The University of Oxford is one of the world's most distinguished universities, with a history spanning more than nine centuries and a reputation for excellence that is unmatched in global higher education. Ranked number one in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings for a record ten consecutive years, Oxford is home to more than 26,000 students from over 170 countries, employs more than 18,000 people, and generates annual income of over £3 billion. Its unique collegiate structure, comprising 39 independent colleges, four permanent private halls, world-leading academic divisions, and internationally significant libraries, museums and gardens, creates an institution of extraordinary scale, complexity and influence. 

The University is now seeking to appoint a Registrar, one of the University's most senior leadership roles. Reporting directly to the Vice-Chancellor, the Registrar serves as principal adviser on governance, institutional strategy and organisational effectiveness, ensuring that the University's constitutional, regulatory and administrative frameworks support its academic mission and long-term ambitions. As Secretary to Council and Congregation, the Registrar will play a central role in the University's decision-making, providing strategic leadership across institutional risk, compliance and resilience, and helping to ensure that Oxford's most important decisions are informed by clarity, sound judgement and strategic perspective. Working closely with senior academic and professional leaders across the collegiate University, the Registrar will ensure that Oxford's structures, processes and professional services continue to enable excellence in teaching, research and innovation.

This appointment comes at a particularly important moment for Oxford. As the University implements its Strategic Plan 2025-2030, strengthens its decision-making and modernises its professional services, the Registrar will have the opportunity to help translate Oxford's ambitions into effective delivery, enhance collaboration across the institution and ensure that the University is equipped to sustain academic excellence in an increasingly complex regulatory, financial and technological environment.

We are seeking an exceptional strategic leader with experience operating at the highest levels of a large, complex and mission-driven organisation. Candidates will bring deep expertise in governance and regulatory matters, substantial experience advising boards or governing bodies, and a proven track record of leading organisational transformation and change. They will possess the judgement, intellectual capability and political awareness to operate effectively in Oxford’s distinctive, highly devolved and collegiate environment, where influence, persuasion and the ability to build consensus are as important as formal authority. Candidates will be adept at navigating complexity and differing perspectives, building trust and credibility across academic and professional communities, and bringing diverse stakeholders with them while respecting institutional and academic autonomy. Experience of driving organisational effectiveness and translating strategy into delivery through collaboration and shared purpose will be essential.

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to the University of Oxford on this appointment. For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit roles.saxbam.com using reference IPEAM. Alternatively, email belinda.beck@saxbam.com. Applications should be received by noon on Monday 5 October 2026.