University of Cambridge
Deputy Head of Postgraduate Admissions
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We are looking for an experienced and motivated manager to join the Postgraduate Admissions Office in a key leadership role.
The Postgraduate Admissions Office is responsible for around 40,000 applications annually for doctoral and master's programmes. It supports applicants, over 100 departments and faculties, and all 31 Cambridge Colleges with expert admissions advice and services.
As Deputy Head, you will lead the delivery of a high-quality service.
You'll oversee core operations including offer-making, document verification, visa sponsorship, admissions confirmation, and providing staff and applicant guidance. You'll ensure processes are efficient, accurate, and meet Service Level Agreements, while supporting and developing a dedicated team.
You will use your knowledge and experience to direct staff responsible for the development of specialist admissions areas such as student visas, international qualifications, part-time study, English language assessment, and applications from disabled applicants. Your expertise will help shape policy and practice across the University.
We're Looking For Someone Who
- Has experience managing, motivating, and developing service teams
- Can prioritise and deliver multiple areas of work efficiently and effectively
- Can lead and support teams through periods of change and process improvement
- Communicates clearly and confidently with a wide range of stakeholders
- Thrives in a challenging, fast-paced, high volume, deadline-driven environment
- Understands and is passionate about Higher Education and admissions
- Can provide expert advice and handle complex queries with confidence
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You will serve as Assistant Secretary to the Postgraduate Admissions Committee and Chair the International Qualifications Reference Group, representing the office at key meetings and forums across the University.
Benefits Of Working At The University Of Cambridge Include
- Competitive rates of pay with automatic service-related pay progression and annual cost of living increases
- Generous annual leave allowance
- Flexible and hybrid working opportunities
- Generous maternity, adoption and shared parental leave entitlement and other family friendly schemes (e.g. workplace nurseries)
- An auto-enrolment pension scheme, with a generous employer contribution
- Travel benefits and retail discounts at over 2,000 local and national stores
- Schemes to support with relocation / the provision of accommodation
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Additional information regarding the role may be found within the Further Particulars. Your application should include an up-to-date CV and a cover letter in which you should clearly set out how you meet the criteria listed in the person specification (the experience and skills required for the role) along with relevant examples. Candidates will be shortlisted and invited to interview based upon these criteria.
Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to Jane Wilkinson - Email: Jane.wilkinson@admin.cam.ac.uk
The closing date for applications is: 17th August 2026
We expect interviews to be held: week commencing 7th September 2026
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
If you have any queries regarding the application process please contact SSCjobs@admin.cam.ac.uk
Please quote reference AT50403 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
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