Evaluation Lead

The University of Cambridge is looking for an experienced Evaluation Lead to shape and deliver high-quality evaluation across Education Services. In this strategic role, you'll lead a small team and work with colleagues across the collegiate University to understand the impact of key initiatives that support access, admissions, participation and student success.

In this role, you will:

• Develop and lead evaluation strategies using robust qualitative, quantitative and mixed method approaches.
• Oversee monitoring and evaluation of activities linked to the Access and Participation Plan (APP).
• Provide expert guidance so evaluation is embedded in the design of new initiatives.
• Produce clear insights and reports for senior stakeholders.
• Line manage and develop the Evaluation Team.
• Build evaluation capacity by designing training, frameworks and best practice guidance.
• Lead evaluation focused research projects in collaboration with staff, students and other stakeholders.

About you:

You'll bring strong analytical and communication skills, experience of delivering complex evaluations, and the ability to inspire, lead and develop others. Experience of mixed methods research, working within UK GDPR and Data Protection requirements is essential, while experience of widening participation work in a Higher Education setting is highly desirable. Demonstrated experience of working with OfS requirements and TASO evidence standards will be considered beneficial.

Benefits of working at the University of Cambridge:

• Competitive rates of pay with automatic service-related pay progression and annual cost of living increases.
• Generous annual leave allowance.
• Flexible and hybrid working opportunities;
• Generous maternity, adoption and shared parental leave entitlement and other family friendly schemes (e.g. workplace nurseries).
• An auto-enrolment pension scheme, with a generous employer contribution.
• Travel benefits and retail discounts at over 2,000 local and national stores.
• Schemes to support with relocation / the provision of accommodation.

Additional information regarding the role can be found within the Further Particulars. When applying, please upload your CV and cover letter which clearly sets out how you meet the criteria listed in the person specification of the Further Particulars (the knowledge, skills, and experience required for the role) along with relevant examples. Candidates will be shortlisted and invited to interview based upon these criteria.

This is a fantastic opportunity to influence evidence-based decision-making at one of the world's leading universities.

Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to: 

Catherine Marsden (Research, Data and Evaluation Team Manager) -

Email: cm240@cam.ac.uk

The closing date for applications is: Sunday, 3rd May 2026

The planned interview date for the role is: Friday, 22nd May 2026. Interviews will be held in person at the Student Services Centre.

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

If you have any queries regarding the application process please contact SSCjobs@admin.cam.ac.uk

Please quote reference AC49270 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.

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