Academic Director 

Gradel Institute of Charity, New College, University of Oxford

Competitive Salary 

The Gradel Institute of Charity is a ground-breaking academic entity, hosted by New College at the University of Oxford.  It will augment the scholarly focus on the work of charities globally, thereby having a real-time influence upon their role in society.  This is an opportunity for a high calibre individual to join the Gradel Institute of Charity as its inaugural Academic Director. The appointee will drive and support the research and knowledge exchange outputs of the Institute as it evolves and develops.  Applicants will be drawn from a range of disciplines including law, economics, politics, philosophy and history and will have a remarkable personal track record of research and impact.  

New College is one of the most vibrant and academically strong of the Oxford Colleges.  The Institute will be based within the “Gradel Quadrangles” which is an architecturally striking, new development at the heart of the City of Oxford.  The post’s initial focus will support the Executive Director in the creation of a three-year plan, which will include a research programme consistent with the scholarly reputation of the college, thereby providing insights that are actionable and raise the status of charity as a part of the national economy and a contributor to social change globally.  Central to this will be the appointment of three Junior Research Fellows to support delivery of said research programme.  In time, there will also be a teaching element to the Institute’s work and it is envisaged that the Academic Director will make an appropriate contribution. The post will report to the Governing Body of New College via a Gradel Institute of Charity Committee comprised of fellows and externals which is chaired by the Warden. 

Candidates will have an outstanding reputation in scholarship related to the topic of charity.  They will also have academic leadership experience and a track record of initiating programmes of research and knowledge exchange that deliver real-world outcomes.  Building relationships across the University of Oxford and with other academic partners will be key, alongside making a genuine contribution to life at New College.  This is a unique opportunity to join one of the world’s most esteemed academic institutions and one that will have a sincere effect upon the ongoing role and success of charities nationally and globally.  

New College is committed to increasing diversity across all parts of the institution and to welcoming under-represented groups.  It aims to provide an inclusive environment which promotes equality and maintains a working, learning and social context in which the rights and dignity of all its members are respected to assist them in reaching their full potential.  The College is an equal opportunities employer and adheres to the University’s Equal Opportunities Policy and Code of Practice, a copy of which is available on request. 

How to Apply 
Applications should consist of a CV accompanied by a covering letter addressing the criteria in the person specification. 
For an informal discussion, please contact Liz James on
E: elizabeth.james@berwickpartners.co.uk  
T: 0121 654 5924

Closing date for receipt of applications: 23:45pm on Monday 2 January 2023