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.

Our programmes are delivered across two sites in the UK:  West Dean, the idyllic Grade II listed rural campus in the stunning South Downs near Chichester (West Sussex), and our new, prestigious Bloomsbury site in the heart of London.  These inspiring locations provide the ideal environment in which students can work across disciplines and forge exciting new collaborations. 

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 are delighted to offer an exciting opportunity to join our Campus Services Team at West Dean as a Student Services Assistant, a key role at the heart of our vibrant student community.

As a Student Services Assistant, you will be one of the first welcoming points of contact for students, providing outstanding front-line support and helping to ensure their day-to-day experience on campus is positive, smooth, and engaging. You will confidently manage a wide range of student enquiries and administrative tasks, becoming a trusted and approachable presence for students across the College.

You will play an integral role in promoting student wellbeing and enhancing the overall student experience. Acting as an important link between students and staff, you will help communicate student feedback and contribute to a supportive, inclusive, and welcoming environment where every student feels valued and empowered to thrive.

This is a dynamic and varied role, ideal for someone who enjoys working independently, communicating with confidence, and delivering excellent customer service while making a meaningful impact on college life.

Key Responsibilities 

• Act as a friendly first point of contact for students, providing excellent front-line support and information.

• Communicate regularly with students, working closely with Education teams and the wider College.

• Support student recruitment events, inductions, and open days, promoting non-academic services.

• Create, maintain, and distribute key student documentation, including accommodation and policy information.

• Manage room bookings, student profiles, and board status changes using the bookings system.

• Work with Finance to ensure accurate processing of accommodation charges, deposits, and credits.

• Assist with student arrivals, registration, and orientation periods.

• Support student wellbeing through engagement, event coordination, and appropriate signposting.

• Undertake Mental Health First Aider training and work closely with welfare and counselling services.

• Maintain health and safety standards and support emergency procedures when required.

• Provide administrative support, including reports, student ID cards, and database maintenance.

• Support residential services through inspections, housekeeping liaison, and maintenance follow-up.

• Gather student feedback and contribute to service improvements across the College.

Full details in the job pack.

Excellent Benefits 

• Generous contributory pension scheme
• Life assurance
• Employee Assistant Programme 
• Mental health first aiders
• Discounted places on short courses
• Free entry into West Dean Gardens
• Discounts on accommodation 
• Complimentary hot drinks, fruit & biscuits
• Free on-site parking at West Dean site
• Cycle to work scheme 

• Please view the Student Services Assistant Job Pack Sussex 12 2025 document (opens in a pop up)