Work for your Students' Union
Could you be a Student Activist?
Are you passionate about making a difference for your fellow students? Do you have an issue you want to champion? JMSU is looking for driven LJMU students to become Student Activists — identifying, developing and leading a student-led campaign to drive real, positive change across the university.
You will be supported throughout by JMSU staff, elected officers, and a dedicated Campaigns & Change Coordinator. This is your chance to build leadership skills, grow your network, and leave a lasting legacy at LJMU.
The role runs from July 2026 to July 2027 and pays £14.79 per hour (honoraria). Use the quick links below to find out everything you need to know.
A paid, flexible student leadership role where you design, build and deliver a student-led campaign on a cause that matters to you and your peers.
Complete the Application Form and email it to studentvoice@ljmu.ac.uk with the subject line Student Activist (and your name). No CVs — application form only.
We are looking for passionate students who want to make a difference on an issue that matters to them and their peers. Student Activists will identify, develop and champion a student-led campaign or cause, working with JMSU staff, officers and students to raise awareness, gather insight, influence decision-makers and drive positive change across LJMU.
Current LJMU student in 2026/2027
Able to communicate clearly and confidently in person, by email and telephone
Good time management and organisational skills
A proactive approach with the ability to think creatively and critically
Strong project and event planning skills
Passionate about advocating for social change
Strong commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion
Evidence of Right to Work in the UK
Knowledge of student engagement, community building and student union operations
Knowledge of lived experience and barriers of underrepresented groups in Higher Education
Awareness of LJMU's Access and Participation Plan
Experience working in a democratic, student-led environment
The role is flexible and self-led, but you will have structured support and regular check-ins throughout the year. Here is what you can expect to be involved in.
Attend training with officers and JMSU staff in August to September (dates to be confirmed). Learn how to plan and deliver using the Theory of Change model. A hybrid option is available for international students.
As part of your application, submit a proposal for a student-led campaign you want to champion. Explain the issue, why it matters to students, the change you would like to see, and how you will measure impact. JMSU staff will help you shape it into an action plan.
Collaborate with fellow students in the first and second term (dates to be confirmed). Co-create intervention strategies and help facilitate sessions to shape action plans across LJMU.
Regular catch-ups with the Campaigns & Change Coordinator from September through to June (term time). They will help you plan your work, guide you in the role, and ensure your campaign is delivered successfully.
Design, build and deliver your student-led campaign. Work with the Campaigns & Change Coordinator to develop a full Theory of Change model. Draft, design and be the face of social media activity related to your campaign.
Attend JMSU Forums and other insight meetings such as the Student Equity Council to ensure your cause is heard across the university. Work with the Insight & Belonging Coordinator to build insight activity and ensure both JMSU and LJMU understand the issue your campaign tackles.
This role offers far more than just payment. Here is what you will gain and what we offer in return.
Receive an automatic invite to our Student Experience Awards and the opportunity to present an award alongside other student leaders of LJMU.
Get real experience of shortlisting for the awards and join JMSU in presenting these awards to hardworking LJMU staff and departments.
Have a professional headshot taken for use on all your professional profiles, plus training on how to present yourself professionally and confidently.
Reasonable travel costs reimbursed by JMSU when attending in-person work associated with your role — so you are never out of pocket.
Meet other passionate students in the world of campaigns and democracy, as well as key JMSU staff, and utilise these relationships.
Potential to attend National Union of Students events including regional meet-ups, liberation campaign days and national conferences — a great opportunity to share best practice and gather ideas.
As well as on-the-job experience, you will have access to our exclusive Student Leader training package which may include:
Fill in the application form in full. As part of your application you will need to include a proposal for a student-led campaign or cause you would like to champion. Your proposal should clearly explain the issue, why it matters to students, the change you would like to see, and how you will know you have made an impact.
Application formPlease also complete the equal opportunities monitoring form. This is for monitoring purposes only and will not be seen by any members of the recruitment panel.
Equal opportunities formSend both completed forms to studentvoice@ljmu.ac.uk with the subject line Student Activist (and your name).
studentvoice@ljmu.ac.ukIf shortlisted, you will attend a meeting with JMSU staff and officers and present a 10-minute slideshow outlining your campaign proposal, followed by questions from the panel.
Training Aug – Sep 2026A student visa for full-time degree level studies allows you to work or volunteer for a maximum of 20 hours per week during term time. Please check the LJMU guidelines and any restrictions specific to your circumstances before applying.
Do I need to be an LJMU student to apply?
Yes — you must be a current LJMU student in the 2026/2027 academic year to be eligible.
How much will I be paid and when?
You will receive an honoraria payment based on £14.79 per hour (plus 12.07% holiday pay) for a maximum of 20 hours per term. Payments are made in November, January and June and are subject to Tax and National Insurance deductions.
Do I need to already have a campaign idea?
Yes — as part of your application you will submit a proposal for a student-led campaign or cause. It does not need to be fully formed; successful candidates will receive support from JMSU staff and officers to develop their idea into a realistic action plan.
What does the interview involve?
If shortlisted, you will present a 10-minute slideshow outlining your campaign proposal to a panel of JMSU staff and officers, followed by questions.
Can international students apply?
Yes, if your visa permits you to work or volunteer up to 20 hours per week during term time. Please check the LJMU guidelines and your specific visa conditions before applying.
Do I need to attend training?
Yes — all successful candidates must attend training in August or September 2026. Dates are to be confirmed. A hybrid option is available for international students, and support is available for students with caring responsibilities.
What is the equal opportunities monitoring form?
This is a diversity monitoring form only. It will not be seen by any members of the recruitment panel and will not affect your application.
Can I make reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process?
Yes — JMSU encourages contact from applicants regarding reasonable adjustments. Please get in touch at studentvoice@ljmu.ac.uk and they will do their best to remove any barriers.
Complete the application form and equal opportunities form, then email both to studentvoice@ljmu.ac.uk with the subject line Student Activist (and your name).
