President

Contract: Fixed-term, twelve-month contract, starting from 1st July 2026. This can be taken as a sabbatical or a graduate role. You may run again for a second year.

What we offer

  • Salary: £25,989.60 per annum
  • 35-hour week (annualised)
  • Flexible / hybrid working
  • 6% pension contribution
  • 40 days annual leave
  • Training and development

General & Specific Responsibilities

General Responsibilities

  • Lead JMSU’s strategic direction.
  • Work with the CEO to support organisational goals.
  • Engage with students and gather feedback.
  • Oversee democratic processes.
  • Represent students to LJMU leaders.
  • Sit on university committees.
  • Participate in appeals/disciplinary panels.
  • Collaborate with NUS nationally.
  • Speak for students internally and externally.
  • Present at major student events.

Specific Responsibilities

  • Chair the Board of Trustees.
  • Deliver speeches at Graduation ceremonies.
  • Act as JMSU's principal external representative.
  • Lead the delegation to NUS Conference.

This list reflects the main duties but is not exhaustive.

A Day in the Life of the President

The President’s day varies depending on campaigns, student issues, and university decisions.

Core Role

  1. Deliver your manifesto commitments.
  2. Represent students locally and nationally.
  3. Serve as Chair of Trustees and a voting Governor.

Key Activities

  • Pop-Up Unions
  • Meetings with Pro Vice-Chancellor
  • University committees
  • Campaign events
  • Officer filming/content creation
  • Senior Leadership Team check-ins
  • Officer team meetings
  • Chairing Board of Trustees
  • Manifesto progress sessions
  • Email/admin work
  • TOIL where needed

Additional Events

  • Graduation ceremonies
  • NUS Lead & Change Conference
  • JMSU working groups
  • All Staff Briefings
  • Flexi working
  • Wellbeing 1-to-1s
  • Department meetings
  • Student meetings and signposting

How to Write Your Presidential Manifesto

Your manifesto must be 250 words and include three clear commitments.

1. Gathering Ideas

Ask yourself:

  • Why do I want to be President?
  • What changes do I want to lead?
  • What matters most to LJMU students?
  • How will I use my role on the Board of Governors?

Include experience such as volunteering, representation roles, campaigns, or societies.

2. Boiling Down Ideas

Condense your ideas into three realistic and achievable commitments. Keep the language clear and accessible.

3. Get SMART

  • Specific
  • Measurable
  • Achievable
  • Relevant
  • Time-bound

4. Test Your Manifesto

Share your ideas with friends, classmates, or student groups for feedback.

Template Examples

Template Example 1

Hi, my name is… I am running for President because…

I have experience in…

If elected, I will:

  • Commitment 1
  • Commitment 2
  • Commitment 3

Vote for me…

Template Example 2

Hello, my name is… I am running for President because…

My key campaign points are:

  1. Campaign Point 1 – why it matters & how I’ll deliver it
  2. Campaign Point 2 – why it matters & how I’ll deliver it
  3. Campaign Point 3 – why it matters & how I’ll deliver it

Please vote for me!

Campaign Planning Guide – President

Cover the Basics

Ensure students know what the elections are, how to vote, and what the President role involves.

Use Your Networks

Reach out to people you know — course mates, sports teams, societies, flatmates, and friends.

Ask for Help

Ask supporters to help you promote your campaign, share posts, and reach more students.

Keep It Accessible

  • Add alt text to images
  • Use captions for videos
  • Ensure good colour contrast

Get Attention

Create strong visuals, slogans, and engaging content to stand out.

Think Turnout

Reach students who may not normally vote — your outreach can make the difference.

Message Discipline

Choose 1–2 key messages and repeat them throughout your campaign.

Your Wellbeing While Running in Elections

Running for a Student Officer role can be exciting, but it can also be demanding at times. JMSU has created guidance to help you look after your wellbeing throughout the election period.

Read the Elections Wellbeing Guide

Contact

If you need help, contact the Elections Team: elections@ljmu.ac.uk

Good luck with your nomination!

Not sure if the President role is right for you?

If you're unsure whether to apply for President, explore the full list of Student Officer roles. Each role offers different ways to make an impact.

View all Student Officer roles