Senior Event Manager

University of Oxford; Oxford; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious educational institution in Oxford is seeking a Senior Events Manager to oversee the planning and execution of high-profile events. The ideal candidate will provide strategic leadership and manage a range of events, ensuring exceptional experiences that communicate the institution's priorities to a wide audience. This role offers a supportive environment with comprehensive benefits, including generous leave entitlements and flexible working arrangements.

Benefits

38 days of annual leave

Generous family leave scheme

Hybrid and flexible working

Contributory pension scheme

Sustainable commuting options

Access to cultural and sports clubs

Qualifications

• Proven experience in managing online, hybrid, and in-person events.
• Strong communication skills to work with diverse audiences.
• Ability to provide strategic input and operational leadership.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic input and manage events that align with University priorities.
• Collaborate with various departments to ensure event success.
• Act as the expert authority on event practices.

Skills

Event management

Strategic planning

Project management

Team leadership

Collaboration

Job description

Overview

The University of Oxford's Strategic Plan (2025-2030) places strong emphasis on deepening engagement with staff, students, alumni, policymakers, and partners worldwide. Events play a critical role in advancing these objectives: they are not simply ceremonial occasions but vehicles for showcasing research, convening global debate, fostering internal cohesion, and strengthening philanthropic and external partnerships. This post has therefore been created to provide the capacity and expertise required to deliver the Vice-Chancellor's growing programme of high-profile, strategically significant events. These range from staff engagement forums to international policy roundtables and major openings, each of which contributes directly to Oxford's mission to educate, research, and engage for the benefit of society. The Senior Events Manager will be part of a specialist team of event managers with responsibility for the strategic input, planning, and project management of a range of major events running concurrently which are critical to the University's reputation and operations. The postholder will provide strategic advice and operational leadership to ensure events both deliver exceptional experiences and communicate the University's priorities effectively to audiences ranging from staff and students to world leaders, policymakers, and benefactors. As part of the Events Office within the Public Affairs Directorate, the role requires close collaboration with colleagues in internal communications, news, media, and Development & Alumni Relations. Senior Events Managers also serve as the expert authority on events across the University, offering guidance and training to colleagues and ensuring Oxford remains at the forefront of both in-person and digital event practice.

The postholder should have the skills and confidence to manage and deliver events that are online, hybrid and in-person, working both as a team and independently.

Public Affairs, University Offices, Wellington Square, OX1 2JD

Are you looking for a role in events? Join our dynamic Public Affairs team at the University of Oxford., Spanning the historic streets of the "city of dreaming spires," the University of Oxford has been ranked the world's leading university for nine 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 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. Apply now to become part of our extraordinary legacy.

Responsibilities

The Senior Events Manager will provide strategic input, planning, and project management for a range of major events running concurrently, ensuring they deliver exceptional experiences and communicate the University’s priorities to diverse audiences. The role requires collaboration with the Events Office within Public Affairs and with colleagues across internal communications, news, media, and Development & Alumni Relations. The postholder will act as the expert authority on events across the University, offering guidance and training to colleagues and helping Oxford stay at the forefront of both in-person and digital event practice. The role includes managing events that are online, hybrid, and in-person, working both as part of a team and independently.

Benefits

• 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.
• 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.