b Overview /b p In this role you will act as the department’s chief operating officer, shaping strategy and delivering day-to-day operations to support world-class research and teaching. You’ll lead cross-functional teams across finance, HR, research strategy, and communications, while representing the department to external sponsors and institutions. You will drive change, foster collaboration with senior staff, and contribute to the wider Medical Sciences Division and University services. This is a high-visibility, impact-driven leadership position at the heart of Oxford’s health research ecosystem. /p b Responsibilities /b ul li Oversee day-to-day operational management of the department to support academic staff, researchers and students /li li Lead and develop Senior Operational Teams at divisional and departmental levels /li li Provide overarching support in finance, HR, research strategy, graduate studies, and career development /li li Advise on Athena SWAN, equality and diversity, and communications/public engagement /li li Represent the department externally to sponsors, government, medical charities and industry /li li Contribute to the Medical Sciences Division and University professional services /li li Support the Divisional Registrar and wider professional services /li li Shape departmental strategy and implement it across the department /li /ul b Key requirements /b ul li Significant management experience in an academic (or closely related) environment /li li Ability to manage change in a complex, fast-moving context /li li Sound judgement under pressure and strong decision-making /li li Capacity to earn respect from academic staff and operational colleagues /li li Gravitas to represent the department externally /li li Proven track record of leadership and delivery in a senior operational role /li /ul ul li strategic thinking /li li stakeholder management /li li excellent communication and relationship-building /li li finance management /li li human resources /li li governance and policy /li /ul
Director of Finance and Administration (DFA) employer: University of Oxford
The Department of Politics and International Relations at the University of Oxford is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment where finance professionals can thrive. With a commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, along with generous benefits such as 38 days of annual leave and a robust family leave scheme, employees are supported in both their professional and personal lives. This role not only provides the opportunity to influence strategic financial decisions within a world-renowned department but also fosters continuous growth and development in a vibrant academic community.
