Access the Chief Executive Officer Candidate Pack here

MDXSU is a powerful student-led charity committed to ensuring that Middlesex University students have the best possible university experience. We are proud of our history as the home of the modern students' union, with our roots tracing back to the students of Hornsey College of Art who pioneered the students’ union as we know it today. Over the past two years, we've shaken off the effects of lockdown to put the heart and art back into who we are, rediscovering our fun, creative, and dynamic spirit. We've revolutionised our ways of working and put students at the heart of everything we do. This dedication to excellence led to our nomination for Students' Union of the Year in the 2025 WhatUni Student Choice Awards.

We're now entering a new phase, collaborating with Middlesex University and sister unions to champion a new era of modern students’ unionism and strengthen the broader student movement. We are seeking a new CEO to lead this charge, advocating for student leadership, innovating our practices, supporting our staff, and continuing our strong partnership with the university.
 

About the Role
As the Chief Executive Officer, you will provide strategic leadership and ensure effective governance for MDXSU. You will empower and support our elected student officers and build strong relationships across the Middlesex community and beyond. You will also be responsible for the union's financial performance, legal compliance, and reputation.

This is a unique opportunity to join a union with the foundations in place to go from good to great. The successful candidate will have a deep understanding and belief in student leadership and social justice, along with a proven track record of developing and delivering high-quality organisational strategies. 

What We're Looking For
The ideal candidate will have significant management experience at a senior level within a students' union or similar organisation, with a strong track record of developing and delivering organisational strategies. You should also be committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment by actively breaking down barriers to engagement for different communities.

Essential Experience & Skills

• Significant senior-level management experience with strategic responsibility across multiple functions
• Demonstrable experience embedding student or member voice throughout an organisation's strategic planning and operations
• Experience in sound operational management, including effective financial control and oversight of HR
• A deep understanding and commitment to student leadership and social justice
• Proven ability to lead and motivate diverse teams to achieve high performance
• Strong political acumen with an understanding of key issues affecting students and Students' Unions

An award winning employee experience

• At least 39 days' annual leave each year, including MDX-wide seasonal closure
• Exceptional development opportunities, including access to accredited University qualifications following successful probation, with paid study leave
• Enhanced parental leave
• Paid volunteer days and wellbeing days
• Cycle to work scheme
• Employee assistance programme
• Access to a range of competitive discounts - on and off campus
• Max Flex working – a fully flexible working culture with core hours to be worked across 8-8, Mon-Sun as works for you and MDXSU, with significant flexibility of where and when you work during University vacation weeks
• Discounted access to MDX Gym and swimming facilities in the local area

We are committed to equity, diversity, and liberation. If you believe in the transformative power of comprehensive higher education and are ready to lead with collaboration and empowerment, we encourage you to apply.

For an initial, informal discussion about the role, please contact Sarah Kerton, current CEO, at s.kerton@mdx.ac.uk

How to apply
Apply with your CV and a personal statement of no more than 2 pages that demonstrates how you meet the requirements set out in the About You section of the recruitment pack through our recruitment portal, by 10am on Tuesday 16 September 2025.

Dates for your diary
First round interviews (online): Wednesday 24 September 2025
Final interviews (in person): Monday 6 October 2025