Research Centre Manager

Would you like to be a part of world-leading research which will improve the lives of children and young people supported by children's social care services?

The Rees Centre, based at the University of Oxford's Department of Education, is expanding with three exciting opportunities which will help the Centre step up its programme of academic research. The Centre produces research and evidence that enables practitioners, policy makers, and the research community to understand and improve children's social care and education.

Following the launch of our new five-year strategy, we are seeking a Research Centre Manager, who will be an experienced project and people manager with exceptional organisational and relationship management skills. This person will drive effective and timely delivery of projects, bids and associated events and communications activity to promote the Centre's work.

Our new strategy sets out our vision for a future where children and young people supported by Children's Social Care (CSC) have more stable and robust relationships, better educational outcomes, and better lives. You would join a team of committed research and professional services staff drawn from various academic disciplines who have policy and practice experience in education and children's social care. The Centre offers its staff a supportive and collaborative environment in which to produce high-quality research that has real world impact on professional practice, and on the lives of children and their caregivers.

If you feel you could contribute to our vision, please apply on the links below.

The Department of Education at the University of Oxford is looking to recruit a Centre Manager of the Rees Centre, one of four research centres in the Department. As a member of the Centre's senior leadership team, you will play a critical role in driving effective and timely delivery of projects, bids and centre events and communications activity in support of our strategy. You will ensure effective and consistent administration across the Centre in all matters concerning project management, HR, finance, research governance, data management, IT, communications and project management. This will require close joint working as part of the core Department administrative team, ensuring integrated and consistent approaches across activities.

You will be educated to degree level (or equivalent), with experience of project management in a research environment, monitoring and evaluating budgets, evaluation and writing reports. You will need excellent IT skills, communication skills, the ability to demonstrate initiative, and have the creative thinking, interpersonal and negotiation skills needed to resolve problems any issues when they arise. This role requires a person with highly effective organisational skills, line management experience and a track record in managing many complex projects with multiple partners and stakeholders.

This post is full time and permanent.

We welcome applications from care-experienced people.

Applications for this vacancy are to be made online and you will be required to upload a supporting statement and CV as part of your application. Your supporting statement must explain how you meet each of the selection criteria for the post.

Only applications received before 12.00 midday on Monday 13th January 2025 will be considered.

Interviews are expected to be soon after the closing date, at the Department of Education, Oxford.