Communications Manager

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.

Research Services provides comprehensive professional support for Oxford’s research, engagement and innovation activities. We work closely with researchers, departments and divisions, other professional services and a wide range of external collaborators and funders.

A major focus for the role will be support for the delivery of the Oxford Research Management System (ORMS), a transformative programme with IT-enablement to support the research management lifecycle (including costing and pricing, award management, contract negotiation, due diligence and ethics review). This role will play a central role in devising and driving the communications strategy necessary for its smooth delivery and service transition. 

What We Offer 

As an employer, we 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

You will be embedded within the University’s Research Services communications function, supporting project and wider communications activities, and ensuring they are aligned. In addition, you will be a part of the central IT Services’ Programme and Projects Delivery Group, joining regular Project and Programme Communications Planning and Team meetings.

A major focus for the role will be support for the delivery of the Oxford Research Management System (ORMS). This role will help ensure that stakeholder communities are kept fully apprised and engaged with delivery and the associated changes related to research activities, and are supported to access developed services in a clear and efficient manner. 

About You

You will have proven experience in a communications role in a large, complex organisation with multiple stakeholder groups and excellent writing skills, with the ability to develop high quality, accurate and consistent communications materials for non-specialist audiences. In addition, you will have excellent stakeholder engagement and interpersonal skills, with a customer focus and the ability to work with staff at all levels. 

You should have a keen interest in higher education, the research endeavour and technology-enabled change. Specialist technical knowledge is not required. You will be skilful at gathering and processing information quickly, and making it understandable, through multiple media, to a wide range of audiences, and in identifying likely user communication requirements. A self-starter with high levels of drive, the successful candidate will be expected to work independently, on their own initiative, to engage stakeholders across the University. 

Knowledge of the research lifecycle and systems within Higher Education is desirable. 

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. 

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Tuesday 25 March. 

Interviews will take place on w/c 7 April and will be face to face.

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