Leadership/Management
The University of Oxford is seeking an experienced and effective Programme Manager to join the Research Strategy and Policy Unit in Research Services. This role is one of four newly created positions in a team that will focus on strategic initiatives to strengthen the research environment. The post-holder will shape and manage the design, delivery, coordination, evaluation, and reporting of a portfolio of initiatives to support the creation of a supportive and inclusive research culture at Oxford, as it relates to enabling positive development trajectories for researchers.
Location: 5 Worcester Street, Oxford, OX1 2BX
Salary: £49,119 - £58,265 per annum (pro rata for part-time)
Contract: Full Time (Part Time will be considered at a minimum of 0.8 FTE), Fixed Term Contract (3 years)
About Us
The University of Oxford is a globally renowned centre for teaching, research and innovation. Working here means joining a vibrant, cosmopolitan community dedicated to addressing global challenges and advancing knowledge across diverse disciplines.
Research Services is part of the University Administration and Services (UAS) division and works in partnership with academic divisions, departments, and faculties. It has a broad remit to support the University's researchers by providing expertise, strategic insight, research funding acquisition, contract negotiation, and innovation and engagement initiatives.
The post is based within the Research Strategy and Policy Unit (RSPU), which provides support for institutional research strategy and policy, including research strategy development and coordination, research evaluation and insight, research information, support for the University's main research-related committees, management of strategic internal funding, and the development and coordination of institution-wide research policies and change initiatives.
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
You will provide significant input into the scoping, design, and resource-planning for large-scale University-wide initiatives relating to the research environment, aligned to Oxford's sector commitments and institutional strategies and plans. You will also shape and lead on consultation processes, and coordinate the delivery, evaluation, and reporting of those strategic initiatives. You will undertake research, collate data, and prepare papers (project proposals, reporting) for relevant committees, and oversee communication activities and governance processes. The role requires an up-to-date awareness of developments and innovations in the sector, including relevant government or funder policies, and a propensity for pro-actively seeking opportunities to shape policy and practice.
About You You will have a thorough, up-to-date, and wide-ranging knowledge of national and international research developments (policies and best practices) in higher education relating to career development and research evaluation, and other aspects of research culture. You will have experience of identifying future trends in the sector, and identifying corresponding institutional actions. You will have a track record of effectively planning and project-managing a portfolio of activities, including budget and risk management, especially in the absence of precedents on which to draw, and be able to engage and influence a range of stakeholders in Oxford and across the sector. This position would suit a highly collaborative, outcomes-driven, curious, and operationally effective individual who is excited by exploring innovative approaches to strengthening the research environment. The role will enjoy and be expected to draw on considerable levels of creativity and autonomy.
Sponsorship and Right-To-Work
This role meets the criteria for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa. The University will meet the cost of the Skilled Worker visa and NHS surcharge for applicants that require a visa.
Please let us know in your application if you require sponsorship.
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 20 October 2025.
We encourage interested applicants to approach the hiring manager, Dr Tanita Casci ), to discuss the role, the team, or working at the University of Oxford.