Are you a highly organised professional who excels at managing complex priorities, building effective relationships, and ensuring senior leaders are supported to deliver at their best? If so, we invite you to apply for the Senior Executive Officer position within the Vice-Chancellor and Registrar’s Office at the University of Oxford, supporting the work of the Vice-Chancellor at one of the world's leading universities.
Location: University Offices, Wellington Square, Oxford
Salary: £39,424 - £47,779 per annum
Contract: Full-time, Permanent
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 Vice-Chancellor and Registrar’s Office plays a central role in supporting the strategic leadership of the University. Working at the heart of Oxford’s governance and decision-making, the team enables the Vice-Chancellor to engage effectively with colleagues, partners, donors, government, and external stakeholders, ensuring the successful delivery of the University’s priorities. The office manages a diverse and high-profile portfolio of activity, providing the coordination, insight, and operational support required to help the University respond to opportunities and challenges across a complex global environment.
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 a highly visible role providing senior executive support to the Vice-Chancellor, helping to ensure that strategic priorities are progressed effectively and that business is managed efficiently within a complex and demanding environment. Working at the centre of the University, you will play an important part in enabling informed decision-making and maintaining the highest standards of professional support.
You will manage a wide range of executive responsibilities, including complex diary and correspondence management, the coordination of meetings, visits, travel, and engagements, and the preparation of high-quality briefings and communications. Acting as a key point of contact for senior colleagues and external stakeholders, you will exercise sound judgement when handling sensitive matters, balancing competing priorities and ensuring issues are progressed appropriately.
Alongside core executive support duties, you will lead selected projects, initiatives, and events on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor’s Office, working collaboratively across the University to deliver successful outcomes. The role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the effective leadership of the University while helping to drive continuous improvement and resilience within a high-performing executive office.
About You
- Extensive experience providing high-level executive support to senior leaders at executive, C-suite, or equivalent level.
- Strong administrative and organisational skills, including complex diary management, correspondence handling, travel coordination, and meeting management.
- Experience planning and delivering high-profile events, conferences, or stakeholder engagements.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build effective relationships and influence stakeholders at all levels.
- Strong IT skills, including proficiency in Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and digital productivity tools.
- Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and respond proactively to changing demands.
- Experience handling confidential and sensitive information with discretion, accuracy, and sound judgement.
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 19 June 2026.
Interviews will take place face-to-face and on one of the following dates:
- 2 July 2026
- 3 July 2026
- 6 July 2026
- 7 July 2026
