Deputy Head of Student Administration (Professional and Open Access Courses)

University of Oxford

Oxford

Hybrid

GBP 49,000 - 58,000

Full time

3 days ago

Be an early applicant

Application generator

Turn this role into an interview — a resume and cover letter built around what this employer wants.

Get past ATS filters

Benefits offered by this job

Contributory pension

38 days annual leave

Childcare services

Family leave schemes

Cycle loan

Club memberships

Travel discounts

Job summary

University of Oxford seeks a Deputy Head of Student Administration to lead a 21-strong team delivering non-accredited short courses. You will oversee core student lifecycle processes, data accuracy, enrolments, and financial planning in collaboration with the Director and Head of Student Administration.

You will develop strong cross-departmental relationships with internal and external partners, manage budget planning, and drive high standards of service, reporting, and governance across the

Qualifications

Honours degree or equivalent experience in a relevant field.
Proven track record of developing and delivering commercial short courses, programmes or events.
Experience leading large teams to deliver high-quality outcomes in a busy environment.

Responsibilities

Lead a 21-strong student administration team and manage direct line reports.
Oversee the full student/delegate lifecycle and ensure accurate data and enrolments.
Lead financial planning, budgeting and resourcing in line with university policies.
Develop strong cross-departmental relationships and external partnerships.

Skills

Leadership of large teams

Budgeting & financial management

Data analysis

Advanced Excel

Communication skills

Education

Honours degree

Tools

Excel

Word

Teams

Virtual learning environments

Job description

About the role

As a Deputy Head of Student Administration, you will lead a student administration team which currently consists of 21 staff. The team predominantly deals with non-accredited 'short' courses which might last from one day up to several months.

The role takes direction from and works closely with the Director (Professional and Open Access Courses), and reports to the Head of Student Administration (HSA) for administration-related guidance and leadership.

You will be responsible for leading the effective and efficient administration of all key processes in the student/delegate lifecycle. You will ensure that all data relating to these courses and students is accurate, and that enrolments on courses meet the targets. You will take the operational lead on financial planning and resourcing and ensuring policies of the University and Department are followed.

You will lead the 21-strong team of staff who work to deliver these courses, providing direct line management for six colleagues and developing a team culture of working to the highest standards. You will need to develop strong working relationships with colleagues across the Department and University, including with external partners and colleges.

This is a full-time position, available on a permanent basis. Some remote working days are available, but you must be able to work on-site in Oxford at least four days per week on average. The Department runs courses and hosts students and guests outside of normal office hours, including evenings, weekends and bank holidays. There is an expectation that staff will work additional hours when required, to support the smooth running of the Department and its activities.

About you

We are looking for an experienced and commercially minded professional with a strong Honours degree (or equivalent qualification or relevant experience) and a proven track record of working within higher education or a comparable environment.

The successful candidate will have significant experience in developing and delivering commercial short courses, programmes, events or similar activities, alongside substantial experience of leading large teams to deliver high-quality, collaborative outcomes in a busy environment.

You will be highly organised, able to manage complex operations and competing priorities while consistently producing accurate work to tight deadlines. Strong analytical and numerical skills are essential, including experience of budget planning, financial management, and working confidently with data.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are key. You will be able to write and present clear reports, build effective relationships with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, and influence others with confidence and credibility. You will also demonstrate sound judgement, diplomacy, and discretion when handling sensitive or confidential matters.

You will be an advanced user of Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, Word, and Teams. Experience in virtual learning environments would be an advantage.

Experience of managing the development and delivery of courses (online, hybrid and in person) aimed at part-time students and working professionals, and experience of managing residential programmes such as summer school is desirable.

About us

The Department provides opportunities for people from a wide variety of backgrounds to benefit from the University's rich and unique resources. We are ambitious and forward-thinking, with a strong sense of identity and community. Our mission is to inspire people locally, nationally and globally by extending access to Oxford's world-class teaching and resources through flexible and inclusive opportunities for study and research.

Colleagues uphold the Mission, Vision and Values of the Department and actively promote a culture of equality, diversity and inclusion.

What we offer