Community Engagement Manager

University of Oxford; Oxford; On-site; GBP 48,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global university is seeking a Community Engagement Manager to develop and implement community engagement strategies, fostering meaningful relationships with communities and ensuring their active participation in research initiatives. The ideal candidate has strong project management skills and a deep understanding of community engagement. A competitive salary and excellent benefits are offered, including flexible working options.

Benefits

38 days annual leave

Generous family leave scheme

Hybrid working options

Excellent pension scheme

Sustainable commuting options

Access to vibrant community clubs

Qualifications

• Deep understanding of community engagement and inclusive innovation.
• Strong project management skills.
• Exceptional communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead community engagement strategies with University’s research.
• Build long-term relationships with communities.
• Act as senior advisor to University leadership on engagement.

Skills

Community engagement

Project management

Influencing senior stakeholders

Communication

Co-creation

Job description

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Robert Hooke Building, Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PP

Are you passionate about building meaningful relationships between universities and communities? The University of Oxford is seeking a dynamic and experienced Community Engagement Manager to help shape and deliver inclusive innovation through our Innovation & Engagement work, especially the Oxfordshire Strategic Innovation Taskforce (OSIT).

This is a unique opportunity to join a world-leading institution and play a pivotal role in ensuring that communities are active partners in research and innovation.

Location: Robert Hooke Building, Parks Road, OX1 3PR

Salary: £48,235 - £57,255 per annum

Contract: Fixed Term Contract (2 years)

About the Role

As Community Engagement Manager, you will lead the development and implementation of a strategic approach to community engagement with the University’s research and innovation. You will support community engagement within OSIT, a major initiative driving regionally anchored, nationally significant growth. You will work closely with the Head of Public and Community Engagement with Research (PCER) and colleagues across the University to ensure that community voices are heard and embedded in research and innovation processes.

Your work will focus on building long-term, trust-based relationships with communities, ensuring that engagement is meaningful, co-created, and mutually beneficial. You will act as a senior advisor to University leadership, providing expert guidance on community engagement strategy and helping to shape institutional thinking and practice.

This is a highly collaborative role, requiring you to convene and connect researchers, public engagement professionals, and community stakeholders. You will also support participatory research projects, contribute to institutional learning, and represent the University in external networks and sector-wide initiatives.

About You

You are an experienced professional with a deep understanding of community engagement and a passion for inclusive innovation. You bring strong project management skills, the ability to work independently in complex environments, and a track record of influencing senior stakeholders.

Your communication skills are exceptional, and you can translate complex ideas into accessible language for diverse audiences. You are committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion, and you understand the broader policy and funding landscape that shapes community engagement.

You thrive in collaborative environments and are skilled at building relationships across disciplines and sectors. Your approach is grounded in listening, empathy, and co-creation. Ideally, you also bring experience in enterprise and innovation, particularly in involving communities in university-led initiatives.

Whether your background is in academia, the public sector, or civil society, you are ready to make a lasting impact at one of the world’s leading universities.

About Us

The University of Oxford is a globally renowned centre for teaching, research, and innovation. Working here means joining a vibrant, cosmopolitan community dedicated to addressing global challenges and advancing knowledge across diverse disciplines. Oxford's rich history and commitment to innovation make it an inspiring environment for personal and professional growth.

Research Services is part of the University Administration and Services (UAS) division and works in partnership with academic divisions, departments, and faculties. It has a broad remit to support the University’s researchers by providing expertise, strategic insight, research funding acquisition, contract negotiation, and innovation and engagement initiatives.

The post is based within the Innovation and Engagement Directorate which provides support for a wide range of activities across the University, including IP management and commercialisation, enterprise and entrepreneurship, public engagement with research, engagement and partnerships with the public, private, and third sectors, and the development of Oxford’s innovation ecosystem.

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.

Application Process

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