Innovation Communications Manager

Contract: Fixed Term (2 years)

The University of Oxford is seeking a strategic and creative Innovation Communications Manager to join the Innovation & Engagement team in Research Services. This is an exciting opportunity to lead the delivery of a high-profile communications and engagement programme, supporting a major University initiative to drive innovation-led growth across the region. Working with an external agency and University colleagues, the postholder will implement an integrated communications strategy, develop high-impact campaigns, and steward a new innovation brand to raise the visibility and influence of Oxfordshire’s innovation ecosystem.

About the Role

The Oxfordshire Strategic Innovation Taskforce (OSIT) is a major initiative led by the University of Oxford’s Vice-Chancellor, aiming to unlock and accelerate regionally anchored, nationally significant growth.

Over the next two years, OSIT will lead a high-profile programme of engagement, communications and events to attract investment, support infrastructure development, build strategic partnerships, and enable inclusive innovation across local communities. A flagship public launch in November 2025 will be supported by a national and international communications campaign to showcase the programme’s scale and ambition.

The Innovation Communications Manager will be integral to OSIT’s success. You will advocate for the University’s innovation priorities at regional and national levels. This will involve engagement with policymakers, government officials and other key stakeholders to highlight Oxford’s contributions to the economy and society, support strategic goals, and inform policy development. You will monitor external developments, offer strategic communications advice to senior colleagues, and lead the production of briefings, consultation responses, and evidence submissions.

About You

You will have excellent written communication skills, with the ability to create accurate, consistent and impactful materials; strong verbal and interpersonal skills to build trust and credibility; and the vision to design and deliver innovative communications strategies.

This role would suit a confident, self-directed professional with the ability to take initiative, solve problems, set priorities, and exercise sound judgment in a fast-paced environment.

You will need to process and communicate complex information in an accessible way across various channels. Experience delivering results across multiple concurrent projects and stakeholder groups would be a strong advantage.

About Us

The University of Oxford is a world-leading centre of teaching, research and innovation. Working here means joining a dynamic, international community committed to addressing global challenges and advancing human knowledge.

Research Services, part of the University Administration and Services (UAS) division, supports academic departments and faculties across Oxford. It provides expertise in research funding, contracts, innovation, and strategic engagement.

The role is based in the Innovation and Engagement Directorate, which leads on intellectual property, commercialisation, enterprise and entrepreneurship, public engagement, strategic partnerships, and the development of Oxford’s wider innovation ecosystem.

What We Offer

Working at Oxford offers a range of benefits:

• 38 days of annual leave (including public holidays), with the option to buy additional days
• One of the most generous family leave schemes in UK higher education
• Flexible and hybrid working options
• A competitive contributory pension scheme
• Sustainable commuting schemes and transport discounts
• Access to a thriving social, cultural and sporting community

Application Process

To apply, please upload:

• A covering letter/supporting statement
• Your CV
• Contact details for two referees

Closing date: 12 noon, Wednesday 25th June

Interviews: Friday 25th July (face-to-face)

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