Deputy head of administration

Faculty of Classics, Faculty of Classics, Ioannou Centre for Classical & Byzantine Studies, 66 St. Giles', Oxford, OX1 3LU The Faculty of Classics seeks to appoint a Deputy Head of Administration to join its professional services leadership team. This is an exciting opportunity to take on a newly established senior role within one of the world's leading centres for the study of the ancient world. The successful candidate will play a key role in supporting the Faculty's strategic and operational objectives, leading people-related services and contributing to the effective management of a complex and dynamic academic environment.

This full-time, permanent post offers a hybrid working arrangement of a minimum of four days per week on-site and up to one day working from home during term time. The postholder will work closely with academic and professional services colleagues across the Faculty, the Humanities Division and the wider University.

About the role
The Deputy Head of Administration will lead a broad portfolio of responsibilities spanning human resources, operational management, health and safety, risk management, information security and regulatory compliance.

The successful candidate will work closely with the Head of Administration and Finance (HAF) and the Chair of the Faculty Board to develop and implement people strategies, oversee recruitment and personnel processes, support organisational change, and provide expert advice on staff management matters. They will play a key role in fostering an inclusive and supportive working environment and ensuring the effective implementation of University policies and procedures.

The postholder will also oversee the operational management of the Faculty's dedicated building, the Ioannou Centre, including facilities, security, maintenance planning and events oversight. As Departmental Safety Officer, they will lead on health and safety matters and support the Faculty's risk management and compliance activities.

The Deputy Head of Administration will line manage members of the professional services team, represent the Faculty on divisional and University-wide committees and working groups, and deputise for the HAF as required. This is a varied and influential role requiring excellent judgement, strong interpersonal skills and the ability to balance strategic priorities with operational delivery.
What we offer Your happiness and wellbeing at work matters to us, so we offer a range of family-friendly and financial benefits, including:

An excellent contributory pension scheme

38 days’ annual leave

A comprehensive range of childcare services

Family leave schemes

Cycle loan scheme

Membership to a variety of social and sports clubs

Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans

Application process The University of Oxford is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from individuals regardless of their background. Applications are encouraged from women and black and minority ethnic candidates, who are under-represented in academic posts at Oxford.