Honorarium: £2,859 per annum
Contract type: Part-time, fixed term
Location: Balliol College, Oxford – Graduate Centre (Holywell Manor), OX1 3UH
Department: The Graduate Centre – Holywell Manor
Reports to: The Dean
Responsible for: N/A
Hours: There are no defined hours associated with this post. Normal hours of work vary each week and are dependent on the needs of the College. The Assistant Dean will be expected to be resident at the centre year‑round, recognising the need for leave and attendance at research‑related events away from Oxford. While graduate presence will be less during the months of July‑September, the Assistant Dean must still carry out responsibilities and be available for on‑site emergencies.
Holiday: Holiday is in line with the Working Time Regulations and is included within the honourarium.
Probation period: 4 months
Notice period: 1 month on either side (during probation); 3 months on either side (after probation)
Purpose of the Post
The Assistant Dean deputises for the Dean (head of student discipline). Their main responsibility is to maintain a welcoming environment and good behaviour at the Graduate Centre, ensuring noise and disturbance are kept within acceptable limits, and to resolve minor disciplinary matters and disputes between students informally and amicably. The Assistant Dean may also assist the Dean with undergraduate matters when required.
Job duties and responsibilities
1. Decanal authority in the Graduate Centre
o Uphold College rules related to noise, behaviour, and everyday life in a way that is sympathetic to the needs of an international graduate community.
o Ensure clarity on the appropriate use of shared facilities and communal spaces in the Graduate Centre (including the MCR, the Bar, the Gym, and Holywell Manor Garden).
o Liaise with Lodge Porters, Junior Deans, the Graduate Centre Manager and other staff to address any student‑facing issues related to noise, room damage or other disruptions.
o Report to the Praefectus and/or Dean on matters concerning the College Handbook and the College’s non‑academic disciplinary processes.
2. Facilitate safety of student‑organised events
o Ensure events held in the Graduate Centre adhere to College rules.
o Consult with and advise the MCR Committee on its termly schedule of events.
o Liaise with College staff (e.g., Domestic Bursar, Lodge Porters, Maintenance) to plan responsible Special Events (e.g., Bops, College Dinners, Garden Party). Support Porters during events, including those at night, and conduct debriefs as needed.
o Report any concern about breaches of College policies or areas of risk to the Praefectus and/or Dean.
3. Sign‑posting students to welfare resources
o Direct students to the College Welfare Team or relevant University resources (Student Welfare and Support Services, University Counselling, Sexual Harassment and Violence Support Service, Harassment Officers, etc.).
o Escalate student emergencies (e.g., fire, theft, hospitalisation) to the Assistant Dean as required.
o Undertake training in first aid, mental health, harassment and related first‑disclosure programmes.
4. Support general community needs
o Act as liaison between the graduate community and external parties (e.g., neighbours, Oxford University Security Services, emergency services).
o Deputise for the Dean where decanal matters are considered.
o Undertake other duties as requested by the Praefectus and/or other College Officers.
Training
The Assistant Dean must attend the Junior Dean training course organised by the Oxford University Counselling Service (OUCS) in September (dates to be confirmed) and a First Aid at Work course, paid for by the College, before the start of Michaelmas Term.
Terms and Conditions
The appointment begins 1 September 2026 and is for one year, with a normal expectation that the Assistant Dean will remain in post for no longer than three years.
Remuneration and Benefits
* Free accommodation in the Graduate Centre (single‑occupancy set, including bedroom, private bathroom, study/living room; shared kitchen facilities).
* Honorarium of £2,859.
* Meal allowances: Lunch and dinner pre‑payment card for Hall; senior common room privileges (one lunch and one dinner per week). SCR dress code applies; dining on specific days for formal events.
* Use of College sports facilities (gym, squash courts, etc.).
* Pension via Oxford University Staff Pension Scheme (OSPS).
* Travel support: interest‑free ticket loans for bus passes and rail season tickets, discounts for some services.
* Cycle‑to‑work scheme, electric‑vehicle leasing scheme, free flu jab and eye test for VDU users.
* Free gym use and University swimming pool, preferential rates for other University sports facilities and Nuffield Health gym.
* Free membership to the University Club (staff, postgraduate, alumni). Free visitor access to Colleges, halls, libraries, Botanic Gardens, Arboretum and museums.
* Employee discounts via local and national retailers with exclusive codes; TOTUM card.
* Balliol nursery: day‑time nursery on Rawlinson Road, subsidised rates for staff.
Person Specification – skills and experience
* Essential
o Engaged in active research or teaching beyond a doctorate.
o Appreciation of welfare and disciplinary issues relevant within a student community.
o Experience of decanal and/or welfare roles in higher education.
o Sound judgment, ability to react quickly to challenging situations with tact and empathy.
o Excellent interpersonal skills, able to communicate effectively with diverse staff and students.
o Excellent communication skills, command of English, awareness of sensitive communication for an international community.
o Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and use discretion; understanding of GDPR and data protection.
o Willingness to undertake training.
* Desirable
o Experience dealing with emergencies (accidents, thefts, fire evacuations).
o Experience fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment within a diverse community.
o Familiarity with a collegiate system and a college environment at the Higher Education level.
Employee Benefits
* Free two‑course lunch in the Hall when kitchens are open.
* Contributory pension scheme (OSPS). Employees and College contributions.
* Interest‑free ticket loans for bus and rail season tickets; discounts for certain services.
* Cycle to work and electric‑vehicle leasing schemes (salary sacrifice eligibility applies).
* Free flu jabs and eye tests for VDU users.
* Free use of College gym and University swimming pool.
* Preferential rates for University sports facilities and Nuffield Health gym.
* Free membership of the University Club.
* Learning and personal development resources provided by the University.
* Free visitor access to Colleges, halls, libraries, Botanic Gardens, Arboretum and museums.
* Employee discount cards for local and national retailers.
* Balliol nursery with subsidised rates (subject to availability).
Application Procedure
* Submit CV, covering letter, and contact details of two referees (one must be current or recent line manager, Head of Department, or academic supervisor). Cover letter should state reasons for interest and suitability, referencing selection criteria.
* Applications accepted by 6 pm Monday 15 June online at https://www.balliol.ox.ac.uk/careers.
* Candidates selected for interview will be notified by Tuesday 23 June; interviews will take place during the week of 29 June (likely Wednesday 1 July).
* Shortlisted candidates must supply original documentation proving right to work in the UK.
* Balliol College is an equal‑opportunities employer. All applicants are asked to complete a separate confidential Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form. Applicants should indicate any reason for reasonable adjustments required during recruitment.
* Personal data will be processed in accordance with Balliol College’s Privacy Policy (available at https://www.balliol.ox.ac.uk/privacy-policy).
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