AHSS Senior REF UoA Administrator (Fixed Term)

The Opportunity 

The University of Cambridge is a world-leading institution renowned for excellence in research, education, and scholarship. With over 14,000 staff, we are committed to creating an inclusive, dynamic workplace that enables our people to thrive. 

As the Higher Education sector prepares for REF2029, the role of AHSS Senior REF UoA Administrator offers an exceptional opportunity to shape submissions from Units of Assessment (UoA) across two of the University's six Schools - the School of Arts and Humanities and the School of the Humanities and Social Sciences (AHSS). 

As an experienced administrator, you will work closely with REF academic leads to deliver expert administrative support for the AHSS submission, supporting 17 UoAs across the two Schools. You will serve as Secretary to allocated UoA Committees and work collaboratively with departments, School offices, and central University bodies. You will manage data, provide guidance on REF policies and procedures, and maintain auditable confidential records. You will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the REF return for allocated UoAs, regularly reporting progress to support School-level project planning. As AHSS Senior REF UoA Administrator, you will support the AHSS REF lead (AHSS Research Strategy Manager) in team coordination and project planning across over 20 departments and 1000+ researchers. The role will line manage two REF UoA Administrators and two REF Support Administrators. 

About You 

You will excel at supporting planning and prioritisation of work across the Schools' 17 UoAs, adapting to emerging challenges and supporting team management and development. You will be equally comfortable working independently and as part of collaborative teams. This position offers an excellent opportunity for an ambitious professional looking to advance their career in higher education administration. 

Essential Experience and Skills 

Administrative or project management experience in a higher education or similarly complex environment; knowledge of, or ability to learn about, REF2029 and University policies and procedures; excellent communication and interpersonal skills; advanced IT and data skills and knowledge of, or ability to learn, REF-related systems; collaborative, flexible, proactive approach to work tasks and to supporting leadership of the team.

Why Join Us?

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the success of a leading academic institution, working at the heart of vibrant and intellectually stimulating Schools.

If you have a strong commitment to the academic mission of the University and to the development of a collaborative and delivery-focused team, we would like to hear from you.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 31 March 2029 in the first instance. 

Closing date for all applications is Sunday 1 March 2026, with interviews planned for the week of 16 March 2026.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click 'Apply' above.

Please upload your CV and Cover letter to the application. Please note that additional uploaded documents will not be considered as part of recruitment.

Informal enquiries about the role are welcomed and should be directed to Dr Andrea Salter, AHSS Research Strategy Manager, Email: Andrea.Salter@admin.cam.ac.uk

If you have any queries regarding the application process, please contact Karin Kuchta, HR Coordinator, Email: acdhr@admin.cam.ac.uk 

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.

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