Welfare Director

ExeTech; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading education provider is seeking a Welfare Director to oversee student welfare during summer programs at Cambridge University. This role involves managing a welfare team, ensuring students receive appropriate care, and adhering to safeguarding policies. The ideal candidate will possess previous experience in residential settings and with young people. Strong communication skills and gentle leadership are essential. The position runs from July 3rd to August 15th, 2026, with accommodation provided.

Benefits

Half-board accommodation

Paid training

Qualifications

• Previous experience working in a residential setting is highly desirable.
• Previous experience working with young people is essential.
• Experience in a pastoral or mentoring role is essential.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the welfare needs of students and ensure appropriate care.
• Manage the welfare team effectively and calm.
• Maintain awareness of students' medical data and concerns.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Empathetic and supportive

Gentle leadership

High energy

Flexibility and adaptability

Job description

• 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 Welfare Director is responsible for maintaining an overview of the well-being and comfort of our students, many of whom will be away from home for the first time.

The Welfare 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, provide guidance to supervisors and teaching staff directly relating to pastoral care. They will help oversee the general pastoral care of our students, ensuring that all students are receiving appropriate care and support at all times. They will manage and direct the pastoral care team and ensure open and regular communication between all parties. The role will also involve direct contact with parents, doctors, nurses and other external third parties.

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 onboarding. 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

To oversee and maintain an overview of the welfare needs of all students and ensure that appropriate care is sought and given, and that all protocols and procedures are followed.

Key Accountabilities

• Maintain an overview of all students’ medical data, and have an awareness of any pre-existing medical concerns, seeking additional information from parents or guardians where required before and during the programs.
• Maintain an overview of any illness, injuries and incidents that occur during the programs and, together with the rest of the welfare team, ensure all procedures are followed and any concerns are communicated with the Program Directors.
• Manage the welfare team to ensure they are working effectively, efficiently and calmly, and that they report back to you regularly and systematically.
• Ensure all staff are aware of, and comply with, the safeguarding policy and welfare guidelines and procedures of Reach Cambridge, and offer advice and guidance where they do not.
• Uphold, protect and 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 Director or one of their nominees.

Please note – additional work may be available for pre-summer medical tasks and communications, and this will be discussed and agreed at a later date depending on requirements and candidate availability.

Skills

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

Experience and Knowledge

• Previous experience working in a residential setting (Highly Desirable)
• Previous experience working with young people (Essential)
• Previous experience working in a pastoral or mentoring role (Essential)
• Cambridge city its colleges and history (Desirable)