"Marketing and Communications Specialist"

Marketing and Communications Specialist

Are you a Marketing and Communications Specialist passionate about people, talent, and workplace culture? Join our dynamic EnSpire team at the University of Oxford and help attract, support, and develop top talent in our world-leading institution.

Location: University of Oxford, Robert Hooke Building, Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PR

Salary: £37,694- £46,049 per annum

Contract: Full Time, Fixed Term Contract (11 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 nine 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 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 Research Services Department plays a vital role in supporting the University’s world-leading research community. Working across all divisions, the department provides expert advice and comprehensive administrative support throughout the entire research lifecycle — from identifying funding opportunities and developing grant proposals to managing awards, contracts, and compliance. With a focus on fostering collaboration, innovation, and excellence, Research Services ensures that Oxford’s researchers have the resources and guidance they need to deliver impactful research that advances knowledge and benefits society. Joining the department means contributing to a dynamic, professional team that underpins the success of one of the world’s foremost research institutions.

The department’s work is guided by the following core values:

• Collaboration - We work in successful partnership with colleagues across the University and beyond. Our relationships are built on clear communication, shared goals, flexibility, and mutual respect.
• Excellence - Through innovation, investment and continuous improvement in the quality and efficiency of our professional services, we are committed to providing outstanding support and trusted expertise.
• Inclusion - We create an environment where everyone can succeed. We celebrate and promote diversity and equality, and listen to everyone equally.
• Integrity - We act with openness, honesty, and courage. We challenge ourselves and encourage the same in others.

EnSpire, the University’s entrepreneurship Hub will serve as a central node to support and promote the development of an entrepreneurial ecosystem within and around University of Oxford (the University). It focuses on entrepreneurship training and support and play a key role in catalysing, communicating, and coordinating entrepreneurial initiatives, where needed. It collaborates and coordinates with key partners to provide activities and opportunities. A unified and consistent external channel of communication to local and global stakeholders interested in engaging with the University entrepreneurship ecosystem will be developed.

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 5 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.
• 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

The Marketing and Communications Specialist will be responsible for communicating the University’s entrepreneurial offering and achievements, both within the University and externally. This post will involve developing and implementing a communications strategy to enhance recognition of EnSpire’s role in the development of entrepreneurial mindsets and skillsets (from inspiration to venture creation and acceleration) for all interested staff, students and recent alumni of the University. In collaboration with the Head of EnSpire and the wider team, the postholder will develop and implement tools and processes to improve outreach and engagement for the EnSpire’s individual and collaborative initiatives. It will also help coordinate messaging with other communications colleagues across the University and innovation ecosystem. The postholder will also be responsible for analysing whether these efforts are successful, and how to improve them if necessary.

As part of developing and implementing marketing strategies for EnSpire and its individual programmes, the postholder will also lead on the design and development of print, audio-visual and digital collateral as well as being responsible for the marketing channels. Creating and curating content for these marketing channels such as social media, blogs, websites, and email newsletters, is within this role’s remit.

The role is broad ranging; the postholder interfaces with key teams and individuals across the University and represents the Hub to external stakeholders. The Marketing and Communications Specialist will provide best practice marketing advice as well as support a variety of high-profile projects on a day-to-day basis.

About You

• Identify and engage with a range of stakeholders, generate new leads and reach audiences, providing timely and relevant information to them as appropriate.
• Collaborate with internal entrepreneurship units to ensure communications are aligned with and leveraging EnSpire’s efforts
• Write, edit, proofread, and publish a range of entrepreneurship communications materials for broad audiences, including newsletters, blog posts, briefings, and reports
• Develop and update online communications for EnSpire, including but not limited to the Teams site, website, and social media channels
• Ensure data protection compliance and best practice across data capture on all communication activities
• Design and deliver presentations to represent EnSpire to external and internal audiences such as potential funders, students, and University partners, to effectively communicate EnSpire’s vision and work
• Oversee the production of promotional materials for EnSpire campaigns and events, including dedicated websites, brochures, leaflets, and posters, following University guidelines on branding.
• Plan and organise events as part of the communications strategy, with support from other members of the team
• Select and implement appropriate methods for evaluating communications activities, analysing the results to inform future strategy
• Manage the EnSpire marketing and communications budget
• Oversee special projects within the remit of the role as needed, for example website redesigns and data protection policies, etc
• Take the lead on developing messaging and content which promotes the University’s entrepreneurship narrative;
• Act as point of contact for comms for less experienced team members, providing day-to-day guidance and allocating tasks
• Be an active member of the University’s Communication Officers network and/or other relevant networks/groups to share information, promote best practice and ensure cross-University communications are coordinated

The post-holder must be able to perform other such duties as required, as appropriate to the grade

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 Monday 23 March 2026.