Assistant Program Director

ExeTech; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 60,000 - GBP 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A seasonal educational program provider is seeking an Assistant Program Director to support the smooth operation of their summer programs at Cambridge University. Responsibilities include overseeing student welfare, working with staff and external stakeholders, problem-solving, and ensuring adherence to program guidelines. Applicants must possess prior experience in a residential setting and be comfortable working with young people. The role involves residing on-site during program dates and maintaining clear communication channels throughout the duration of the programs.

Benefits

Paid training

Half-board accommodation provided

Qualifications

• Previous experience working in a residential setting is essential.
• Previous experience working with young people is essential.
• Knowledge of Cambridge city, its colleges and history is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Support the Program Directors to ensure smooth running of summer programs.
• Act as an ambassador of Reach Cambridge for staff and students.
• Identify and resolve difficulties related to students' experiences.
• Assist with urgent enquiries and help guide the wider team.
• Ensure compliance with operational procedures, including safeguarding.

Skills

Articulate, engaging and sociable

Approachable and assertive

Empathetic, supportive and positive

Excellent communication skills – both written and verbal

High levels of energy, resilience and enthusiasm

Job description

• Job title: Assistant Program Director (Seasonal)
• Place of Work: Cambridge University – Colleges, classrooms and sports grounds. (Residing overnight for the duration of the program).
• Reporting to: Program Director
• Remuneration: From £700 based on experience. In addition, paid training takes place on the first Friday and Saturday. Half-board accommodation will be provided for the duration of your employment.

The resident Assistant Director will work alongside the Program Director to ensure the safe, successful and smooth running of the summer programmes.

The Assistant Director will be available for the duration of our summer programs and will liaise with the Program Director and the rest of the senior team to provide direct guidance and leadership to a large team of supervisors and teaching staff. He or she will help oversee the welfare of our students, and will assist the Program Director in implementing our safeguarding policy. He or she will help to resolve any welfare issues and disciplinary issues our students may have, ensuring all rules and regulations of the programs are upheld at all times. He or she will oversee the daily program schedule, problem-solve and offer solutions and contingencies where required. The role will also involve direct contact with parents and other external stakeholders.

Residing overnight in Cambridge the summer 2026 program dates are as follows:

• Friday 3rd July – Saturday 18th July 2026
• Friday 17th July – Saturday 1st August 2026
• Friday 24th July – Saturday 8th August 2026
• Friday 31st July – Saturday 15th August 2026

Please note – there will be compulsory Induction Training in Cambridge during the Friday and Saturday of your first program (these dates are shown above). If you have a graduation ceremony scheduled on these days we may be able to make alternative arrangements for your on-boarding. Please get in touch if you need to.

We will consider applicants who are available for one, two or all of the programs.

Purpose of Job

Supporting the Program Directors and other members of the senior team to ensure the smooth running of the summer programmes by being flexible, motivated and positive. This includes but is not limited to (a) looking after the welfare of the students, (b) liaising with other staff, parents, students and third parties, (c) troubleshooting & problem-solving, (d) maintaining an overview of the bigger picture & overall programme schedule, (e) ensuring and promoting clear communication channels at all times and adherence to organisational processes and procedures.

Key Accountabilities

• Act as an ambassador of Reach Cambridge and be a first point of contact for all staff and student needs. Help with any welfare concerns or behavioural incidents.
• Maintain an overview of the bigger picture as well as the daily schedule and ensure all updates and plans are communicated clearly to all staff, students and third parties. Work with the Program Directors to make considered changes due to any unforeseen circumstances.
• Identify and resolve any difficulties students may have as they relate to transfers, accommodation, administration, communicating home, getting to venues and keeping to schedules so that their Reach Cambridge experience is as trouble free as it can be.
• Assist with urgent enquiries and, where appropriate, help to implement contingency plans. Help guide and lead the wider team.
• Ensure all staff are aware of, and comply with, the day-to-day management, administrative, financial and operational procedures of Reach Cambridge, including the safeguarding policy, and offer advice and guidance where they do not.
• Uphold, protect and promote Reach Cambridge’s core values, protocols and standard operating procedures so that students do the same.
• Undertake all other duties and responsibilities commensurate with the knowledge, skills and experience of this role as may be requested by the Program Directors or one of their nominees.

Skills

• Articulate, engaging and sociable
• Approachable and assertive
• Empathetic, supportive and positive
• Gentle leadership which engenders trust and confidence from others
• Excellent communication skills – both written and verbal
• High levels of energy, resilience and enthusiasm

Experience and Knowledge

• Previous experience working in a residential setting (Essential)
• Previous experience working with young people (Essential)
• Cambridge city, its colleges and history (Desirable)