Graduate Access and Widening Participation Manager

Location: University Offices, Wellington Square, Oxford OX1 2JD, AND relevant divisional office as follows: Social Sciences Divisional Office: 6 Worcester Street, Oxford OX1 2BX, Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Woodstock Road, Oxford OX2 6GG

Are you an experienced project manager and/or widening participation practitioner looking to make a meaningful impact? Join the University of Oxford and make a difference within a globally renowned institution. You’ll support the expanding area of postgraduate access and widening participation, with particular responsibility for delivering the Graduate Student Access Strategy across the Social Sciences and Humanities divisions.

Contract: Fixed Term Contract for 12 months

About Us

Spanning the historic streets of the "city of dreaming spires", the University of Oxford has been ranked the world’s leading university for ten consecutive years. A place where centuries of tradition meet world-changing innovation, we offer you the opportunity to shape the future in an inspiring environment that promotes excellence. You’ll join a diverse, inclusive community that champions your wellbeing, development and aspirations.

Oxford has over 13,000 graduate students, representing more than 50% of its full-time student population. Almost two thirds are from outside the UK, drawn from around 140 countries worldwide.

This pivotal role will help shape, deliver and embed innovative, sector-leading graduate access and widening participation (WP) strategies across departments and faculties. As graduate access is an emerging and growing area for the collegiate University, this is an exciting time to contribute to these initiatives.

What We Offer

Working at the University of Oxford offers several benefits, including:

• 38 days of annual leave (inclusive of public holidays), with the option to purchase up to 10 additional days.
• Generous family leave, including up to 26 weeks’ full-pay maternity and adoption leave and 12 weeks’ full-pay paternity/partner leave.
• A commitment to hybrid and flexible working.
• An excellent contributory pension scheme.
• Affordable and sustainable commuting options, including cycle loans, discounted bus travel and season ticket loans.
• Access to a vibrant community through our social, cultural and sports clubs.

About the Role

With particular responsibility for Social Sciences (SSD) and Humanities (HUM), you will develop a detailed understanding of graduate access and WP at subject level. Working closely with divisional offices, departments and faculties, you will help identify local needs, shape strategies, embed graduate access and WP, and support the delivery of initiatives and strategic objectives.

About You

You will need flexibility and adaptability in this fast-changing area of work. As a key player in driving change in both processes and mindsets, you will bring strong interpersonal and communication skills alongside excellent project management, problem-solving and analytical abilities. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with experience in access, WP and diversity to drive meaningful change for underrepresented and disadvantaged groups in graduate study.

Application Process

To apply, please upload:

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

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Monday 7 September.

Interviews will take place face-to-face on Monday 28 September.

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