Head of Strategic Partnerships

Location: Primarily based at University Offices, Wellington Square, Oxford, OX1 2JD with time spent travelling locally, across the UK, and around the world.

Salary: Grade 10 £65,336 - £75,439

Contract: Full Time/Permanent

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 ten 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 an organisation which delivers 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.

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

Reporting to the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (External Engagement, Sport, and Community), you will:

• Lead the design and delivery of high-impact strategic partnerships across sectors
• Shape how Oxford collaborates externally—developing frameworks, principles, and best practice
• Drive delivery of a key strategic pillar, with accountability for KPIs, funding, and outcomes
• Build and influence senior relationships across government, industry, academia, and civil society
• Act as a visible ambassador for Oxford’s role in addressing major local and global challenges

You’ll operate across a complex, collegiate environment—bringing alignment, clarity, and momentum to partnership activity across the University.

About You

• A strong track record of building and leading complex partnerships
• Experience influencing senior stakeholders across sectors
• The ability to navigate ambiguity and organisational complexity
• A results-driven approach to delivering strategy through execution
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to articulate public value and impact

Experience within higher education is helpful, but not essential - what matters is your ability to operate at scale, pace, and influence.

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 28 May. Interviews will take place across 10, 12, 15 June and will be in person in Oxford.

Job Description (475.1 KB)