Policy and Compliance Manager [Temporary Cover]

University of Cambridge; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious educational institution in Cambridge is seeking a Policy Officer to manage admissions policies and ensure compliance with regulations. The role involves collaborating with stakeholders and developing new policies, requiring exceptional writing and analytical skills. Candidates with experience in a Higher Education environment are preferred. This is a temporary position ending on 30 September 2026.

Qualifications

• Experience in writing and developing policy.
• Self-motivated with a positive approach to work.
• Desirable to have experience in a Higher Education environment.

Responsibilities

• Collate, review, and improve existing written policies.
• Ensure admissions policy compliance with legislation.
• Manage specific applicant cases and processes.

Skills

Exceptional writing skills

Good analytical skills

Effective communication

Policy development

Research skills

Education

Educated to degree level or equivalent experience

Job description

Overview

Temporary cover: This post is fixed-term until 30 September 2026 or the return of the post holder, whichever is the earlier.

We are looking for an experienced policy officer to manage the policies that underpin the administration of postgraduate admissions at the University of Cambridge.

The Postgraduate Admissions Office is responsible for around 35,000 applications annually for doctoral and master's programmes. It supports applicants, over 100 departments and faculties, and all 31 Cambridge Colleges with expert admissions advice and services.

Responsibilities

• As Policy and Compliance Manager you will be responsible for collating, reviewing and improving existing written policies; working with stakeholders to identify policy gaps and developing new written policies; effectively communicating these policies to the admissions community and wider University; and putting processes in place to ensure policies are kept up to date.
• You will ensure admissions policy and processes are compliant with legislation, national regulation and University regulations. The role involves liaising with key administrative and academic stakeholders across the Collegiate University.
• You will also be responsible for managing and processing some specific applicant cases, including those received through the Postgraduate Admissions Appeals and Complaints Process, the Declaration of Criminal Convictions Process, and where there is suspicion of admissions fraud.

Qualifications and Experience

• Educated to degree level or with equivalent experience, you will have exceptional writing skills and experience of understanding, developing and writing policy.
• Good analytical and research skills are essential as is a self-motivated and positive approach to work.
• Experience of working in a Higher Education environment, or in a complex organisation that is highly regulated, is desirable.

How to Apply

Applications are welcome from both external and internal candidates, including those who wish to apply for the role as a secondment from their current position within the University. Additional information regarding the role can be found within the Further Particulars. When applying, please upload your CV and cover letter which clearly sets out how you meet the criteria listed in the person specification of the Further Particulars (the knowledge, skills, and experience required for the role) along with relevant examples. Candidates will be shortlisted and invited to interview based upon these criteria.

Contacts

Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to Jane Wilkinson, Head of Postgraduate Admissions at: [e-mail]

The closing date for applications is: 27 October 2025

Interviews will be held: week commencing 1 September 2025

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

If you have any queries regarding the application process please contact [e-mail]

Please quote reference AT47571 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.