Domestic bursar, balliol college university of oxford

Overview

Balliol is a constituent college of the University of Oxford. With a good claim to being the oldest of all the Oxford colleges, Balliol has been a hub of learning and community since its foundation in 1263. As one of the larger colleges within the University, it is home to roughly 860 students, with undergraduates making up just under half of the student body. The College also employs over 80 Fellows, 50 lecturers, and about 180 support staff. While academic excellence is at the core of Balliol’s mission, visitors are often struck by the College’s informal and welcoming atmosphere.

Balliol is now looking to appoint to the role of Domestic Bursar. Reporting to the Master, as Head of the College, the Domestic Bursar will be responsible to the Governing Body for the overall domestic management of the College.

Role description

The Domestic Bursar is a leader and role model for staff whose daily work is crucial for the smooth running of the College. The Domestic Bursar’s teams are in many ways the face of the College and deliver the first experience which all our students, guests, and visitors receive upon arrival.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and direction for the College’s domestic operations, reporting to the Master and the Governing Body.
• Ensure efficient management of facilities, hospitality, and related services across the College.
• Lead and develop domestic services teams, promoting staff wellbeing, professional development, and a positive workplace culture.
• Maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external partners to support the College’s mission and operations.
• Maintain clear priorities and effective oversight of a broad and varied portfolio of responsibilities.

Qualifications and experience

• Substantial senior management experience within a complex organisation, such as hospitality, higher education, or facilities management sectors.
• Strong relationship-building abilities with a clear commitment to supporting, empowering, and valuing staff.
• Adaptable, highly organised, and capable of managing a broad and varied portfolio of responsibilities while maintaining clear priorities and oversight.
• Familiarity with the collegiate structure of the University of Oxford would be advantageous, though it is not essential.

Opportunities and additional information

This is a great opportunity to join a lively, forward-looking College.

To find out more, please visit .

Application information

The closing date for applications is Friday 19 June 2026.

Applications should be addressed to balliol@minervasearch.com in the form of a CV and covering letter.

First interviews will take place at the College on 14 or 15 July 2026. Final interviews will be on 22 or 23 July 2026.

Equal opportunities

Balliol College is an equal opportunities employer. All applicants are asked to complete a separate confidential Equal Opportunities Monitoring form here to help us fulfil our duties in this regard. Applicants should let us know if they require reasonable adjustments for any part of the recruitment process.