At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop impactful support programmes for families and carers at the University.
- Company: Join the prestigious University of Cambridge, a global leader in education and research.
- Benefits: Enjoy 41 days of annual leave, flexible working, and generous family-friendly schemes.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives by shaping family support services.
- Qualifications: Experience in family services, project management, and a passion for inclusivity.
- Other info: Flexible working options available; part-time arrangements encouraged.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
The University of Cambridge is recognised globally as a renowned centre for research, education and scholarship. We employ more than 12,500 staff in a range of academic, research and professional services roles, all of whom play a key role in maintaining and enhancing our world leading reputation. Our people are our greatest asset, and it is critical to our continued success that we create the right conditions for our people to thrive at Cambridge.
University Childcare Services sits within the HR Division. Our department oversees the University Nurseries, offers an information service and operates the University Holiday Playscheme. These services are available to University Staff and Students.
The Role
We are seeking a compassionate, proactive, and highly organised Family Information and Support Manager to lead our expanding Childcare Services. This is a rewarding opportunity to shape and deliver impactful support programmes for staff and students with caring responsibilities including parents, carers of older dependents, and those navigating complex family life alongside work or study.
Working within Childcare Services, you will design and deliver inclusive initiatives, coaching programmes, workshops, and peer networks that support key transitions such as parental leave and return to work. You will also manage the University’s information provision for families and carers, oversee events and playscheme support, and supervise a small, dedicated team.
As part of this role, you will deputise for the Head of Childcare Services and play a strategic part in embedding a family‑friendly culture across the University.
This is an exciting opportunity to help shape the future of family support at Cambridge and make a lasting difference to people’s lives.
About You
- Experience of developing and delivering services for families, parents, or carers;
- A strong understanding of inclusive practice and accessibility;
- Excellent project management, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills;
- Experience of managing staff and promoting team wellbeing;
- A passion for creating supportive environments where families and carers thrive.
Benefits
- Competitive rates of pay with automatic service‑related pay progression and annual cost‑of‑living increases;
- Generous annual leave allowance of 41 days paid leave (including bank holidays);
- Flexible and hybrid working opportunities;
- Generous maternity, adoption and shared parental leave entitlement and other family‑friendly schemes (e.g. workplace nurseries and salary exchange schemes for childcare);
- 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.
The University of Cambridge is committed to supporting our staff to thrive both professionally and personally. We aim to support a good work/life balance, whilst retaining the positive aspects of our unique in‑person environment and culture. Elements of this role are suitable for hybrid working, where staff can split their time between in‑person collaboration and remote working. The frequency of the remote elements of the role can be discussed with the recruiting manager.
Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service check (enhanced with children’s barred list) and a security check.
We welcome applications from individuals who wish to be considered for part‑time working or other flexible working arrangements.
Please upload a CV and covering letter with your application.
Informal enquiries are encouraged and should be directed to: Catherine Pearson, Head of Childcare Services at Catherine.Pearson@admin.cam.ac.uk.
If you have any queries regarding the application process please email: hrdivisionaladmin@admin.cam.ac.uk.
Closing date for applications: Sunday 19th October 2025.
Please quote reference XH47393 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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Family Information and Support Manager employer: Mctd
Contact Detail:
Mctd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Family Information and Support Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at the University of Cambridge through LinkedIn or alumni groups. A friendly chat can give us insider info on the role and the culture, plus it might just lead to a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the University’s values and recent initiatives in family support. We want to show that we’re not just a good fit for the role, but also aligned with their mission to create a family-friendly culture.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a friend to do mock interviews with us. Focus on articulating our experience in developing inclusive programmes and managing teams, as these are key aspects of the Family Information and Support Manager role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets seen. Plus, we can tailor our CV and cover letter to highlight how our skills match the job description perfectly.
We think you need these skills to ace Family Information and Support Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Family Information and Support Manager role. Highlight your experience with families, parents, or carers, and showcase any relevant project management skills. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission at Cambridge!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for creating supportive environments for families and carers. Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in previous roles, and let us know why you're excited about this opportunity.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: As a Family Information and Support Manager, communication is key. In both your CV and cover letter, demonstrate your excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills. We want to see how you can connect with diverse groups and promote team wellbeing!
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It's the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team at Cambridge. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Mctd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you thoroughly understand the role of Family Information and Support Manager. Familiarise yourself with the University’s Childcare Services, their mission, and how they support families. This will help you demonstrate your passion for creating supportive environments during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that highlight your experience in developing and delivering services for families or carers. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and make them impactful.
✨Emphasise Inclusivity
Since the role requires a strong understanding of inclusive practice, be ready to discuss how you've implemented inclusive initiatives in previous roles. Share ideas on how you would promote accessibility within the University’s Childcare Services.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This could include inquiries about the current challenges faced by the Childcare Services team or how they measure the success of their support programmes. It shows your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.