Job Description

Marketing/Communications

Are you a communications officer with a passion for storytelling and engagement? Join our dynamic Academic Administration Division Communications team at the University of Oxford and help share the stories of world-leading research, education, and innovation. This is your opportunity to shape the reputation of a globally recognised institution.

Location:

University Offices, Wellington Square OX1 2JD

Salary:

32,332 - 39,347 per annum

Contract:

Full Time. One-year fixed term contract

This vacancy may be considered as a Secondment Opportunity.

About Us

Spanning the historic streets of the "city of dreaming spires," the University of Oxford has been ranked the world's leading university for nine consecutive years. A place where centuries of tradition meet world-changing innovation, we offer you the chance to shape the future while working in an inspiring environment that promotes excellence. Here, you'll contribute to ground-breaking research that tackles global challenges - from advancing sustainability to pioneering healthcare solutions - and join a diverse, inclusive community that champions your wellbeing, development, and aspirations. Apply now to become part of our extraordinary legacy.

This is an exciting and varied role that plays an important part in ensuring effective communications in the Academic Administration Division (AAD).

The AAD provides the support and information that Oxford students need to thrive in their academic and personal lives, and relies on effective communications to achieve its goals. The Communications Officer will contribute to the division's success through effective staff and student communications - from websites and digital channels to events, publications and websites.

What We Offer

Working at the University of Oxford offers several exclusive benefits, such as:
38 days of annual leave (inclusive of public holidays) to support your wellbeing, with the option to purchase up to 10 extra days and additional leave after long service. One of the most generous family leave schemes in UK higher education, offering up to 26 weeks of full-pay maternity and adoption leave, plus 12 weeks of full-pay paternity/partner leave. A commitment to hybrid and flexible working to suit your lifestyle. An excellent contributory pension scheme. Affordable and sustainable commuting options, including a cycle loan scheme, discounted bus travel, and season ticket loans. Access to a vibrant community through our social, cultural, and sports clubs.

About the Role

The postholder will make a significant contribution to the AAD communications strategy - creating compelling content about a wide range of topics; and engaging effectively with a wide range of internal stakeholders to ensure effective flows of communications between the division and its audiences.

Reporting to the Senior Communications Manager - Students and AAD, you will work with colleagues across the collegiate University - coordinating communications activities for students and student-facing staff, and provide professional advice and support for colleagues.

About You

Responsibilities
Independently resolves stakeholder content and communications requirements, demonstrating proactive problem-solving skills. Participates in collaborative decision-making in communications processes, suggesting and implementing enhancements to existing procedures. Take ownership of the quality assurance within a designated area, establishing and refining protocols as necessary. Conducts detailed evaluation and analysis of communications activity, producing concise reports and factual documentation to support informed decision-making for future communications strategies. Contributes to content creation and copywriting, ensuring accuracy and relevance of content presented. Professionally deliver the staff communications element of the department's communications strategy in support of the Division's objectives. Write, edit and proofread a range of communications materials on complex, detailed and sometimes sensitive subject matters for a broad range of internal audiences across the collegiate University, including web, newsletters, blog posts, videos, social media, briefings, reports and presentations or campaign content Design, develop and update online communications for the Division, including for the department's intranet, student-facing social media and other channels, including video Plan and organise large events (including hybrid) as part of the communications strategy of the Division. Deliver event content for wider University departments and support with the smooth running of other Professional Services events. Represent the Division at internal events such as the Professional Services Induction and ensure that the Division contributes to Professional Services events and other communications where there is opportunity to share the work the Division does. Select and implement appropriate methods for regularly evaluating communications activities, including conducting surveys, reviewing owned channel metrics and other activities to support the evaluation of ongoing communications and to inform future strategy (i.e. by monitoring and analysing campaign effectiveness) Oversee the production of promotional materials related to the Division adhering to University brand guidelines, including digital content, leaflets and posters using digital design programmes, or on occasion with in-house designers Identify and engage with a range of stakeholders and audiences (colleagues in colleges and departments, AAD staff, senior University colleagues), providing timely and relevant information to them as appropriate. Act as a key contact in the Division for communications-related matters, engaging with a range of stakeholders and audiences, including those in senior positions, to ensure a coordinated approach to internal communications. Deliver tailored communications training and advice sessions to experts within the department, such as website support. Keep up to date with relevant external regulations and requirements, including UK GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) and PECR (Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations) legislation. Be an active member of the University's Communications Community of Practice and/or other relevant networks/groups in order to share information, promote best practice and ensure cross-University communications are coordinated.

Essential criteria
A good general level of education (A-Level or equivalent professional experience). Demonstrable experience of contributing to digital and print communications, including social media content. Ability to organise events and make administrative arrangements. Proven experience in producing and managing effective web content. Excellent writing skills and attention to detail, with a proven ability to communicate complex concepts to a non-specialist audience. Excellent interpersonal skills, with an ability to communicate confidently and clearly to internal and external stakeholders, displaying diplomacy and the ability to inspire the confidence of senior colleagues. Ability to work independently with minimum supervision in a complex environment, prioritising effectively to meet deadlines and a willingness to resolve situations and make judgements on when to refer issues to other colleagues Good IT skills and competency across Microsoft packages and experience across a range of standard communications software (e.g., content management systems, digital content creation/graphic design software, video/image/audio editing software, social media and database software) Demonstrated awareness and understanding of the role of AI and digital developments in communications today Excellent research and analytical skills, including the ability to interpret complex data.

Application Process

To apply, please upload:
A covering letter/supporting statement Your CV The details of two referees
The closing date for applications is 12 noon on 24 November 2025.
Interviews will take place on 9 December 2025, and will be held face-to-face.