OVERVIEW The University of Cambridge is seeking an experienced manager to join the Postgraduate Admissions Office as Deputy Head of Postgraduate Admissions. This leadership position supports a large-scale admissions operation responsible for approximately 40,000 applications each year across doctoral and master’s programmes. The role focuses on delivering a high-quality service for applicants, departments, faculties, and Colleges across the University. The successful candidate will play a key part in operational management, policy development, and specialist admissions guidance, while supporting a dedicated team and contributing to institutional decision-making. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES – Lead the delivery of a high-quality postgraduate admissions service – Oversee admissions operations including offer-making, document verification, visa sponsorship, and admissions confirmation – Provide guidance and support to staff and applicants – Ensure admissions processes are efficient, accurate, and compliant with Service Level Agreements – Support and develop members of the admissions team – Direct staff responsible for specialist admissions areas – Provide expertise relating to student visas, international qualifications, part-time study, English language assessment, and applications from disabled applicants – Help shape admissions policy and practice across the University – Serve as Assistant Secretary to the Postgraduate Admissions Committee – Chair the International Qualifications Reference Group – Represent the Postgraduate Admissions Office at key meetings and forums across the University REQUIREMENTS – Experience in a leadership or management role – Knowledge and experience relevant to postgraduate admissions operations – Ability to oversee complex applications processes and service delivery – Experience supporting staff development and operational performance – Understanding of international qualifications and visa-related admissions matters – Ability to provide expert guidance to applicants and colleagues – Experience contributing to policy and practice development WHY THIS ROLE MATTERS This position supports the delivery of a fair, accurate, and efficient admissions process for thousands of postgraduate applicants each year. The Deputy Head plays a key role in maintaining standards, supporting international applicants, and ensuring the University delivers a consistent and responsible admissions service across multiple academic areas. BONUS: APPLICATION ADVICE – Highlight leadership experience connected to admissions or higher education operations – Demonstrate experience managing complex applications processes and service delivery targets – Include examples of working with international applicants or international qualifications – Show evidence of policy development, operational improvement, or staff management responsibilities – Emphasise communication skills and experience advising applicants or institutional stakeholders – Tailor your application to the specific postgraduate admissions responsibilities listed in the role description