At a Glance
- Tasks: Support a vibrant graduate community and ensure a welcoming environment at Balliol College.
- Company: Join the prestigious Balliol College, part of Oxford University.
- Benefits: Free accommodation, competitive honourarium, meal allowances, and access to sports facilities.
- Other info: Flexible hours, dynamic environment, and opportunities for personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while living in a historic college setting.
- Qualifications: Experience in student welfare or decanal roles, excellent communication skills, and empathy.
Honorarium: £2,859 per annum
Contract type: Part-time, fixed term
Location: Balliol College, Oxford – Graduate Centre (Holywell Manor), OX1 3UH
Department: The Graduate Centre – Holywell Manor
Reports to: The Dean
Responsible for: N/A
Hours: There are no defined hours associated with this post. Normal hours of work vary each week and are dependent on the needs of the College. The Assistant Dean will be expected to be resident at the centre year‑round, recognising the need for leave and attendance at research‑related events away from Oxford. While graduate presence will be less during the months of July‑September, the Assistant Dean must still carry out responsibilities and be available for on‑site emergencies.
Holiday: Holiday is in line with the Working Time Regulations and is included within the honourarium.
Probation period: 4 months
Notice period: 1 month on either side (during probation); 3 months on either side (after probation)
Purpose of the Post
The Assistant Dean deputises for the Dean (head of student discipline). Their main responsibility is to maintain a welcoming environment and good behaviour at the Graduate Centre, ensuring noise and disturbance are kept within acceptable limits, and to resolve minor disciplinary matters and disputes between students informally and amicably. The Assistant Dean may also assist the Dean with undergraduate matters when required.
Job duties and responsibilities
- Decanal authority in the Graduate Centre
- Uphold College rules related to noise, behaviour, and everyday life in a way that is sympathetic to the needs of an international graduate community.
- Ensure clarity on the appropriate use of shared facilities and communal spaces in the Graduate Centre (including the MCR, the Bar, the Gym, and Holywell Manor Garden).
- Liaise with Lodge Porters, Junior Deans, the Graduate Centre Manager and other staff to address any student‑facing issues related to noise, room damage or other disruptions.
- Report to the Praefectus and/or Dean on matters concerning the College Handbook and the College’s non‑academic disciplinary processes.
- Facilitate safety of student‑organised events
- Ensure events held in the Graduate Centre adhere to College rules.
- Consult with and advise the MCR Committee on its termly schedule of events.
- Liaise with College staff (e.g., Domestic Bursar, Lodge Porters, Maintenance) to plan responsible Special Events (e.g., Bops, College Dinners, Garden Party).
- Support Porters during events, including those at night, and conduct debriefs as needed.
- Report any concern about breaches of College policies or areas of risk to the Praefectus and/or Dean.
- Sign‑posting students to welfare resources
- Direct students to the College Welfare Team or relevant University resources (Student Welfare and Support Services, University Counselling, Sexual Harassment and Violence Support Service, Harassment Officers, etc.).
- Escalate student emergencies (e.g., fire, theft, hospitalisation) to the Assistant Dean as required.
- Undertake training in first aid, mental health, harassment and related first‑disclosure programmes.
- Support general community needs
- Act as liaison between the graduate community and external parties (e.g., neighbours, Oxford University Security Services, emergency services).
- Deputise for the Dean where decanal matters are considered.
- Undertake other duties as requested by the Praefectus and/or other College Officers.
Training
The Assistant Dean must attend the Junior Dean training course organised by the Oxford University Counselling Service (OUCS) in September (dates to be confirmed) and a First Aid at Work course, paid for by the College, before the start of Michaelmas Term.
Terms and Conditions
The appointment begins 1 September 2026 and is for one year, with a normal expectation that the Assistant Dean will remain in post for no longer than three years.
Remuneration and Benefits
- Free accommodation in the Graduate Centre (single‑occupancy set, including bedroom, private bathroom, study/living room; shared kitchen facilities).
- Honorarium of £2,859.
- Meal allowances: Lunch and dinner pre‑payment card for Hall; senior common room privileges (one lunch and one dinner per week).
- SCR dress code applies; dining on specific days for formal events.
- Use of College sports facilities (gym, squash courts, etc.).
- Pension via Oxford University Staff Pension Scheme (OSPS).
- Travel support: interest‑free ticket loans for bus passes and rail season tickets, discounts for some services.
- Cycle‑to‑work scheme, electric‑vehicle leasing scheme, free flu jab and eye test for VDU users.
- Free gym use and University swimming pool, preferential rates for other University sports facilities and Nuffield Health gym.
- Free membership to the University Club (staff, postgraduate, alumni).
- Free visitor access to Colleges, halls, libraries, Botanic Gardens, Arboretum and museums.
- Employee discounts via local and national retailers with exclusive codes; TOTUM card.
- Balliol nursery: day‑time nursery on Rawlinson Road, subsidised rates for staff.
Person Specification – skills and experience
Essential
- Engaged in active research or teaching beyond a doctorate.
- Appreciation of welfare and disciplinary issues relevant within a student community.
- Experience of decanal and/or welfare roles in higher education.
- Sound judgment, ability to react quickly to challenging situations with tact and empathy.
- Excellent interpersonal skills, able to communicate effectively with diverse staff and students.
- Excellent communication skills, command of English, awareness of sensitive communication for an international community.
- Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and use discretion; understanding of GDPR and data protection.
- Willingness to undertake training.
Desirable
- Experience dealing with emergencies (accidents, thefts, fire evacuations).
- Experience fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment within a diverse community.
- Familiarity with a collegiate system and a college environment at the Higher Education level.
Employee Benefits
- Free two‑course lunch in the Hall when kitchens are open.
- Contributory pension scheme (OSPS). Employees and College contributions.
- Interest‑free ticket loans for bus and rail season tickets; discounts for certain services.
- Cycle to work and electric‑vehicle leasing schemes (salary sacrifice eligibility applies).
- Free flu jabs and eye tests for VDU users.
- Free use of College gym and University swimming pool.
- Preferential rates for University sports facilities and Nuffield Health gym.
- Free membership of the University Club.
- Learning and personal development resources provided by the University.
- Free visitor access to Colleges, halls, libraries, Botanic Gardens, Arboretum and museums.
- Employee discount cards for local and national retailers.
- Balliol nursery with subsidised rates (subject to availability).
Application Procedure
Submit CV, covering letter, and contact details of two referees (one must be current or recent line manager, Head of Department, or academic supervisor). Cover letter should state reasons for interest and suitability, referencing selection criteria. Applications accepted by 6 pm Monday 15 June online at https://www.balliol.ox.ac.uk/careers. Candidates selected for interview will be notified by Tuesday 23 June; interviews will take place during the week of 29 June (likely Wednesday 1 July). Shortlisted candidates must supply original documentation proving right to work in the UK. Balliol College is an equal‑opportunities employer. All applicants are asked to complete a separate confidential Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form. Applicants should indicate any reason for reasonable adjustments required during recruitment. Personal data will be processed in accordance with Balliol College’s Privacy Policy (available at https://www.balliol.ox.ac.uk/privacy-policy).
Assistant Dean in Oxford employer: University of Oxford
Balliol College offers a unique opportunity for the Assistant Dean role, providing a supportive and inclusive work environment that prioritises the welfare of its diverse graduate community. With free accommodation, meal allowances, and access to excellent sports facilities, employees can enjoy a balanced lifestyle while contributing to a prestigious institution. The college fosters professional growth through training and development resources, making it an ideal employer for those seeking meaningful engagement in higher education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Dean in Oxford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at Balliol College, especially those in similar roles. A friendly chat can give us insider info on what they’re really looking for and might even lead to a recommendation.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by understanding the college culture. Familiarise yourself with their values and how they support the graduate community. We want to show that we’re not just a good fit for the role, but also for the college vibe!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a friend to do a mock interview with you. Focus on those tricky questions about handling student disputes or emergencies. We need to demonstrate our sound judgment and interpersonal skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows that we’re keen and know where to find the right info. Let’s make it happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Dean in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to express why you're interested in the Assistant Dean role and how your experience aligns with the responsibilities outlined. Keep it engaging and personal – we want to see your passion!
Tailor Your CV:Don’t just send a generic CV! Tailor it to highlight your relevant skills and experiences that match the job description. Focus on your involvement in student welfare, discipline, and community engagement – these are key for us at the Graduate Centre.
Showcase Your Interpersonal Skills:In your application, emphasise your excellent communication and interpersonal skills. We’re looking for someone who can connect with a diverse community, so share examples of how you've successfully navigated challenging situations with empathy and tact.
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to submit your application through our website by the deadline! It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Balliol College.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Oxford
✨Know Your Role
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of the Assistant Dean. Familiarise yourself with the key duties like maintaining a welcoming environment and handling student disputes. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with the role.
✨Showcase Your Interpersonal Skills
Given the nature of this position, it's crucial to demonstrate your excellent communication skills. Prepare examples of how you've effectively dealt with diverse groups or resolved conflicts in the past. This will show that you can handle the interpersonal dynamics of a graduate community.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical situations related to student welfare or discipline. Think about how you would approach issues like noise complaints or emergency situations. Practising these scenarios can help you respond confidently during the interview.
✨Express Your Commitment to Training
The role requires ongoing training in areas like first aid and mental health. Be prepared to discuss your willingness to undertake this training and how it aligns with your professional development goals. This shows your dedication to supporting the student community effectively.
