Director of Education Services

Minderoo Centre for Technology and Democracy; Hartford; On-site; GBP 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious academic institution in the UK is seeking a Director of Education Services to lead strategic and operational support for education and student-related activities. The role involves managing a large team, ensuring service quality, and enhancing student experience while driving innovation in teaching and learning. Ideal candidates should have significant experience in complex organisations and strong collaborative skills.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Opportunity for part-time work

Qualifications

• Significant experience in complex organisations, preferably within higher education.
• Proven track record in advancing excellence, inclusivity, and innovation in teaching and learning.
• Ability to engage with diverse teams and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic, policy, and operational support for education and student-related activities.
• Drive excellence and innovation in education and student support.
• Engage with external agencies and manage key projects.

Skills

Leadership and management capability

Effective communication

Collaborative working

Intellectual credibility

Education

Relevant higher education qualifications

Job description

The University of Cambridge is seeking to appoint an exceptional individual as Director of Education Services to lead the strategic, policy and operational support for education and student-related activities across the collegiate University.

This is a pivotal role within the Academic Division of the Unified Administrative Services (UAS), working closely with the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education & Environmental Sustainability), the Academic Secretary, and the Registrary. The postholder will provide strategic leadership to a team of approximately 375 staff and manage an annual budget of around £13m. Leading a large team across the four constituent departments (Student Admissions and Access, Student Support, Education and Student Outcomes, and Student Administration), the Director must ensure operational efficiency and service quality across the distinct functions that together deliver an integrated and high-quality educational experience throughout the student lifecycle.

The Director will be responsible for driving excellence and innovation in the delivery of education and student support across the University, ensuring that Cambridge continues to provide a world-leading learning environment. Working across the University, the Director will lead on education initiatives that depend on close collaboration with the University's independent Colleges, building consensus and securing their active engagement in shared goals. They will demonstrate a clear commitment to enhancing student experience, success and wellbeing, removing barriers and meeting diverse student needs while maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements. The role includes leadership of the Education Services Senior Leadership Team, strategic oversight of key education-related projects and policy implementation, and engagement with external agencies such as the Office for Students (OfS), Universities UK, and the Russell Group.

This is an exciting opportunity for an accomplished leader with substantial experience in complex organisations, preferably within higher education, and a proven commitment to advancing excellence, inclusivity and innovation in teaching and learning. Candidates will bring strong leadership and management capability, intellectual credibility, and the ability to work collaboratively across diverse teams and stakeholders. The successful candidate will be an effective and diplomatic communicator, able to engage with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders to drive and deliver on strategic goals.

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a basic disclosure (criminal records check) check, a health assessment and a security check.

We welcome applications from individuals who wish to be considered for part-time working or other flexible working arrangements.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.