Senior Project Manager

We are a world class research-intensive university. We deliver teaching and learning of the highest quality. We play a leading role in economic, social and cultural development of the North East of England. Attracting and retaining high-calibre people is fundamental to our continued success.

The Role
This is a dynamic and exciting opportunity to lead a high-profile national widening participation and fair access collaborative project. The role will focus exclusively on managing the Realising Opportunities (RO) Partnership, a national collaboration of nine research-intensive universities led by Newcastle University.

Newcastle is a sector leader in widening participation, and this role offers the chance to work closely with senior colleagues at Newcastle and across the other RO Partner universities, as well as with key sector organisations. You will provide strategic leadership and expertise in partnership working and widening participation- within the University, the Partnership and across the national access landscape.

A substantial part of the role will involve managing the Realising Opportunities Central Team and overseeing delivery of the RO programme, which aims to improve access to research-intensive universities for underrepresented students.

We are seeking an experienced and motivated professional to lead a high-profile national collaboration focused on widening participation and fair access in higher education. This is a dynamic opportunity to manage the Realising Opportunities (RO) Partnership, a prestigious Partnership of nine research-intensive universities, led by Newcastle University.

Newcastle University is a sector leader in widening participation, and this role offers the chance to work closely with senior colleagues across the RO Partner institutions and key national organisations. You will provide strategic leadership and expert guidance in partnership working and widening participation—within Newcastle, across the RO Partnership, and throughout the national access landscape.

This is a fixed-term, part-time (0.8 FTE) maternity cover position, commencing from 24 October 2025, or as close to this date as possible, for approximately 11 months.

Application Process: Please submit an online application including your CV and a cover letter. Your cover letter should provide a detailed supporting statement outlining your suitability for the role.

Additional Information: An Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) is required for this post.

For further information, please contact: Kate Murray, Deputy Director (Fair Access and Widening Participation): Kate.Murray@ncl.ac.uk or Sarah Beech, RO Senior Project Manager: Sarah.Beech@ncl.ac.uk.

Interview Date: Scheduled for Wednesday 17 September 2025 . Online interviews can be arranged if needed.

Qualifications

• A degree or equivalent qualification or substantial relevant experience.
• A project management or postgraduate qualification.

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