Widening Participation Coordinator

University of Cambridge; Cambridge; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

41 days annual leave

Hybrid pension scheme

Job summary

The University of Cambridge's Student Admissions and Access team seeks a Widening Participation Coordinator to help run outreach programmes across the UK, focusing on supporting applicants from underrepresented backgrounds to access Cambridge and other leading universities.

You will lead on projects, design activities, work with schools, parents and partners, and contribute to evaluating impact while adapting to agile working patterns and occasional travel to target areas.

Qualifications

• Well-organised and adaptable professional with experience in education or charity sectors.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with strong IT and organisational abilities.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and work effectively both independently and in a team.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate at least one outreach programme and contribute to WP activity across Cambridge and the UK.
• Lead projects aimed at supporting prospective applicants from underrepresented groups.
• Research, design, plan and deliver activities to develop academic skills and raise aspiration.

Skills

Coordination

Communication

IT skills

Teamwork

Job description

Student Admissions and Access is looking for a professional with experience in the education or charity sector to join the Widening Participation (WP) team.The WP team works with partners and colleagues across the University and the UK to coordinate a range of outreach programmes to support students from underrepresented and less advantaged backgrounds with their consideration of and application to Cambridge and other leading universities. In this role, you would be part of a national agenda to ensure that higher education is open to all students, regardless of their background.The roleAs one of seven Widening Participation Coordinators, you will coordinate at least one outreach programme and contribute to the development and delivery of the team's wider WP activity. Our aim is for the successful applicant to lead on projects aimed at supporting prospective applicants from ethnicities currently underrepresented at Cambridge. This includes co-ordinating our established Target Oxbridge programme and scoping a new project to support British Bangladeshi and British Pakistani students.You will research, design, plan and deliver programmes of activities that support students to develop key academic skills, instil confidence and develop self-efficacy, while helping them to explore higher education and understand the pathways available to achieve their aspirations.You will work with students and their parents, carers and teachers; staff and students from Cambridge departments and Colleges; as well as other partners to deliver programmes and evaluate their effectiveness and impact.About youWe are looking for a well-organised and adaptable professional with experience in education, the charity sector or a related field. You will have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, strong IT and organisational skills, and the ability to manage competing priorities and work effectively both independently and as part of a team. An understanding of widening participation and barriers to higher education would be advantageous.The role may involve occasional evening and weekend work and travel to locations within our target areas. We operate agile working practices, providing flexibility in where and how you work, in agreement with your line manager.BenefitsA competitive salary with automatic service-related progression and annual cost of living increasesA generous annual leave allowance of 41 days per year (including bank holidays)Access to a hybrid pension scheme with attractive employer contributionsAccess to a range of shopping and travel discounts through the Cambens scheme.Application processFurther information about the role and the criteria for appointment can be found in the accompanying further information pack. When applying, please upload your CV and a cover letter outlining how you meet the criteria set out in the Person Specification of the further information documentApplication deadline: 8 November 2026Expected interview date: 17 November 2026For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Paul Potter, Deputy Head of Widening Participation, at [e-mail] an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a health assessment and an enhanced DBS check.Student Admissions and Access is committed to safeguarding the young people we work with and expects all employees to share this commitment. Further information is available in the University safeguarding policy.The University values diversity and is committed to equality of opportunity. The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.If you have any queries regarding the application process please contact [e-mail] quote reference AT51306 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