Deputy Head of Administration

Location: 66, St Giles’, Oxford, OX1 3LU 

The Faculty of Classics seeks to appoint a Deputy Head of Administration to join its professional services leadership team. This is an exciting opportunity to take on a newly established senior role within one of the world's leading centres for the study of the ancient world. The successful candidate will play a key role in supporting the Faculty's strategic and operational objectives, leading people-related services and contributing to the effective management of a complex and dynamic academic environment.
 
This full-time, permanent post offers a hybrid working arrangement of a minimum of four days per week on-site and up to one day working from home during term time. The postholder will work closely with academic and professional services colleagues across the Faculty, the Humanities Division and the wider University.
 
About the role

The Deputy Head of Administration will lead a broad portfolio of responsibilities spanning human resources, operational management, health and safety, risk management, information security and regulatory compliance.
 
The successful candidate will work closely with the Head of Administration and Finance (HAF) and the Chair of the Faculty Board to develop and implement people strategies, oversee recruitment and personnel processes, support organisational change, and provide expert advice on staff management matters. They will play a key role in fostering an inclusive and supportive working environment and ensuring the effective implementation of University policies and procedures.
 
The postholder will also oversee the operational management of the Faculty's dedicated building, the Ioannou Centre, including facilities, security, maintenance planning and events oversight. As Departmental Safety Officer, they will lead on health and safety matters and support the Faculty's risk management and compliance activities.
 
The Deputy Head of Administration will line manage members of the professional services team, represent the Faculty on divisional and University-wide committees and working groups, and deputise for the HAF as required. This is a varied and influential role requiring excellent judgement, strong interpersonal skills and the ability to balance strategic priorities with operational delivery.

What we offer 

Your happiness and wellbeing at work matters to us, so we offer a range of family-friendly and financial benefits, including:

• An excellent contributory pension scheme
• 38 days’ annual leave
• A comprehensive range of childcare services
• Family leave schemes
• Cycle loan scheme
• Membership to a variety of social and sports clubs
• Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans

Application process 

Applications should be submitted through the University’s online recruitment portal. Please refer to the “How to Apply” section of the job description for full detail. As part of your application, you will be required to upload a CV, a supporting statement and the details of two referees. Your supporting statement should clearly demonstrate how you meet each of the selection criteria outlined in the job description.
 
The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Friday, 03 July 2026. Only applications received before this time can be considered.
 
Shortlisting is expected to take place shortly after the closing date, with interviews anticipated in early August 2026.

The University of Oxford is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from individuals regardless of their background. Applications are encouraged from women and black and minority ethnic candidates, who are under-represented in academic posts at Oxford.

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