Communications Officer

The Social Sciences Division is one of four academic Divisions in the University, comprising fifteen departments, faculties and schools. The Division represents one of the largest groupings of social scientists in the world and the University of Oxford was ranked as number one in the world for Social Sciences in 2022, 2019 and 2018 by the Times Higher Education.

This role is an exciting opportunity to join the Connected Communications Service (CCS) in the Social Sciences Division as we have a 3-year client buy in. The CCS is a shared service communications team and the only team of its kind at the University of Oxford. Essentially, we act as an internal communications consultancy for the departments in the Social Sciences Division who have signed up to our services.

The CCS are looking for an all rounded communications professional who can work independently in a busy environment, taking initiative when necessary and prioritising effectively to meet deadlines, is vital. The successful candidate will display excellent interpersonal skills, including diplomacy and the ability to inspire the confidence of colleagues. The post holder will be comfortable with supporting stakeholders from across the University, as well as providing support to other members of the CCS team.

The post holder will have extensive communications experience in print, digital and social media. Mixing strategic and operational responsibilities, you will work closely with departments, build relationships with stakeholders throughout the University and provide effective support that helps facilitate the fulfilment of departmental objectives.

The successful candidate will display an understanding of how important communication is in higher education, and how effective communication is crucial in helping the Division and its departments achieve their strategic aims.

This role can be based in the divisional office and departmental offices as necessary – as well as having the opportunity to work remotely. Flexible working hours will be considered. This post is 0.7FTE and fixed term until 31/07/26, in the first instance.

As part of your online application you will be required to upload a supporting statement demonstrating with evidence how you meet each of the selection criteria.

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Bev Cousins, CCS Manger (email: bev.cousins@socsci.ox.ac.uk).

The closing date for applications is 12pm on Friday 26 April 2024. Interviews are anticipated to take place w/c 6 May 2024.