Executive Officer

The Role

We are seeking a Governance Officer to join the Vice-Chancellor’s Office Secretariat. This is a high-profile role supporting the University’s Board of Governors and senior committees, including the Vice-Chancellor and Senior Leadership Team (SLT). You will ensure governance processes run smoothly and effectively, manage the Board Portal for secure paper circulation, and contribute to strategic events such as Away Days. Working closely with the Head of Secretariat, you will enable informed decision-making at the highest level and help shape governance best practice across the University.

• Provide professional governance and administrative support to the Head of Secretariat and senior committees.
• Service the Board of Governors, SLT, and other key committees, including agenda preparation, document management, and accurate minute-taking.
• Act as a trusted source of advice on governance procedures, regulatory compliance, and best practice.
• Manage the University’s Board Portal software for secure electronic circulation of papers.
• Maintain governance records, registers, and reporting systems to ensure transparency and accountability.
• Support induction and development for governors and committee members, contributing to governance effectiveness reviews.
• Assist with organising strategic events such as Governor induction and Away Days.
• Deliver training and guidance to committee secretaries to professionalise governance practices across the University.
• Drive improvements in governance processes and contribute to policy development projects.

• A degree or equivalent experience, ideally with a qualification in governance, law, or business.
• Significant experience in servicing boards and senior-level committees, with proven ability to produce accurate, timely minutes.
• Strong understanding of regulatory frameworks and statutory compliance.
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities under pressure.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with confidence in advising senior stakeholders.
• High levels of integrity, discretion, and attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and governance systems.

• Hybrid Working:
  Enjoy flexibility with a mix of remote and on-campus work.
• Professional Development:
  Access training and mentoring to advance your governance career.
• Inclusive Culture:
  Be part of a welcoming, diverse community that values collaboration and innovation.
• Impactful Work:
  Contribute to the University’s strategic direction and governance excellence.

For an informal discussion about this opportunity, please contact Maria Crawford, Head of Secretariat, at

Interviews are scheduled to take place on Monday, 2nd March 2026.

Based at our Headington campus, you’ll experience the vibrant campus atmosphere and benefit from our modern office environment. The campus is one mile from the centre of Oxford and is served by regular public transport. This role will be hybrid and we expect there will be a 50/50 split between home and office working.

As a result of the immigration changes that came into effect from 22 July 2025 this role will not attract sufficient points to obtain a sponsored skilled worker visa under the points based immigration system.

As an Oxford Brookes employee, you will enjoy a total of a minimum of 25 days holiday, rising with your service, plus 8 bank holidays and additional university concessionary days (normally 5 per year).

We have an extremely competitive Local Government Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions, as well as providing all staff with access to an occupational health service, financial education, and a comprehensive employee assistance helpline.

We prioritise the wellbeing of our employees - physically, mentally and financially - and we provide a diverse and comprehensive benefits package to support our team.

In addition, all employees have access to:

• Discounted rates for the university sports and gym facilities .
• An on-site nursery (at Headington Campus; waiting lists for some ages).
• Discounted travel options.
• TOTUM card discount scheme.
• Relocation scheme (for moves over…