Business Information Officer & Founder Community Lead - OX1 1PENumber of Positions: 1Contract Type: Fixed TermSalary: £34434 - £37280Working Hours: 37Location: OxfordshireBusiness Unit: Economy & PlaceAbout UsThe Business & IP Centre (BIPC) Oxfordshire is an award‑winning, nationally recognised service delivered by Oxfordshire County Council in partnership with the British Library. We support residents at every stage of their business journey - from first idea through to growth, innovation, and intellectual property protection.BIPC Oxfordshire sits at the heart of the county’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, working closely with founders, SMEs, investors, universities, accelerators, councils, and national partners. We provide free and low‑cost access to expert advice, market intelligence, workshops, events, and peer networks, helping businesses start, protect, and scale.A flagship part of our offer is Startup Huddle Oxford, now the world’s largest monthly startup networking event. It brings together hundreds of founders, investors, and ecosystem partners each month, and has become a nationally and internationally recognised convening platform for entrepreneurship and innovation in Oxfordshire. About the RoleThis is a rare opportunity to play a central role in one of the UK’s most connected local business support programmes.As a BIPC Business Information Officer & Founder Community Lead, you will be at the frontline of Oxfordshire’s entrepreneurial ecosystem - supporting founders one‑to‑one, delivering high impact 1:1 support and events, helping businesses access market intelligence and IP support, and contributing to the growth of a nationally recognised programme.Working in a small, highly visible team, you will:Deliver expert business information and guidance to startups and SMEs across sectorsSupport and co‑deliver major events, including Startup Huddle OxfordBuild trusted relationships with founders, partners, and stakeholdersDevelop deep knowledge of Oxfordshire’s startup support landscapeRepresent BIPC Oxfordshire at events and partnership meetingsBecause of the breadth of exposure and the nature of the partnerships involved, this role uniquely positions the postholder to become one of the most knowledgeable people in Oxfordshire about entrepreneurship, business support, and innovation pathways.The role is funded until 31 March 2028. About youYou are curious, proactive, and genuinely interested in how businesses start, grow, and innovate.You may come from a background in business support, economic development, higher education, the voluntary sector, or a customer‑facing advisory role but above all, you enjoy working with people, sharing knowledge, and learning continuously.You will bring:A strong interest in entrepreneurship, startups, and innovationConfidence communicating with a wide range of audiencesThe ability to translate complex information into practical guidanceOrganisational skills and the confidence to work in a fast‑moving environmentA collaborative mindset and willingness to build relationshipsMost importantly, you will be excited by the opportunity to learn at pace, develop genuine ecosystem expertise, and become a recognised and trusted point of contact for founders and partners across Oxfordshire. Rewards and benefitsIn addition to a competitive local government salary and pension, this role offers:Front row access to Oxfordshire’s startup and innovation ecosystemDirect exposure to founders, investors, universities, and national programmesExceptional professional development through real world experience and training from local government, Business & IP Centre National Network and Intellectual Property Office. The chance to help deliver the world’s largest monthly startup networking eventFlexible working and strong work–life balanceA supportive, purpose‑driven team environment within Oxfordshire County CouncilThis is more than a job — it is an opportunity to build expertise, connections, and profile in one of the UK’s most dynamic and internationally recognised innovation ecosystems. Our commitment to: Equality, Diversity and InclusionAt Oxfordshire County Council we are proud of our diverse workforce. Everyone is accepted for who they are, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or on maternity or family leave. We have a number of staff network groups which provide peer support, education and safe spaces for all.Our commitment to:Guaranteed Interview SchemesAs a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job. We also guarantee interviews to care leavers who have completed further education and who meet the essential criteria for the job. For those leaving care without any further education, we guarantee an interview for our apprenticeships. We are also committed to helping and supporting those transitioning from HM Armed Forces to civilian life and guarantee an interview for those demonstrating the essential criteria for the role, within three years of leaving the service.Our commitment to:SafeguardingOxfordshire County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect these commitments.Our commitment to:Flexible WorkingWe are open to discussions about flexible working, which can include flexi-time, part time working, job sharing, nine-day fortnights and annualised hours, depending on the requirements of the role and the service.Follow us on Social MediaStay up-to-date with the latest news and featured jobs from Oxfordshire County Council by following us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. If you encounter any issues with the application system, please contact us at: Ryan.Johnson@Oxfordshire.gov.uk