CCS Communications Officer

Corehr; Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 25,000 - 38,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

38 days annual leave

Childcare services

Family leave schemes

Discounted bus travel

Job summary

The Connected Communications Service (CCS) at the University of Oxford is seeking a communications professional to lead a maternity-cover partnership with the Department of Sociology. The role is based in the divisional and departmental offices with the possibility of remote work, part-time 0.5FTE, and fixed term until 31 September 2027, or until the substantive postholder returns.

Core hours are 8am–6pm, Monday to Friday, with Wednesday morning meetings in person.

Qualifications

• Extensive communications experience across print, digital, and social media.
• Ability to work independently in a busy environment and prioritise deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills, diplomacy, and ability to inspire confidence in colleagues.

Responsibilities

• Lead on a new partnership with the Department of Sociology to deliver one year's maternity cover for the CCS.
• Work across divisional and departmental offices with potential remote elements, in core hours 8am–6pm, 0.5FTE.
• Provide effective support to stakeholders across the University and collaborate with CCS team members.

Skills

Communications

Interpersonal skills

Diplomacy

Independent working

Job description

UK date and time: 19-September-2026 17:11

Social Sciences Divisional Office, 6 Worcester Street, Oxford, OX1 2BX

The University of Oxford is a stimulating work environment, which enjoys an international reputation as a world-class centre of excellence. Our research plays a key role in tackling many global challenges, from reducing our carbon emissions to developing vaccines during a pandemic.

The Social Sciences Division is one of four academic Divisions in the University. The Division represents one of the largest groupings of social scientists in the world, with over 1,000 researchers and 5,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students exploring major challenges facing humanity, such as climate change, migration, global governance, justice, poverty and international development. In 2025 the University of Oxford ranked second in both the Times Higher Education World University Rankings for Social Sciences and QS World University Rankings for Social Sciences & Management.

The Connected Communication Service (CCS) is a shared service communications team - providing communications capability to multiple parts of the Division through a single team and shared resources, rather than each department maintaining that capability independently - and is the only team of its kind at the University of Oxford. Essentially, we act as an internal communications agency for the departments in the Social Sciences Division who have signed up to our services.

What We Offer

As an employer, we genuinely care about our employees’ wellbeing and this is reflected in the range of benefits that we offer including:

• 38 days annual leave
• A comprehensive range of childcare services
• Family leave schemes
• Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans
• Membership to a variety of social and sports clubs

We support hybrid working arrangements. Any arrangements will be considered in consultation with the line manager.

About the Role

The CCS is looking for a well-rounded communications professional to lead on a new partnership with the Department of Sociology to deliver one year's maternity cover to the department.

This role will be based in the divisional office and departmental offices as necessary – as well as having the opportunity to work remotely. Working hours will be on a part-time basis within the core working hours of 8am and 6pm, Monday to Friday, with attendance in person at team meetings on Wednesday morning essential. This post is 0.5FTE and fixed term until 31 September 2027 or the return of the substantive postholder, in the first instance.

About You

The post holder will be able to work independently in a busy environment, take initiative when necessary and prioritise effectively to meet deadlines. The successful candidate will display excellent interpersonal skills, including diplomacy and the ability to inspire the confidence of colleagues. The post holder will be comfortable with supporting stakeholders from across the University, as well as providing support to and receiving support from other members of the CCS team.

The post holder will have extensive communications experience in print, digital and social media. Mixing strategic and operational responsibilities, you will work closely with the department, build relationships with stakeholders throughout the University and provide effective support that helps fulfil departmental objectives.

For queries about the role, contact: [e-mail]. For an informal discussion about the post, please contact Kate O’Connor ([e-mail])

The closing date for applications is midday on 29 September 2026.

Interviews are expected to take place on 9 September.

Generative AI (GenAI), including tools like ChatGPT, Copilot, Claude, and Gemini, can produce human-like content and assist at various stages of your job application. These tools can be incredibly helpful when searching for and preparing for a new role, but it’s important to use them in the right way. While they can assist, they should complement, not replace, your personal effort in your application. Remember, we want to get to know you as a candidate!

Committed to equality and valuing diversity.