Head of Communications and External Affairs

The Oxford Internet Institute is a multidisciplinary research and teaching department of the University of Oxford, dedicated to the social science of the Internet.

We currently have an outstanding opportunity to lead the Communications and External Relations team as the Head of Communications and External Affairs on a permanent basis, working on-site in Central Oxford and remotely, with some occasional travel. This role involves working closely with the Director, the Head of Administration and Finance, the OII’s Senior Executive Team (SET), and the Advisory Board.

Head of Communications and External Affairs 

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the department’s communications and external relations team and oversee all communications channels and events.
• Implement the OII’s Communications and External Relations Strategy (2023-2026), and review and develop future strategies in consultation with key stakeholders.
• Promote and disseminate the OII’s research and its impact through various communication channels, engaging with policymakers, industry, alumni, and civil society.
• Play a vital role in the OII’s move to the newly built Schwarzman Centre in Autumn 2025.
• Oversee internal and external communications to ensure effective dissemination of information.
• Develop and manage relationships with key partners, donors, and other stakeholders.
• Lead the Visiting Policy Fellowship Programme and engage with international policy and communications experts.
• Ensure the OII’s brand and messaging are consistently represented across all media and communications platforms.
• Manage communications-related budgets and contribute to financial planning.

Head of Communications and External Affairs 

Essential Criteria:

• Strategic thinker with the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Demonstrable experience in external relations, communications strategy, and stakeholder engagement.
• Proven ability to represent a complex public-facing organisation and manage relationships with key stakeholders.
• Strong leadership skills with experience in managing and motivating a communications and external relations team.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to convey complex ideas clearly and effectively.
• Experience in business development and identifying opportunities for income generation.

Further details can be found in the Job Description via the 'Apply' button above. If you would like to discuss this role please contact Joanna Barlow by emailing HAF@oii.ox.ac.uk.

You will be required to upload a supporting statement setting out how you meet the selection criteria, curriculum vitae, and the names and contact details of two referees as part of your online application.

Only applications received online before noon on 22 July 2024 can be considered.

Interviews are due to take place on 7 August 2024.

Committed to equality and valuing diversity

*Grade 9 (: £52,815 - £61,198 per annum) - with an Oxford University Weighting of £1,500 per year (pro rata) to be applied with effect from 1 August 2024 (due to be implemented in the September 2024 payroll and backdated to 1 August 2024)

 A pensionable Oxford University Weighting of £1,500 per year (pro rata) will be applied to the stated staring salary with effect from 1 August 2024, in addition to the stated starting salary. This will be implemented in the September 2024 payroll, backdated to 1 August 2024.

 This is also in addition to any inflationary pay rise which may be agreed nationally through negotiations led by UCEA with the trade unions, which could take effect from 1 August 2024 (backdated if necessary).

 Further details of how these changes to pay will be applied will be shared with the successful candidate in due course.

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