Chief Data Officer

Location: Dartington House, Oxford, OX1 2JD
Salary: Competitive salary, benchmarked externally
Contract: Full-time, Permanent
Hybrid working: 2–3 days onsite

The University of Oxford is seeking an experienced and visionary Chief Data Officer to establish and lead the newly created Oxford Data Office within Digital and Information Services (DIS). This is a rare opportunity to shape the University’s data future by building a new institutional capability and ensuring data becomes a trusted, connected, accessible, and high-value asset that supports research, teaching, and operations.

About the Role

Reporting to the Chief Digital and Information Officer, you will provide strategic leadership for the University’s data strategy, governance, enterprise data architecture, analytics, and reporting. You will establish the Oxford Data Office, define its operating model, and drive institution-wide improvements in how data is governed, integrated, understood, and used.

Working closely with senior leaders across the University, you will develop standards, frameworks, and capabilities that support responsible, secure, and evidence-based decision-making. You will also lead a small senior team, including the Head of Data Governance and Architecture and the Data Enablement Lead, while fostering a culture of data literacy, stewardship, and ethical data use.

About You

You will bring:

• Significant experience leading high-performing teams across data, governance, architecture, analytics, or related disciplines.
• A strong track record of developing and embedding enterprise-wide data strategies, governance frameworks, and quality management practices.
• Strategic leadership skills, including business case development, investment prioritisation, and resource management within complex organisations.
• Expertise in modern data platforms, enterprise data architecture, and data integration across diverse systems and organisational boundaries.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to translate complex technical concepts into organisational value.
• Experience managing budgets, programmes, and large-scale change initiatives while balancing strategic ambition with practical delivery.

About Us

Oxford has been ranked the world’s leading university for ten consecutive years and is home to a diverse, inclusive community dedicated to excellence in teaching, research, and innovation. The Oxford Data Office is being established to provide strategic leadership for how data is governed, connected, understood, and applied across the institution.

What We Offer

• 38 days’ annual leave (including public holidays), with options to purchase additional leave.
• One of the UK higher education sector’s most generous family leave schemes.
• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements.
• Excellent contributory pension scheme.
• Sustainable travel benefits, including cycle loans and discounted public transport.
• Access to a wide range of social, cultural, and sports activities.

Sponsorship

This role is eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route. The University will cover Skilled Worker visa and NHS surcharge costs for successful applicants who require sponsorship.

How to Apply

Please submit:

• A covering letter/supporting statement
• Your CV
• Details of two referees

Closing date: 12 noon, Wednesday 8 July

Interviews: Expected to take place face-to-face in late July

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