Activities Manager

Education First; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private health insurance

Life insurance

Professional development

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Education First Cambridge is seeking an energetic Activities Manager to lead our campus activities and events. You will supervise a team, plan everything from local gatherings to large-scale events, and partner with local suppliers to ensure safety and a vibrant student experience.

You will work Monday to Friday, on-site, with opportunities to grow within EF’s global network. A strong focus on budgeting, profit targets, and engaging student life is essential.

Qualifications

• Leadership experience in a team environment.
• Excellent customer service focus.
• Ability to energize and motivate others.
• Strong financial sense and budgeting awareness.
• Fluent in English with clear communication.
• Ability to work independently and take initiative.
• Capable of performing under pressure.
• Eligible to work in the UK with no restrictions.
• Background checks and references required.

Responsibilities

• Lead activities and events programme with management oversight.
• Plan and deliver local to large-scale student events within budget.
• Support and coordinate Activities staff, expanding teams in peak seasons.
• Liaise with suppliers, negotiate rates, and build partnerships.
• Ensure safety, deliver engaging experiences, and promote campus culture.
• Oversee social media coverage of activities and events.

Skills

Leadership

Customer service

Motivation

Financial acumen

English fluency

Independent work

Work under pressure

Background checks

UK work eligibility

Job description

Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom (On-site)

• Full time
• EF Language Abroad
• Associate
• Operations

Your Role

EF (Education First)Cambridge International Language Campusis seeking an energetic and organised leader to join our Language Campus as Activities Manager.

In this role, you will lead our activities and events program, creating unforgettable experiences for international students while developing your leadership skills in a global environment.

- Full-time / Permanent

- Monday - Friday

Careers at EF | Open the world with us

At EF, we believe the world is better when people strive to understand one another. With 600+ schools and offices in 50 countries, we offer immersive programs in language, travel, cultural exchange, and academics, turning dreams into global opportunities. Join us in our shared mission of opening the world through education.

• Working with the management team to deliver an exceptional experience to our students, where you will have the overall responsibility for the activities and events programme
• You will be directly involved in shaping our student's experiences. Planning and delivering everything from local events and activities, through to large wow events of with hundreds of students, including partied and sporting events, promoting specialist in school clubs to enhance the student experience and foster community with the school and residences
• Throughout the year, you’ll support a small team of Activities staff in delivering safe, engaging, and culturally rich experiences for our students. During the summer, when student numbers increase, you’ll step up to lead and coordinate a larger team, ensuring the same high standards of safety, fun, and cultural immersion
• On a daily basis, you will be part of a diverse team and community; liaising with our local suppliers as well as motivating and shaping your team of leaders. No two days will be the same; you will go from completing schedules and administrative tasks to jumping on stage at the disco to fire up the crowd!
• You will deliver all activities and events within budget and at a profit
• Overseeing our social media channels and sharing content that captures the unforgettable memories you'll help create through our activities and events
• You will share the emergency phone duty of the site on a rota basis
• Ensuring additional staff accompanying excursions is adequately trained, particularly with regards to Health and Safety/Safeguarding requirements.
• Liaising with local, national & international service providers to negotiate rates & deals for student excursions.
• Responsible for overseeing health & safety of students during organised activities and events, including carrying out regular risk assessments for all events and ensuring all accompanying staff are given copies.
• Ensuring activities and events are priced appropriately and profit targets are met.
• You will be responsible for submitting Profit & Loss and filling in an invoice tracker on a weekly basis

Requirements

• Leadership skills with some management/team leading experience required
• Commitment to the highest level of customer service
• Sociable and fun disposition with the ability to motivate and energise others
• Financial and business acumen
• English fluency and excellent communication skills
• Able to work independently
• Ability to work and thrive under pressure
• All offers are subject to a clear background checkand two references
• Legally able to work in the UK at commencement of employment

Why you will love working with EF

• Work in a vibrant, multicultural environment that celebrates innovation, collaboration, and academic excellence
• Staff are encouraged to innovate, take ownership of their ideas and bring them to fruition
• Global career opportunities
• Employee Assistance Program
• Private health insurance
• Life insurance
• Professional development sessions for managers

EF is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. References will be followed up and will ask specifically whether there is any reason that the applicant should not be engaged in situations where they have responsibility for, or substantial access to, persons under 18. Upon interview all gaps in CVs must be explained satisfactorily and proof of identity and, where applicable, qualifications will be required. Appropriate suitability checks will be required prior to confirmation of appointment.

EF is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and we are committed to inclusion and belonging across race, ethnicity, gender, age, religion, identity, parental status, experience, and everything else that makes you unique.

About Us

Some companies are in the business of banking. Others are in the business of shoes. Or sports. Or soft drinks. At EF, we're in a different kind of business. One that's a little less tangible, and a lot more important. Because our business, what we make, makes everything else possible. We're in the business of understanding. Between people. Between cultures.

For over half a century we’ve been the leader in international educational programs and experiences designed to foster such understanding. Through language, cultural exchange, academic studies, and educational travel, we create the kinds of immersive experiences that challenge biases, open minds, and pave the way for a more understanding world.

You’ll find our offices and schools located in some of the world’s greatest cities, and filled with smart, driven people (over 50,000 of us) who push each other to be better every day. But it’s what we do together - building greater understanding, breaking down barriers, and creating a better world - that makes all the difference.

Founded in 1965 in Sweden, EF (Education First) is a global association of education companies that share a common mission of opening the world through education. EF has been recognized on Forbes 2025 and 2024 World’s Best Employers and 2024 Top Companies for Women lists, Fast Company’s 2025 Next Big Things In Tech, and was a 2024 App Store Award winner in Cultural Impact.

About the Team

At EF Language Abroad, we believe that the world is better when people try to understand one another. Since 1965, we've helped millions of students discover new places, embrace diverse cultures, and gain fresh perspectives. We're dedicated to our mission of opening the world through education, harnessing the power of language learning to deepen the connection between people across the globe.

We offer immersive short-term and long-term language courses and programs across different languages in the countries where they’re spoken. Through blending classroom-based lessons with interactive exercises and real-world practice, our courses bring you to the heart of the language. Together, our global staff help students from around the world develop the language skills they need to achieve their dreams.

EF is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All positions are subject to a criminal background and/or reference checks, as applicable.