Assistant Director of Admissions

Oxford Brookes University; Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Oxford is seeking an experienced Associate Director of MRE - Admissions. This pivotal role involves strategic leadership of the admissions function, aligning processes with sector standards, and enhancing the applicant experience. You will work closely with student recruitment teams to drive successful outcomes. The position requires extensive knowledge of compliance requirements, strong operational leadership skills, and the ability to interpret data for strategic decision-making. This is an 18-month full-time role with hybrid working options.

Benefits

Minimum 30 days holiday

Local Government pension scheme

Discounted gym facilities

Training and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Demonstrable knowledge of UK and international admissions frameworks.
• Extensive experience in leading and managing university admissions.
• Proven leadership of large operational teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic development and implementation of admissions policy.
• Drive transformation initiatives to enhance applicant experience.
• Manage admissions operations efficiently.

Skills

Knowledge of UK and international admissions frameworks

Experience in university admissions or student recruitment

Leadership of large operational teams

Understanding of compliance requirements

Interpersonal and influencing skills

Education

Postgraduate degree

Job description

This is a full time, fixed term role for 18 months.

Oxford Brookes University is distinctive in nature. We are a modern and forward thinking institution rooted in, and connected to a city with a rich history of culture and learning. We are a globally recognised University focused on providing high-quality teaching, delivering impactful research and an excellent student experience. Our vision is simple: “shape tomorrow through our unique blend of the modern and the traditional, by embracing diversity, seeking out the new and excelling in education and research.”

Our people are at the heart of the University - our excellence in teaching, research and knowledge exchange depends on the engagement, capability and wellbeing of our people. We strive to create and encourage an environment where people have the opportunity to develop, progress and thrive.

In acknowledgment of our commitment to gender equality and progression, we proudly hold the Athena SWAN Bronze award, a testament to our unwavering dedication to creating an inclusive and equitable environment for all. Join us at Oxford Brookes University, where every step forward is a leap toward a brighter tomorrow.

The role

We are seeking an Associate Director of MRE - Admissions to provide strategic leadership for the University’s admissions function. Reporting to the Director of Marketing, Recruitment & Engagement, you will work closely with student recruitment teams and senior colleagues across the University to deliver an admissions service that supports and drives successful student recruitment outcomes. This is a pivotal role in shaping policy, enhancing processes, and delivering a data‑driven, applicant‑focused, and compliant admissions service aligned with sector standards.

For full details of the role, please see the candidate pack on the OBU vacancies page.

Any queries regarding the role, please contact the recruiting manager, Suzy Jenner (via [e-mail]), for an informal conversation.

About the team

The Admissions Team sits within the Marketing, Recruitment and Engagement Directorate, which advances the University’s profile and supports strategic student recruitment. The team includes the Admissions Operations, Applicant Compliance, and Applicant Engagement teams, and works collaboratively to deliver an outstanding applicant experience and ensure compliance with UKVI, UCAS, and GDPR requirements.

What will I be doing?

• Leading the strategic development and implementation of admissions policy and service design to support UK and global recruitment ambitions.
• Driving transformation initiatives to enhance applicant experience and operational efficiency.
• Leading our offer‑making strategy to support recruitment and widening access goals.
• Managing the Head of Admissions and ensuring effective delivery of admissions operations.
• Anticipating sector changes and advising senior leadership on policy implications.
• Leading the development of admissions data and insights to inform recruitment strategy.
• Representing the University in sector forums and with international partners.

What skills do I need?

• Degree (preferably postgraduate) and demonstrable knowledge of UK and international admissions frameworks.
• Extensive experience in leading and managing university admissions or student recruitment.
• Proven leadership of large operational teams and delivery of strategic initiatives.
• Strong understanding of compliance requirements (UKVI, UCAS, GDPR).
• Ability to interpret and use data to inform decision‑making.
• Outstanding interpersonal and influencing skills.

For full details of the role please see the candidate pack below.

About the location

Based at our Headington Campus, you’ll benefit from modern, refurbished offices and an agile workspace designed for collaboration and flexibility. This role supports hybrid working, typically 1–2 days on campus per week.

Benefits

As an Oxford Brookes employee, you will enjoy a total of a minimum of 30 days holiday, rising with your service, plus 8 Bank Holidays and additional University concessionary Days (approx 5 per year).

We encourage and support hybrid working where the role allows and ensure that you have the necessary equipment to allow you to work flexibly.

We have an extremely competitive Local Government pension scheme with a 19.2% Employer contribution rate, as well as providing all staff with financial education, a comprehensive employee assistance helpline.

We prioritise the well‑being of our employees—both physically and mentally, as well as financially. That's why we provide a diverse and comprehensive benefits package to support our team

In addition, all employees have access to:

• Discounted rates for the University sports & gym facilities
• Brookes on‑site Nursery.
• Discounted travel options
• TOTUM card discount scheme
• Training and development opportunities
• Connected community – Brookes have a wide variety of staff networks which instil a sense of community offering employees a space for support, guidance and friendship making it a vibrant and inclusive place to work.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

At Oxford Brookes, inclusivity is one of our five guiding principles: we take positive steps to create an environment in which we celebrate, value and provide equal opportunity to all. We are committed to recruiting from the widest possible pool and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates who embrace our values, regardless of their background.

As a Disability Confident Employer we guarantee to interview any disabled applicant who meets the essential selection criteria.

The closing date for applications is the 14th of December. Interviews for this position are expected to take place on Thursday, 8th of January or on Monday, 12th January 2026