Are you an experienced Equality, Diversity and Inclusion professional looking to make a meaningful impact? Join our People Department team at the University of Oxford to make a difference within a globally renowned institution.
Location: 4 Worcester Street, Oxford, OX1 2BX
Salary: Grade 8, £49,119 - £58,265 per annum (pro rata if part time)
Contract: Full Time or 0.8FTE considered, Fixed Term Contract (1 year with the possibility of extension)
About Us
Spanning the historic streets of the “city of dreaming spires”, the University of Oxford has been ranked the world’s leading university for ten consecutive years. A place where centuries of tradition meet world-changing innovation, we offer you the chance to shape the future while working in an inspiring environment that promotes excellence. Here, you’ll contribute to an organisation which delivers ground-breaking research that tackles global challenges - from advancing sustainability to pioneering healthcare solutions - and join a diverse, inclusive community that champions your wellbeing, development, and aspirations. Apply now to become part of our extraordinary legacy.
The Equality and Diversity Unit (EDU) is part of the People Department and provides expert advice and practical support on equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) matters.
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 opportunity to play a leading role in shaping an inclusive culture across one of the world's leading universities. Working as part of the Equality and Diversity Unit (EDU), you will lead the University's programme of work to prevent and respond to bullying and harassment and help to create collaborative and inclusive environments where staff and students can thrive.
Drawing on your specialist expertise, you will develop evidence-informed policy, training and interventions that strengthen positive organisational culture, build confidence in reporting and support departments to prevent and respond effectively to bullying and harassment. You will work closely with the Chief Diversity Officer, People Leadership Team, academic divisions, professional services and external partners to influence practice across the collegiate University.
This is an important role with scope to shape the University's wider inclusive culture agenda over time. Alongside leading work on bullying and harassment, you will contribute to organisational change that embeds inclusion, belonging and respect across the University, using insight, collaboration and expert advice to deliver lasting impact.
About You
We're looking for someone who can demonstrate:
- Significant experience of leading equality, diversity and inclusion initiatives that have delivered measurable organisational or cultural change within a large, complex organisation.
- In-depth knowledge of the Equality Act 2010 and the practical application to organisational policy, practice and culture.
- Experience of developing and implementing evidence-informed approaches to preventing and responding to bullying and harassment, including designing policy, guidance, training or organisational interventions.
- Experience of working directly with senior leaders and building productive relationships across a wide range of stakeholders.
Selection criteria
Essential
- Demonstrated expertise in equality, diversity and inclusion, with experience delivering collaborative, solution-focused approaches.
- Excellent knowledge of the Equality Act 2010 and recent employment legislation, and the practical application of these duties within organisational policy and practice.
- Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to build positive relationships and networks, to work collaboratively, and to motivate, engage and influence others, to achieve change at all levels.
- Considerable experience of preventing and responding to bullying and harassment, with proven ability to develop and implement interventions that contribute to inclusive organisational cultures.
- Ability to communicate sensitively, tactfully and persuasively about harassment issues, with individuals at different levels of seniority within the University and externally, and to manage challenge and conflicting points of view constructively.
- Excellent knowledge of the higher education regulatory and policy landscape relating to equality, diversity, inclusion, and the practical implications for policy, practice and organisational culture within a higher education institution.
- Excellent written communication skills, in particular the ability to draft clear, succinct and relevant material (such as briefings, committee papers, policy documents and practical resources), and the ability to make issues accessible to a non-specialist audience.
- Experience of using quantitative and qualitative data to determine organisational priorities, inform practical policy development, and monitor the progress and impact of initiatives.
- Experience of working directly with senior leaders to develop, influence and deliver strategic organisational priorities for positive cultural change.
- Ability to work independently in a complex environment and excellent time management, with the ability to deal with deadlines and manage conflicting demands.
- An understanding of the challenges of and opportunities for achieving change within a large, complex institution.
Desirable
- Experience of working across a broad range of equality, diversity and inclusion topics, demonstrating the ability to apply expertise across different areas of policy, practice and organisational change and adapt to emerging organisational needs.
- Experience of leading and developing individuals or teams, including past line management experience.
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 3 August 2026.
Interviews will likely take place on 10 August or 13 August, and will be held face to face in Oxford.
