This is the opportunity to play a vital role in the life of a vibrant, forward-thinking College, at the heart of one of the world’s leading academic institutions; the Bursar will deliver outstanding leadership to a broad range of functions and be an active part of a truly special community.  

Keble College, celebrating its 150th anniversary this year, is one of the thirty-nine self-governing and independent colleges in the University of Oxford. It was the first Oxford College of the modern era, founded in 1870 in memory of John Keble, a key member of the so-called “Oxford” movement. It is now one of the larger colleges in the University and has two sites, the original one in Parks Road and, officially opened in 2019, a new graduate centre, The H B Allen Centre, close by in Banbury Road. Keble has recently completed the final phase of an ambitious, twenty-year investment programme to refurbish its distinctive nineteenth century buildings and to create a new graduate centre. It is proud of the range and quality of its facilities.

Reporting to the Warden and the Governing Body, the Bursar line-manages the non-academic functions of the College, in particular the Domestic Bursar, the Librarian, the Estates and Gardens and Grounds Managers, and the IT and HR Managers. This is a role of unusual breadth but with a critical core role in advising on, and implementing, Keble’s financial policies (including budgeting and cost control). The Bursar will oversee the College’s notably successful conferencing business and ensure that College finances are successfully utilised to deliver the academic and wider objectives of Keble. Moreover, the Bursar plays a role in representing the College externally, particularly to relevant inter-collegiate bodies. As a member of the Fellowship, they will also be a member of the community and expected to play a full part in College life.

The Bursar will be highly self-motivated, intellectually confident and able to relate in a consensual way to all members of the College community. They will be capable of inspiring, motivating and managing the College’s staff and engaging effectively with both the Fellowship and students, demonstrating to all a real affinity for the academic and charitable objectives of the College. They will be highly financially literate and, though not a pre-requisite, it is likely that the appointed candidate will have a relevant professional qualification. As importantly, they will be confident leading operational tasks and have proven experience of effective strategic and financial management in an organisation of significant complexity.  

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to Keble College on this appointment. For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit www.saxbam.com/appointments using reference FAPEH. Alternatively telephone +44 (0)20 7227 0880 (during office hours). Applications should be received by noon Thursday 16 April 2020.