Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Innovation)

The University is seeking to appoint a Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Innovation) from 1 April 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter, to provide leadership across the University and externally in respect of Oxford’s innovation activities, which are a key component of its academic mission. The University aims to embed innovation for impact, by developing an inclusive and regional innovation ecosystem and enhancing our international attractiveness and investment into Oxfordshire. The Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Innovation) will take major responsibility for the delivery of the University’s activities in this regard, in collaboration with the academic departments and divisions and with external partners.

The Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Innovation) is one of several fractional positions with specific responsibilities. The Pro-Vice-Chancellors will be responsible for taking forward the strategic priorities in the Strategic Plan 2025-30, as well as providing senior leadership for the policies and strategy in their remit. They will have ultimate accountability for the delivery of strategic objectives within their portfolio. This will include setting objectives for, and strategic leadership of, the professional services supporting their activities. 

As the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Innovation), you will lead and implement the innovation activities of the University’s Strategic Plan and drive the Innovation Engagement and Impact Strategy. You will ensure that the University plays a pivotal role in growing a vibrant and equitable innovation system in Oxfordshire and beyond, convening key stakeholders across government, business, community and academia locally, nationally and internationally. You will support the development of new innovation centres and maintain strong relationships with other local innovation sites. You will act as an influential champion to strengthen innovation and entrepreneurship at the University, through the development of funding streams, education programmes, and advocacy. 

You will chair the Knowledge Exchange and Impact Sub-Committee of Research Committee and the Strategic Innovation Fund Board, and serve as the Deputy Chair of the University’s Research and Innovation Committee and the Intellectual Property Advisory Group. You will also serve as a board member of Oxford University Innovation Ltd, working with them and colleagues in Research Services to simplify and accelerate the spin-out process and to evaluate progress and impact. 

You should have the ability to lead the implementation and evolution of the University’s Innovation Strategy by working effectively with senior colleagues and administrative officers across the collegiate University. You should have hands-on experience of innovation and the adoption of ideas and/or intellectual property outside academia, and demonstrated experience of leading transformational change and embedding a culture of innovation across large, diverse organisations. You should have proven experience in attracting and managing diverse sources of funding for innovation, including government, corporate, investment and philanthropic sources. You should possess excellent collaborative and negotiating skills and an understanding of global trends in research commercialisation, innovation ecosystems and higher education policy.

For more information, including how to apply, please see the further particulars. The closing date is 12:00 UK time on Monday 5 January 2026. Enquiries should be directed to Jonathan Roger (jonathan.roger@admin.ox.ac.uk).

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