Interim Chief Operating Officer (Divisional Registrar)
**PLEASE NOTE: This opportunity is open to internal candidates within the University only.**
University of Oxford's Social Sciences Division is seeking an Interim Chief Operating Officer (Divisional Registrar) to provide operational leadership, financial oversight and strategic guidance at the heart of our world-leading Division.
Location: 6 Worcester Street, Oxford, OX1 2BX
Salary: Grade ALC6
Contract: Full-time, Fixed Term or Secondment (to March 2026)
About Us
The Social Sciences Division is one of four academic divisions at Oxford and is home to 15 departments, faculties and schools. With more than 1,000 academic and research staff, the Division has unparalleled disciplinary breadth and depth, and is a world leader in research and education. Oxford Social Sciences are consistently ranked among the best globally, generating new insights and evidence that address challenges such as sustainable resource management, governance, migration and social justice.
The Division supports over 6,000 students across undergraduate, postgraduate taught and research programmes, and fosters extensive interdisciplinary collaboration across the University and with external partners worldwide.
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
This is an outstanding opportunity to make a significant contribution to the success of the Social Sciences Division. As the operational partner to the academic Head of Division, the Interim Divisional Registrar will:
* Lead the development and implementation of administrative and policy frameworks to support the Division's strategic academic objectives
* Take overall responsibility for the strategic, operational and financial management of the Division, including leadership of the divisional team of around 90 staff
* Provide operational leadership and management advice to the Head of Division and Heads of Department, ensuring effective governance and supporting academic priorities
* Represent the Division as a member of the Registrar's Senior Leadership Team, contributing to institution-wide strategic decision-making and collective leadership of professional services across the University
The role also involves leading on strategic projects such as educational innovation, implementing the Division's Research and Innovation Strategy, ensuring financial sustainability, delivering capital and space vision, supporting equality, diversity and inclusion, and driving engagement with university-wide reforms and initiatives.
About You
We are looking for a highly experienced leader who can demonstrate:
* Extensive senior management experience in higher education, the public sector or a closely related environment
* Proven ability in strategic planning and delivery in a large, complex organisation
* Experience supporting governance and high-level decision-making bodies
* Outstanding staff management and leadership skills, with the ability to motivate, inspire confidence and manage organisational change
* Strong diplomatic, interpersonal and communication skills, with the judgement to manage multiple stakeholders and complex challenges
* A strong track record in financial management, strategic planning and resource allocation
* Educated to graduate level (or equivalent), with excellent analytical, numerical and IT skills
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 Friday 10 October.
Interviews will take place on Monday 27 October.