Durham University
Head of Student Accommodation Services
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Want to shape the residential experience of thousands of students at one of the world's leading universities?
We're looking for an exceptional leader to head our Student Accommodation Services, leading the team responsible for accommodation allocation, housing compliance and residential planning and relationship management across Durham University's collegiate estate and the wider student housing market – a service associated with a c. £65m income stream.
This is a highly influential role, sitting at the intersection of student experience, strategic planning, regulatory compliance and institutional growth. You'll work closely with senior leaders across the University and external stakeholders, helping to shape the future of Durham's distinctive collegiate model and ensuring students have a safe, inclusive and outstanding experience across their time at Durham.
We're looking for a strategic and customer-focused leader with experience in accommodation, housing or a similar complex service environment, who can inspire teams, drive improvement and build strong partnerships.
The Role
The Head of Student Accommodation Services is responsible for the operational management and strategic development of the University’s residential accommodation management services, including leading the College Membership and Accommodation Office, contributing to the University’s delivery of a safe, inclusive collegiate living environment while managing budgets, staff and assuring compliance against all relevant legislative and policy standards.
The College Membership and Accommodation Office (CMAO) is responsible primarily for the allocation of college membership and accommodation within the University’s residential estate (a c. £65M income stream). The Office coordinates the University’s compliance with the UUK / GuildHE Student Accommodation Code to ensure compliance with the Housing Act 2004.
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CMAO also acts as an interface between students and the private sector housing market to address housing-related needs, and the post-holder will develop and maintain strong relationships with key external stakeholders, including PBSA providers, the Local Authority and local letting agent forums. This includes maintaining market insight, monitoring sector and market developments, and working collaboratively with existing and prospective development partners to inform future accommodation opportunities.
The Head of Student Accommodation Services leads and manages this team and the stakeholder relationships with the Dean of Colleges, Heads of Colleges, Estates and Facilities, Admissions, Strategic Planning and Insight Office and other University and external stakeholders, with responsibility for briefing the University’s Executive on the impact of student accommodation performance on financial and student number planning.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Durham University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion.
At Durham University, our aim is to create an open and inclusive environment where everyone can reach their full potential and we believe our staff should reflect the diversity of the global community in which we work. We welcome and encourage applications from members of groups who are under-represented in our work force including people with disabilities, women, and black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.
If you are a candidate with a disability, we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process. We will make adjustments to support the interview process wherever it is reasonable to do so and, where successful, reasonable adjustments will be made to support people within their role.
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How to Apply
We prefer to receive applications online. We will update you about your application at various points throughout the selection process, via automated emails from our E-Recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to make sure you have not missed any of our updates.
When you apply, it is important to provide examples which demonstrate the essential (and desirable) skills/experience you have from a similar role and/or skills/experience you have which would make you right for this role. Further information about the role, responsibilities and the person specification is detailed in the Applicant Pack.
What you need to submit
- A CV
- A covering letter which outlines how you meet all of the criteria within the Person Specification detailed in the Applicant Pack.
Contact details
For a chat about the role or any further information please contact Stewart Ross, Chief Operating Officer at stewart.ross@durham.ac.uk or Jonny Moore, Head of Divisional Business Management at j.p.moore@durham.ac.uk
The closing date for applications is midnight on Wednesday 9 September 2026.
Interviews will be held on Tuesday 29 September 2026.
Please note that in submitting your application Durham University will be processing your data. We would ask you to consider the relevant University Privacy Statement Privacy Notices - Durham University which provides information on the collation, storing and use of data.
When appointing to this role the University must ensure that it meets any applicable immigration requirements, including salary thresholds which are applicable to some visas.
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