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

Oxford Lifelong Learning, Rewley House, 1 Wellington Square, Oxford, OX1 2JA

Oxford Lifelong Learning in the Department for Continuing Education is seeking to appoint a Deputy Head of Student Administration (Professional and Open Access Courses) on a permanent basis. This is an exciting and rare opportunity to be involved in the senior leadership of a key area of our department's administrative operation.

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

Your happiness and wellbeing at work matters to us, so we offer a range of family friendly and financial benefits including:

An excellent contributory pension scheme
38 days annual leave
A comprehensive range of childcare services
Family leave schemes
Cycle loan scheme
Membership to a variety of social and sports clubs
Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans

Application process

For further details and to apply, please visit:

Vacancies - Oxford Lifelong Learning

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