Student Funding Manager

University of Oxford; Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

38 days annual leave

Hybrid & flexible working

Contributory pension

Cycle loan

Bus travel discount

Social clubs

Job summary

University of Oxford is seeking a Student Funding Manager (Academic Futures) to drive the operational delivery of graduate scholarships. You will lead scholarship selection, coordinate with funding partners, and improve administrative processes within budget parameters.

Ideal candidates will demonstrate outstanding organisational and interpersonal skills, strong numeracy, and the ability to communicate complex information clearly while working across academic and support teams in a hybrid

Qualifications

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects with stakeholders.
• Strong numeracy and financial awareness for budgeting and reporting.

Responsibilities

• Oversee operational management of Academic Futures Scholarships.
• Lead the selection processes across complex eligibility routes.
• Shape communications with funding partners and streamline processes.
• Liaise with colleges, departments, and external partners within budget.

Skills

Organisational skills

Interpersonal skills

Financial literacy

Analytical thinking

Communication

Job description

Oxford has over 13,000 graduate students, representing more than 50% of the full-time student population. The provision of scholarships for postgraduate students is an area of crucial importance for the University. The Student Fees and Funding (SFF) office assists in this by managing scholarship programmes and supporting other funding providers (such as colleges, academic departments, and external partners). SFF currently manages over 200 University scholarship programmes for 1,600 students, worth over £60m per year. This is an important role where you will help achieve the ambition of ensuring that academically outstanding students can take up their places to study at Oxford regardless of their financial means or background., The post of Student Funding Manager (Academic Futures) is an exciting opportunity to work on the forefront of the development and delivery of access to graduate education. The post-holder will hold primary responsibility for the operational management of the Academic Futures Scholarships, a programme that seeks to address under-representation and help improve equality, diversity and inclusion in our graduate student body. They will manage the selection processes for a complex intersectional scheme, with multiple eligibility routes and an expanding scholar intake. You will also take a lead role in shaping how we communicate with and work effectively alongside our funding partners, proactively looking to improve and streamline both communications and administrative processes. You will oversee smooth processes for funding partnership allocation, working within agreed budget parameters, and liaising with academic and administrative colleagues across the collegiate university. This is an exciting time to be involved in an area of key strategic importance for the University, and there will be opportunity for the post-holder to shape strategies and new activities, in addition to developing and supporting existing work.

This is an excellent opportunity for candidates who have a genuine interest in, and commitment to, access and widening participation work, who can demonstrate excellent organisational skills and engage and connect with stakeholders from a variety of backgrounds and work in a culturally complex context. An exceptional written and oral communicator with experience of managing complex projects with competing demands, you will have an organised, proactive, and meticulous approach, alongside strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work proactively and creatively with people at all levels. You will also have strong financial literacy and/or numeracy with the ability to present complex information in an accessible format, as well as an analytical and problem-solving approach with a drive for continuous improvement. We welcome applications from those with experience in different areas including those who have not worked directly in student fees and funding with transferrable skills, for example, those working in outreach/access, project management, or operational management.

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.

• 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.