Head of Admissions (Academic Programmes)

This is a unique opportunity to take on a senior leadership role as Head of Admissions (Academic Programmes) at Saïd Business School, University of Oxford , shaping the admissions experience across our Academic Programmes portfolio. You will work at the heart of a globally recognised institution, influencing admissions strategy and contributing to the School’s academic and recruitment ambitions.

With significant autonomy and scope to make an impact, you will work alongside senior leaders, faculty and University colleagues to lead, innovate and continuously improve the admissions journey, ensuring an exceptional experience for applicants from around the world.

Key responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership and Planning – Shape the strategic direction of admissions, providing expert advice and insight to support School and University priorities.
• Operational Leadership – Lead the end-to-end admissions lifecycle, ensuring an efficient, compliant and high-quality applicant experience.
• People Leadership and Development – Lead, coach and develop the admissions team, fostering a positive, inclusive and high-performing culture.
• Stakeholder Engagement – Build trusted relationships with senior leaders, faculty and University colleagues, representing the School internally and externally.
• Data Leadership and Reporting – Use admissions data, trends and insights to inform strategic planning, decision-making and performance.
• IT and Systems – Drive improvements across admissions systems and digital processes to enhance efficiency and user experience.
• Financial Management – Lead admissions budget planning and oversight, ensuring effective financial management and value for money.
• Recruitment and Applicant Engagement – Partner with Recruitment, Marketing and Programme teams to support recruitment, conversion, yield and key applicant activities.
• Wider Contribution – Contribute to cross-School initiatives, provide senior-level support across Academic Programmes and deputise where required.

What we’re looking for:

You will be an experienced admissions professional with a strong track record of leading admissions or applicant-focused functions within an educational environment . A strategic and confident leader, you will have experience managing and developing high-performing teams, improving services and processes, and exercising sound professional judgement when navigating complex policies and decisions.

You will bring strong analytical, problem-solving and communication skills , using data and insight to inform decisions and drive continuous improvement. You will be comfortable influencing senior stakeholders, managing competing priorities and delivering effectively in a fast-paced environment. Experience of admissions and/or CRM systems, alongside a commitment to providing an excellent applicant experience, is essential.

Experience within Higher Education , particularly across a range of programmes and student groups, and an understanding of global recruitment markets and international admissions would be advantageous.

Further information on this role can be found in the job description.

At Saïd Business School we believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment where everyone can thrive. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and communities to bring their unique perspectives and experiences to our team. Join us to build a brighter, more equitable future, where we celebrate diversity, advance equity, and nurture inclusion across everything we do.

• We offer very generous benefits, some of which are:
• Generous holiday allowance of 38 days including bank holidays
• Membership of the Oxford staff pension scheme
• Discounted bus travel
• Subsidised onsite catering
• Cycle loan scheme
• Plus, many other University benefits

All applications must include a CV, Supporting Statement/Cover Letter and Current Salary.

For further guidance and support, please visit https://www.jobs.ox.ac.uk/how-to-apply.

The closing date for applications is Wednesday 21 October 2026 at 12.00 noon. Please note, this vacancy may close earlier than advertised if we receive a high number of suitable applications.

First interviews are planned for Thursday 29 October 2026 (in person).

Final Interviews will likely be held in the week commencing 02 November 2026.

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You must have the Right to Work within the UK as this position may not amount to enough points under the points-based immigration system in the UK. For more information please visit: https://www.jobs.ox.ac.uk/pre-employment-checks