Location:Blavatnik School of Government, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Woodstock Road, Oxford, OX2 6GG
About the role
Are you experienced in event management and looking for a new and exciting challenge? This is an opportunity to manage events and external hire within a spectacular space for one of the most vibrant departments of the University of Oxford, the Blavatnik School of Government. In doing so, you will help realise our vision of better government and public policy around the world.
As Events Officer, you will take ownership of the School’s commercial venue hire activity, delivering high-quality external events while developing a sustainable and profitable venue hire business. You will manage the client journey from enquiry to booking, oversee pricing, budgets and performance, and build strong client relationships that encourage repeat business and enhance the School’s reputation as a venue.
Alongside venue hire, you will support and lead School events, coordinating colleagues, suppliers and operational teams to deliver complex and concurrent activities smoothly. You will advise on event matters, manage risks and relevant protocols, build relationships across the wider University and externally, and deputise for the Head of Events when required.
About you
You will bring significant event management expertise and a strong record of delivering successful events, together with experience of commercial venue hire, setting charging rates and providing excellent client service. You will understand established event management practice, including health and safety requirements, and have the technical confidence to specify basic event requirements such as AV facilities. An undergraduate degree, or equivalent professional experience, is also essential.
You will be an effective and collaborative communicator who builds trusted relationships while working confidently both independently and as part of a team. Strong organisation, judgement and attention to detail will enable you to manage competing priorities, respond constructively to change and solve problems under pressure while handling sensitive information appropriately. You will be confident using Microsoft Office and other common software applications, able to absorb detailed information quickly, and available to work flexibly outside normal office hours and at weekends when events require it.
About the Blavatnik School of Government
Our vision is of a world better led, a world better served and a world better governed. We are a global school committed to improving the quality of government and public policymaking worldwide, through three routes: teaching current and future leaders; generating research with impact; and engaging with governments and practitioners.
Application process
Please upload a supporting statement that outlines how you meet the selection criteria in your own words, along with your CV and the details of two referees as part of your online application.
The closing date for applications is at 12 noon (UK time) on Monday 12 October 2026.
Interviews are expected to take place on Thursday 22 October 2026.
£35,681 to £41,636 (with a discretionary range to £45,212) per annum: Grade 6