Head of Higher Degrees and PPD Office

University of Cambridge; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous annual leave

Pension contribution

Relocation support

Job summary

University of Cambridge in Cambridge seeks a Head of Higher Degrees and PPD Office to lead postgraduate and professional development administration within the Faculty of Education. You will supervise seven staff, oversee admissions, registrations, assessments, examinations, and student records, and manage budgets and administrative processes to ensure compliance.

Working closely with programme leaders and the Director of Learning and Teaching, you will drive system improvements, support course

Qualifications

• Experience of managing a complex range of administrative responsibilities and meeting competing deadlines.
• Experience of managing and supporting a team.
• Experience of reviewing and improving administrative processes.
• Experience of working within a safeguarding framework, such as in a school, local authority or other educational setting.

Responsibilities

• Oversee admissions, registration, assessments and examinations, alongside managing student records, programme budgets and admin processes.
• Lead day-to-day management and HR matters, coordinating administrative activities across the student lifecycle.
• Coordinate student recruitment information, course publicity and marketing materials.
• Act as secretary to Faculty committees and liaise with other departments on student administration, regulations and procedures.

Skills

Team management

Administration

Data analysis

Safeguarding

IT systems

Database development

Communication

Relationship building

Job description

About UsThe University of Cambridge is one of the world's leading academic institutions, renowned for its excellence in education, research, and innovation. For nearly 800 years, we've been at the forefront of groundbreaking discoveries, shaping global knowledge across diverse fields. We boast 31 Colleges, over 150 faculties and departments, and a thriving ecosystem of museums, libraries, and research centres.We are now looking for a Head of Higher Degrees and PPD Office to join our Faculty of Education on a full-time, permanent basis.The BenefitsSalary of £36,320 - £46,970 per annumGenerous annual leave allowanceGenerous maternity, adoption and shared parental leave entitlement and other family-friendly schemes, including workplace nurseriesAuto-enrolment pension scheme with a generous employer contributionUniversity Staff Counselling ServiceTravel benefits and retail discounts at over 2,000 local and national storesRelocation support schemesDevelopment opportunitiesThis is an excellent opportunity for a talented and detail-focused administrator with superb management skills and a focus on developing processes to join our world-renowned university.The RoleAs our Head of Higher Degrees and PPD Office, you will oversee the administration of postgraduate and professional development programmes within the Faculty of Education.Leading a team of seven staff, you'll oversee day-to-day management and HR matters, while co-ordinating administrative activities across the student lifecycle. You will be involved in admissions, registration, assessments and examinations, alongside managing student records, programme budgets and administrative processes to ensure compliance with University requirements.You will also work closely with academic programme leaders and the Director of Learning and Teaching, supporting course development, quality assurance and Faculty planning. Contributing to the improvement of systems and procedures, you'll strive to ensure the office continues to meet the needs of students and staff.Additionally, you will:Co-ordinate student recruitment information, course publicity and marketing materialsAnalyse and present data to support teaching allocations and Faculty decision-makingAct as secretary to Faculty committees and the Disability Liaison OfficerLiaise with University departments on student administration, regulations and proceduresAbout YouTo be considered as our Head of Higher Degrees and PPD Office, you will need:Experience of managing a complex range of administrative responsibilities and meeting competing deadlinesExperience of managing and supporting a teamExperience of reviewing and improving administrative processesExperience of working within a safeguarding framework, such as in a school, local authority or other educational settingExperience of using IT applications and advising on the development of databases and social media in a professional settingExperience of analysing and presenting data and informationExcellent written and verbal communication skillsStrong interpersonal skills and the ability to build positive relationshipsThe deadline for applications is the 15th November 2026Other organisations may call this role Office Manager, Academic Administration Manager, Student Administration Manager, Postgraduate Administration Manager, Education Administration Manager, Faculty Office Manager, University Administration Manager, or Programme Administration Manager.For detailed information about the role and working for the University, please see the 'Further Information' link at the bottom of the advert.Informal enquiries can be addressed to Thury Agustsdottir Faculty Business and Operations Manager, email at [e-mail] you have any questions about the application process, or have any difficulties with applying for the vacancy, please contact the Faculty of Education HR team at [e-mail] quote reference JR51471 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.Apply online