Senior Assistant Registrar (Finance & Capital)

Location: You will be based in Wellington Square, Oxford OX1, 2JH for a minimum of two days per week, with the ability to work remotely when meetings are not scheduled to be held in person.

About the role

The Senior Assistant Registrar (Finance and Capital) role provides an excellent opportunity for an individual to come and join the governance team at the University of Oxford, helping to ensure that well-informed and collegiate decision making continues to be at the heart of our institution.

The role carries responsibility for key areas of strategic planning and for overseeing the governance of substantial financial commitments, particularly those related to the University’s strategic capital projects. The postholder will work closely with the Vice-Chancellor, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Planning and Resources, and the Chief Financial Officer to coordinate the work of a number of committees through which proposals are reviewed and decisions taken, operating in a complex network of academic divisions, departments and administrative units. The work is fast paced, requires attention to detail and a consultative flexible approach.

The governance team sits within the Planning and Council Secretariat (PACS). It supports the University Council and a large number of the University’s committees, as well as providing direct support to senior University officers to develop policy, facilitate decision making and help deliver the institution’s strategic priorities. The wider PACS department oversees central planning policy, supports academic divisions with budgeting and resource allocation through data analysis, provides project and service improvement support, and administers the University’s trust funds.

The postholder will be expected to contribute to broader departmental objectives and play a leadership role in the department, including as a member of the PACS wider leadership group. PACS aims to promote a positive and supportive working environment, with knowledgeable professionals who are collegiate in their approach. A weekly ‘Professional Development Club’ is utilised by a number of the team to develop their own skills and mentor others within the team.

The department has adopted hybrid working. Teams are expected to spend 2 days a week in the office, although this is applied flexibly. The anchor day for the governance team is currently a Wednesday.

About You

You will enjoy working within a fast paced, deadline driven environment and will be used to dealing with the nuances of complex decision making. You will work collaboratively with academic and administrative staff across the University, whilst also working independently – taking the lead in policy development and exercising sound judgement in the implementation of plans and procedures. The University uses a gateway approval process for major capital projects, and an understanding of such processes would be desirable.

Application Process

Applicants required to upload a curriculum vitae, a supporting statement setting out how you meet the selection criteria, and the contact details of two referees as part of your online application.

When you write your supporting statement make sure that you refer to the job specification and the selection criteria evidencing your individual role in any project or initiative. We are looking for individuals who can demonstrate a range of skills and evidence their adaptability.

If you would like an informal discussion please contact the Head of Governance, Lara McCarthy on lara.mccarthy@admin.ox.ac.uk.

Contact Person: Ffion Fry

Contact Email: uas.talentacquisition@admin.ox.ac.uk

Interview Date: The afternoon of either 23 or 24 November 2026 

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