Head of EnSpire

The University of Oxford is a stimulating work environment, which enjoys an international reputation as a world-class centre of excellence. Our research plays a key role in tackling many global challenges, from reducing our carbon emissions to developing vaccines during a pandemic.

The Innovation and Engagement Directorate within Research Services at Oxford University plays a pivotal role in driving the University’s innovation strategy. The Directorate works closely with academic and professional service units to support knowledge exchange, foster entrepreneurship, and promote collaboration with industry and other external partners. By connecting cutting-edge research with real-world applications, the Directorate facilitates the creation of impactful innovations that benefit society, while also supporting the development of spin-out companies and advancing Oxford’s reputation as a global leader in entrepreneurship and enterprise.

One sentence summary of job

As the Head of EnSpire, the University-wide Entrepreneurship Hub, you will lead efforts to foster and coordinate entrepreneurship support across Oxford University, while also developing and expanding the IDEA (Increasing Diversity in Enterprising Activities) initiative.

What We Offer

As an employer, we genuinely care about our employees’ wellbeing and this is reflected in the range of benefits that we offer including:

• An excellent contributory pension scheme
• 38 days annual leave
• A comprehensive range of childcare services
• Family leave schemes
• Cycle loan scheme
• Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans
• Membership to a variety of social and sports clubs

This role also offers the opportunity for hybrid working.

About the Role

This role offers an exciting opportunity to shape the entrepreneurial landscape at Oxford University. As the Head of EnSpire, you will lead the University-wide Entrepreneurship Hub and oversee its development and activities, including the high-profile IDEA initiative, which aims to promote a diverse and inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Your responsibilities will include driving the implementation of the University’s Entrepreneurship Review and Strategy, managing programming and stakeholder relationships, and ensuring effective collaboration across academic divisions, professional services, and external partners such as the Saïd Business School and Oxford University Innovation. You will also oversee the development of community-building events, advocacy efforts, and external networks that support entrepreneurship at the University.

In this position, you will lead a core team and collaborate with delivery partners to ensure the Hub continues to provide high-impact, high-value services that contribute to Oxford’s entrepreneurial success.

About You

You will be an experienced entrepreneurial leader with demonstrated success in managing and delivering enterprise and entrepreneurship support. Your experience working in or alongside higher education institutions will give you the insight needed to navigate the complexity of a large university while fostering collaboration between internal and external stakeholders.

You will be a strategic thinker with strong leadership and project management skills, able to define and execute a vision for EnSpire. Experience in promoting diversity and inclusion is essential, particularly as it relates to fostering entrepreneurship in underrepresented groups through initiatives like IDEA. Excellent communication, relationship management, and fundraising skills are also key, as you will be responsible for maintaining relationships with key stakeholders, including senior academics, business leaders, and external funders.

Application Process

You will be required to upload a covering letter/supporting statement, CV and the details of two referees as part of your online application.

Closing date is 12 noon on 4th of November.

Interviews take place on 25 and/or 29th of November and will be face to face.

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