomes. Promote advocacy and welfare services across campus, ensuring students know where to turn for help. Track trends and provide feedback to UC on policies and processes to improve the student experience. About You We’re looking for someone who is: An experienced advocate with strong problem-solving skills and the ability to represent students effectively. Knowledgeable in policy and regulations, ideally with a legal background or understanding. Culturally competent, committed to delivering inclusive services that meet the needs of Māori, Pacific, and diverse student communities. Empathetic and diplomatic, with excellent communication skills and the ability to build trust and rapport. Organised and proactive, able to manage multiple priorities with confidence. Key Skills & Experience Tertiary qualification in a relevant field (e.g., law, psychology, advocacy, mediation). Previous experience in advocacy or student support, ideally in a tertiary environment. Strong understanding of university policies and processes. Ability to work with diverse communities and provide culturally responsive support. Excellent time management and interpersonal skills. Why Join Us? At UCSA, we’re here for students. You’ll be part of a passionate team dedicated to helping students succeed and belong, in an organisation that values innovation, inclusivity, and collaboration. Applications close 9 January 2026. Please note we will be reviewing applications as they are received and we reserve the right to appoint a suitable candidate before the application closing date.

Responsibilities

Provide independent advocacy and welfare support for UC students, including representation in academic and non-academic matters. Lead initiatives that support students in navigating complex policies and ensure their voices are heard.