Head of Admissions (Academic Programmes)

Permanent | Full time | 37.5 hours per week

This is a unique opportunity to join Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, as Head of Admissions (Academic Programmes), taking a senior leadership role in shaping the admissions experience across our Academic Programmes portfolio.

Working at the heart of a globally recognised institution, you will provide strategic and operational leadership for admissions, influencing strategy and contributing to the School’s academic and recruitment ambitions. With significant autonomy and scope to make an impact, you will collaborate with 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.

The role

You will lead the end-to-end admissions lifecycle, ensuring processes are efficient, compliant and applicant-focused. Providing expert advice and insight, you will help shape admissions strategy in support of School and University priorities.

A key aspect of the role will be people leadership. You will lead, coach and develop the admissions team, fostering an inclusive, collaborative and high-performing culture. You will build trusted relationships with senior leaders, faculty and colleagues across the University, representing the School both internally and externally.

You will use admissions data, trends and insights to support strategic planning, decision-making and performance management. You will also drive improvements to admissions systems and digital processes, enhancing efficiency and user experience, and oversee admissions budget planning to ensure effective financial management and value for money.

Working closely with Recruitment, Marketing and Programme teams, you will support recruitment, conversion, yield and key applicant engagement activities. You will also contribute to wider cross-School initiatives, provide senior-level support across Academic Programmes and deputise where required.

About you

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 of managing and developing high-performing teams, improving services and processes, and applying sound professional judgement to complex policies and decisions.

You will bring excellent analytical, problem-solving and communication skills, with the ability to use data and insight to inform decisions and drive continuous improvement. You will be confident influencing senior stakeholders, managing competing priorities and delivering effectively in a fast-paced environment.

Experience of admissions and/or CRM systems and a strong commitment to delivering an excellent applicant experience are essential. Experience within Higher Education, particularly across different programmes and student groups, together with knowledge of global recruitment markets and international admissions, would be advantageous.

Further information is available in the job description.

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

Application guidance is available via the University of Oxford Jobs website.

Closing date: Wednesday 21 October 2026 at 12.00 noon.

The vacancy may close earlier if a high number of suitable applications is received.

First interviews: Thursday 29 October 2026 (in person)

Final interviews: Likely week commencing 2 November 2026

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