Head of EnSpire

The University of Oxford is a stimulating work environment, which enjoys an
international reputation as a world-class centre of excellence. Our research
plays a key role in tackling many global challenges, from reducing our carbon
emissions to developing vaccines during a pandemic.





The Innovation and Engagement Directorate within Research Services at Oxford
University plays a pivotal role in driving the University’s innovation
strategy. The Directorate works closely with academic and professional service
units to support knowledge exchange, foster entrepreneurship, and promote
collaboration with industry and other external partners. By connecting
cutting-edge research with real-world applications, the Directorate
facilitates the creation of impactful innovations that benefit society, while
also supporting the development of spin-out companies and advancing Oxford’s
reputation as a global leader in entrepreneurship and enterprise.



One sentence summary of job



As the Head of EnSpire, the University-wide Entrepreneurship Hub, you will
lead efforts to foster and coordinate entrepreneurship support across Oxford
University, while also developing and expanding the IDEA (Increasing Diversity
in Enterprising Activities) initiative.





**What We Offer**



As an employer, we genuinely care about our employees’ wellbeing and this is
reflected in the range of benefits that we offer including:





• An excellent contributory pension scheme



• 38 days annual leave



• A comprehensive range of childcare services



• Family leave schemes



• Cycle loan scheme



• Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans



• Membership to a variety of social and sports clubs





This role also offers the opportunity for hybrid working





**About the Role**



This role offers an exciting opportunity to shape the entrepreneurial
landscape at Oxford University. As the Head of EnSpire, you will lead the
University-wide Entrepreneurship Hub and oversee its development and
activities, including the high-profile IDEA initiative, which aims to promote
a diverse and inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem.



Your responsibilities will include driving the implementation of the
University’s Entrepreneurship Review and Strategy, managing programming and
stakeholder relationships, and ensuring effective collaboration across
academic divisions, professional services, and external partners such as the
Saïd Business School and Oxford University Innovation. You will also oversee
the development of community-building events, advocacy efforts, and external
networks that support entrepreneurship at the University.



In this position, you will lead a core team and collaborate with delivery
partners to ensure the Hub continues to provide high-impact, high-value
services that contribute to Oxford’s entrepreneurial success.





**About You**



You will be an experienced entrepreneurial leader with demonstrated success in
managing and delivering enterprise and entrepreneurship support. Your
experience working in or alongside higher education institutions will give you
the insight needed to navigate the complexity of a large university while
fostering collaboration between internal and external stakeholders.



You will be a strategic thinker with strong leadership and project management
skills, able to define and execute a vision for EnSpire. Experience in
promoting diversity and inclusion is essential, particularly as it relates to
fostering entrepreneurship in underrepresented groups through initiatives like
IDEA. Excellent communication, relationship management, and fundraising skills
are also key, as you will be responsible for maintaining relationships with
key stakeholders, including senior academics, business leaders, and external
funders.





**Application Process**



You will be required to upload a covering letter/supporting statement, CV and
the details of two referees as part of your online application.





The closing date for applications is 12 noon on 4th of November





Interviews will take place on 25 and/or 29th of November and will be face to
face.