Job Description

Leadership/Management

The University of Oxford is seeking a skilled and experienced Engagement Officer to join the Research Strategy and Policy Unit in Research Services. This role is one of four newly created positions in a team that will focus on strategic initiatives to strengthen the research environment. The post-holder will support the change management required to develop and successfully implement research environment initiatives, drawing on a close understanding of user communities and within the context of a strong engagement plan.

Location:

5 Worcester Street, Oxford, OX1 2BX

Salary:

39,424 - 47,779 per annum (pro rata for part-time)

Contract:

Full Time (Part Time will be considered at a minimum of 0.8 FTE), Fixed Term Contract (3 years)

About Us

The

University of Oxford

is a globally renowned centre for teaching, research and innovation. Working here means joining a vibrant, cosmopolitan community dedicated to addressing global challenges and advancing knowledge across diverse disciplines.

Research Services

is part of the University Administration and Services (UAS) division and works in partnership with academic divisions, departments, and faculties. It has a broad remit to support the University's researchers by providing expertise, strategic insight, research funding acquisition, contract negotiation, and innovation and engagement initiatives.
The post is based within the

Research Strategy and Policy Unit

(RSPU)

, which provides support for institutional research strategy and policy, including research strategy development and coordination, research evaluation and insight, research information, support for the University's main research-related committees, management of strategic internal funding, and the development and coordination of institution-wide research policies and change initiatives.

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

You will support the delivery of large-scale strategic initiatives to support improvements in the research environment by developing and implementing engagement, marketing, and communication plans, producing materials that are sensitive to the context in which researchers are operating and reflect the user voice. You will also design and support consultation plans for projects at all stages of development, and plan and implement the evaluation of engagement initiatives. A key aspect of the role is to engage with the user communities to understand and support requirements and enable the sustainable implementation of initiatives.

About You

You will be a self-directed strategic thinker with the capacity to problem-solve, set priorities, manage several communications streams at once, and adapt to shifting contexts. You will have proven experience of developing and delivering successful engagement plans in a large, complex organisation with multiple stakeholder groups, and an ability to create and sustain collaborative relationships within and across teams in a busy working environment. You will also have demonstrated ability to conceive and implement evaluation mechanisms for communication and engagement plans, and be able to assimilate complex information and ideas quickly and make them accessible to a wider audience.

Sponsorship and Right-To-Work

This role meets the criteria for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa. The University will meet the cost of the Skilled Worker visa and NHS surcharge for applicants that require a visa.
Please let us know in your application if you require sponsorship.

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 20 October 2025.
We encourage interested applicants to approach the hiring manager,

Dr

Anne Mortimer

(Anne.Mortimer@admin.ox.ac.uk), to discuss the role, the team, or working at the University of Oxford.