University of Oxford
Head of the Social Sciences Division 

The University of Oxford is one of the leading universities in the world. It is internationally renowned for learning and teaching, and has the largest volume of world-leading research in the UK. The University has a distinctive collegiate structure which allows such an internationally celebrated institution to maintain an intimate, interdisciplinary academic community.

The University is seeking to appoint a new Head of the Social Sciences Division. This is an exciting opportunity to build on strong foundations and shape the vision for developing the social sciences at one of the world’s leading universities. The social sciences at Oxford are particularly notable for their depth and breadth. Their teaching programmes range from those at the interface of the natural sciences through to professionally oriented provision in areas such as business, public policy, law, and education. The 2014 UK Research Excellence Framework exercise confirmed Oxford’s pre-eminence in social science research with a global reach. Across its departments, the Social Sciences Division includes some 1,200 academic and research staff, 525 support staff and almost 6,200 students of whom around 4,200 are at postgraduate level. The annual turnover is £200m, including £48m of external research income.

Reporting to the Vice-Chancellor, the Head of Division will provide exceptional and visionary leadership and management across the full range of Social Science Division’s activities, including strategy and planning; internal and external advocacy; research, innovation, and impact; education and training; finance fundraising and academic personnel.  

This is a full-time senior management position within the University, with responsibility for leading and representing the social sciences academically and administratively working closely with Heads of Department. You will nevertheless be encouraged to continue your own programme of research and scholarly activities, and will have scope to maintain your academic interests. Your appointment will be made by a selection committee comprising the Vice-Chancellor and six other members, and a college affiliation will be made available to you. The successful appointee is expected to be in post from 1st October 2021, or as soon as possible thereafter.

To express an interest in the post, please upload your application to Perrett Laver’s website: https://candidates.perrettlaver.com/vacancies quoting reference number 4999. 

The closing date for applications is 12:00 midday GMT on Monday 22nd March 2021.