Head of National Policy Strategy and Engagement

University of Oxford; Oxford; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 82,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

38 days annual leave (inclusive of PH)

Hybrid and flexible working

Cycle loan scheme

Discounted bus travel

Season ticket loans

Job summary

The Head of National Policy Strategy and Engagement at the University of Oxford will lead the institution's approach to national policy engagement, advising senior leadership on Government priorities and translating them into strategic opportunities.

You will shape relationships with UK Government, Parliament and national policy bodies, building partnerships across divisions and embedding a sustainable policy engagement model. The role is based in Oxford with time in London and occasional travel.

Qualifications

• Postgraduate qualification or equivalent senior professional experience in public policy or related field.
• Experience advising senior leadership and engaging with government and Parliament.
• Ability to develop organisation-wide strategy in a large, complex institution.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of a national policy engagement strategy for the University.
• Advise senior leadership on Government priorities and policy developments.
• Shape and manage relationships with Government, Parliament and national policy organisations.

Education

Postgraduate qualification or equivalent senior professional experience in public policy, government, higher education, research, external engagement or a related field

Job description

Shape how one of the world’s leading research universities engages with UK Government and contributes evidence, expertise and convening power to national policymaking. As Head of National Policy Strategy and Engagement, you will establish the University’s long-term approach to national policy engagement, advising senior leadership and building influential relationships across Government, Parliament and the wider policy environment.

Location

University Offices, Wellington Square, Oxford, OX1 2JD

Salary

£65,336 - £82,255 per annum, plus a market supplement of £7,745 per annum

Contract

Full Time, Fixed Term Contract (3 years)

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 eleven 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 an organisation which delivers 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.

The External Engagement Office, within the Vice-Chancellor and Registrar’s Office, strengthens the University’s relationships with government, policymakers and external partners, helping connect its research and expertise with the issues shaping society. Its work supports the University’s strategic ambition to lead through partnership, bringing together academic and professional services colleagues to build trusted relationships, strengthen institutional influence and ensure the University can contribute effectively to public policy and national debate.

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 10 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 to suit your lifestyle.
• 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 Head of National Policy Strategy and Engagement will lead the development of an institution-wide approach to national policy engagement at a significant point in the University’s strategy. Reporting directly to the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (External Engagement, Sport and Community), you will advise the Vice-Chancellor, Pro-Vice-Chancellor and senior leadership on Government priorities and emerging policy developments, translating these into strategic opportunities and informed institutional responses.

You will shape the University’s relationships with UK Government, Parliament, arm’s-length bodies and other national policy organisations, while connecting policymakers with relevant research and academic expertise. Working across academic divisions and professional services, you will build trusted senior relationships, develop strategic partnerships and strengthen the mechanisms through which the University’s research can contribute to evidence-informed public policy.

This is a senior leadership role with the scope to build lasting institutional capability. You will guide the transition from the existing Oxford Policy Engagement Network to an embedded institutional model, lead and develop the Policy Engagement team, and establish the governance, priorities and measures needed for sustainable national policy engagement.

Success will strengthen the University’s ability to anticipate and respond to the national policy environment and position its research and expertise where they can contribute most effectively. The role is primarily based in Oxford, with considerable time spent in London and occasional travel elsewhere in the UK or overseas.

About You

• A postgraduate qualification or equivalent senior professional experience in public policy, government, higher education, research, external engagement or a related field.
• Significant experience of developing and leading organisation-wide strategy in a large, complex and devolved organisation, including establishing governance, strategic frameworks and institutional capability.
• Substantial experience of advising executive leaders and engaging with UK Government, Parliament and other senior policy stakeholders, with the credibility and influence to build trusted relationships.
• Demonstrable success in developing and delivering strategies that position research, expertise or evidence to influence public policy, strengthen institutional reputation and advance organisational objectives.
• Outstanding strategic judgement, political awareness and independent decision-making, including the ability to anticipate policy developments and assess their organisational implications.
• The ability to navigate ambiguity and lead through influence across complex, matrix organisations.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation and influencing skills, with a strong understanding of the UK policy environment and the contribution research-intensive universities can make to public policy and national debate.

Application Process

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on 23 October 2026.

Interviews are currently planned to take place on 11 November 2026, and will be held in person.