CEO, The Oxford Trust

Guardian Jobs; Packmoor; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading charitable trust in the science sector is seeking a dynamic Chief Executive to provide visionary leadership and strategic direction. The CEO will drive innovation and growth while ensuring financial sustainability. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in senior leadership roles, particularly in strategic planning and financial management, and be passionate about STEM education and innovation. This position offers an opportunity to shape the future of science and technology in the Oxford region.

Qualifications

• Proven track record of senior leadership roles.
• Experience in strategic planning, financial management, and governance.
• Passionate about innovation and STEM education.

Responsibilities

• Provide visionary leadership and strategic direction for the Trust.
• Drive innovation and growth, ensuring financial sustainability.
• Act as an ambassador for the Trust across the innovation ecosystem.

Skills

Strategic planning

Financial management

Governance

Partnership building

Communication

Commercial awareness

Job description

The Oxford Trust is an independent charitable trust that was 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 continue creating 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.

The Oxford Trust is now seeking to appoint a new Chief Executive who will provide visionary leadership and strategic direction to ensure it continues to achieve its mission and long‑term goals.

This role requires a dynamic leader who can balance operational excellence with advocacy for science and innovation, fostering partnerships across academia, education, industry, and the community.

Reporting to the Board, the new CEO will drive innovation and growth across all of the Trust’s work, ensuring financial sustainability through effective budgeting, fundraising and income generation. They will also be an ambassador for the Trust right across Oxfordshire’s innovation ecosystem and beyond.

Candidates will have a track record of senior leadership including strategic planning, financial management and governance. They will be a strong communicator, a partnership builder and commercially astute. They should be 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:

23.59pm GMT, Sunday 1st February 2026