"Head of Equality and Diversity Unit"

Location

4 Worcester Street, Oxford, OX1 2AW

Salary

£65,336 - £75,439 per annum

Contract

Full Time, Permanent

Are you an Equality and Diversity expert looking to shape and lead institutional change at the highest level? Join our People Department at the University of Oxford to make a difference within a globally renowned institution.

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 chance to shape the future while working in an inspiring environment that promotes excellence. Here, you’ll contribute to an organisation which delivers ground-breaking research that tackles global challenges - from advancing sustainability to pioneering healthcare solutions - and join a diverse, inclusive community that champions your wellbeing, development, and aspirations. Apply now to become part of our extraordinary legacy.

The People Department provides strategic leadership and specialist expertise across the full employee lifecycle, shaping employment policy, strengthening organisational capability, and advancing equality, diversity and inclusion across the collegiate University. Within this, the Equality and Diversity Unit (EDU) plays a central role in delivering and monitoring the University’s EDI Strategic Plan and supporting the People Strategy. Working closely with divisions, departments and colleges, the EDU ensures that inclusive practice is embedded institutionally, that equality-related risks are managed effectively, and that the University continues to strengthen its national and international standing as an inclusive and equitable organisation.

What We Offer

Working at the University of Oxford offers several exclusive benefits, such as:

• 38 days of annual leave (inclusive of public holidays) to support your wellbeing, with the option to purchase up to 10 extra days and additional leave after long service.
• One of the most generous family leave schemes in UK higher education, offering up to 26 weeks of full-pay maternity and adoption leave, plus 12 weeks of full-pay paternity/partner leave.
• A commitment to hybrid and flexible working to suit your lifestyle.
• An excellent contributory pension scheme.
• Affordable and sustainable commuting options, including a cycle loan scheme, discounted bus travel, and season ticket loans.
• Access to a vibrant community through our social, cultural, and sports clubs.

About the Role

As Head of the Equality and Diversity Unit, you will provide operational leadership for the University’s equality, diversity and inclusion work. You will lead a team of specialist advisors and officers, ensuring delivery against agreed institutional objectives and strategic priorities, while fostering a culture of high performance, collaboration and accountability.

Working in close partnership with the Chief Diversity Officer and as a senior member of the People Leadership Team, you will oversee the development, implementation and monitoring of institutional strategies to advance equal opportunities and deliver long-term strategic initiatives aligned with the University’s EDI Strategic Plan and People Strategy.

You will operate credibly at the most senior levels of the collegiate University, advising on complex and sensitive issues, monitoring developments in the EDI landscape, and ensuring that institutional approaches remain forward-looking, compliant and responsive to emerging risks and opportunities. This is a distinctive opportunity to shape sustainable cultural change across a globally influential institution.

About You

We welcome applications from candidates who meet the following essential criteria:

• Demonstrated professional expertise and experience in managing equality, diversity and inclusion, including strong understanding of the Equality Act and the higher education context.
• Demonstrated ability to lead organisational change through influence, collaboration and stakeholder engagement.
• Ability to operate credibly and effectively with senior leaders and within committee settings.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence diverse audiences, including academic and professional staff across the collegiate University.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a highly devolved and complex environment.
• Demonstrated ability to manage sensitive and reputationally complex issues with sound judgement and discretion.
• Demonstrated ability to provide evidence-based analysis and anticipate opportunities and risks in a rapidly evolving professional area featuring legal and regulatory complexity.
• Ability to make clear decisions under time pressure, particularly in the context of competing demands and views.
• Ability to lead teams, develop individuals and build a culture of accountability and excellence.
• Highly organised and self-motivated with high levels of resilience.

Sponsorship and Right To Work

This role meets the criteria for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa. The University will meet the cost of the Skilled Worker visa and NHS surcharge for applicants that require a visa.

Please let us know in your application if you require sponsorship.

Application Process

To apply, please upload:

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

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on 23 March.

Interviews will take place on 28 April, and will be held in-person.