At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage with schools to inspire students about applying to university, especially from under-represented groups.
- Company: Newnham College, a historic institution promoting women's academic excellence at Cambridge since 1871.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days holiday, free meals on duty, gym access, and a generous pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by widening participation and enhancing diversity in higher education.
- Qualifications: A good degree and experience in higher education or youth engagement are essential.
- Other info: This is a full-time role with opportunities for travel across the UK.
The predicted salary is between 31236 - 34800 ÂŁ per year.
About the role
Working in the Undergraduate Admissions Office at Newnham College, Cambridge, the role of Schools Liaison and Outreach Officer is pivotal in helping to encourage undergraduate applications made to the College and or University by prospective students and particularly increase those from currently under-represented groups. By creating, delivering and evaluating imaginative face to face sessions in schools, both in targeted areas and at Newnham, and providing informative and inspiring webinars and interactive sessions to those who may never have thought of applying to University or to Cambridge, you will help widen participation and enhance diversity within the student body.
This is a permanent, full-time post, working 37.5 hours a week. The salary is paid at point 34 on the University’s single salary spine, the current value for which is £31,236 per annum. The College offers contributory membership of the USS pension scheme, to which the College makes employer contributions of 14.5%. Holiday entitlement is 33 days per year (inclusive of bank holidays), and we offer a range of additional benefits including a free meal when on duty, free car parking where available and free use of the College’s gym facilities.
About you
You will have a good first degree and recent experience of, or of working in, higher education or with young people and be brimming with creative and inspiring ideas for engaging prospective students and able to build a rapport with them. You will also have the ability to understand outreach-related issues from the perspective of teachers and schools and help to build and support longer term working relationships with our linked areas. You will be keen and able to travel widely throughout the UK, and in particular to our linked areas to meet students, teachers and parents.
About Newnham College
Founded in 1871, Newnham College has been at the forefront of promoting academic excellence for women in the University of Cambridge for 150 years. The College has an all-women Fellowship and student body, and its thriving community of staff includes both women and men with a range of responsibilities and key roles. Newnham currently has around 400 undergraduates, 225 postgraduates, a Fellowship of about 70, and 120 non-academic staff. Newnham’s academics and students maintain outstanding research profiles and achievements.
How to apply
A job description with person specification is available by clicking on “Job Description” and an application form and equal opportunities form can be found on the main vacancy page:click the \’Apply\’ button above. Please demonstrate in the application form how you meet the essential requirements of the role found in the person specification.
Completed applications should be emailed to HR@newn.cam.ac.uk by the closing deadline of noon on Wednesday 10th September 2025. The intention is to hold interviews during week commencing Monday 15th September 2025.
Newnham College is an equal opportunities employer.
ÂŁ31,236 per annum
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Schools Liaison and Outreach Officer employer: University of Cambridge
Contact Detail:
University of Cambridge Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Schools Liaison and Outreach Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the current outreach initiatives at Newnham College and similar institutions. Understanding their strategies will help you tailor your approach and demonstrate your knowledge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of higher education and outreach. Attend relevant events or webinars to connect with others who share your passion for increasing diversity in university applications.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've engaged with young people or schools in the past. Highlight any creative methods you've used to inspire students, as this aligns closely with the role's requirements.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the challenges faced by under-represented groups in accessing higher education. Being able to articulate these issues and propose solutions will show your commitment to the role and its objectives.
We think you need these skills to ace Schools Liaison and Outreach Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the key responsibilities and requirements of the Schools Liaison and Outreach Officer position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with these aspects.
Showcase Relevant Experience: In your application, emphasise any previous experience you have in higher education or working with young people. Provide specific examples of how you've engaged with students or teachers, particularly in outreach contexts.
Demonstrate Creativity: Since the role requires imaginative ideas for engaging prospective students, include examples of creative initiatives you've implemented in the past. This could be innovative outreach programmes, workshops, or events that successfully attracted interest.
Follow Application Instructions: Make sure to complete the application form as instructed, demonstrating how you meet the essential requirements outlined in the person specification. Pay attention to detail and ensure your application is well-structured and free from errors.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Cambridge
✨Show Your Passion for Outreach
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for engaging with young people and promoting higher education. Share specific examples of how you've successfully inspired students in the past, as this role is all about encouraging applications from under-represented groups.
✨Understand the Audience
Demonstrate your understanding of the challenges faced by students and teachers in the outreach process. Discuss how you would tailor your sessions to meet their needs, showing that you can build rapport and foster long-term relationships.
✨Be Creative in Your Approach
Prepare to share innovative ideas for face-to-face sessions and webinars. Think outside the box and be ready to discuss how you would make these sessions engaging and informative, particularly for those who may not have considered applying to university.
✨Highlight Your Experience
Bring up any relevant experience you have in higher education or working with young people. Be specific about your roles and responsibilities, and how they have prepared you for the challenges of this position at Newnham College.