CEO

The Oxford Trust; England; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A charitable trust in the Oxford region is seeking a senior leader to provide visionary leadership and drive innovation in STEM education and research. The successful candidate will have a track record of senior leadership, strong communication skills, and the ability to foster partnerships across various sectors. This role offers an opportunity to actively influence the growth of science and technology while ensuring financial sustainability for the Trust's initiatives. Applications are encouraged from individuals passionate about innovation and education.

Qualifications

• Track record of senior leadership including strategic planning, financial management, and governance.
• Passionate about innovation and STEM education.
• Strong communicator and partnership builder, commercially astute.

Responsibilities

• Provide visionary leadership and strategic direction.
• Foster partnerships across academia, education, and industry.
• Drive innovation and growth ensuring financial sustainability.

Skills

Senior leadership experience

Strategic planning

Financial management

Strong communication

Partnership building

Commercial acumen

Job description

Overview

The Oxford Trust is an independent charitable trust established in 1985. Its mission is to encourage the pursuit of science, placing science and enterprise at the heart of culture in the Oxford region. The Trust aims to facilitate growth in science and tech companies and enable everyone – irrespective of age or background – to develop their scientific and technological understanding. The Trust believes that science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) holds the solutions to some of the world’s greatest challenges. Its strategy is to create an environment, through its two sector-leading innovation centres, where STEM-based entrepreneurs can develop ground-breaking products and services and where young people, supported by teachers and families, can experience stimulating STEM learning that develops their understanding, skills, and aspirations. It does this through two key initiatives: innovation infrastructure and support delivered through its city-based Oxford Centre for Innovation, its Headington-based Wood Centre for Innovation and via its renowned Science Oxford branded education and public engagement programmes.

Responsibilities

• Provide visionary leadership and strategic direction to ensure the Trust continues to achieve its mission and long-term goals.
• Balance operational excellence with advocacy for science and innovation, fostering partnerships across academia, education, industry, and the community.
• Drive innovation and growth across all of the Trust’s work, ensuring financial sustainability through budgeting, fundraising and income generation.
• Act as ambassador for the Trust across Oxfordshire’s innovation ecosystem and beyond.

Qualifications

• Track record of senior leadership including strategic planning, financial management and governance.
• Strong communicator, partnership builder and commercially astute.
• Passionate about innovation and the role of STEM education and skills within society, fully embracing The Oxford Trust’s mission and values.

How to apply

• Applications should consist of a CV accompanied by a covering letter addressing the criteria outlined in the person specification.
• The preferred method of application is online at www.berwickpartners.co.uk/94819
• If you are unable to apply online, please email your application to [e-mail]
• For an informal and confidential discussion, please contact Elizabeth James, Partner [e-mail]
• Closing date for applications: 5pm GMT, Monday 19 January 2026