Somerville College was founded in 1879 to include the excluded: created for women when universities refused them entry, and for people of diverse beliefs when conformity was essential. Today, Somerville remains a College for all, defined by its ethos of cultural diversity, accessibility and academic excellence. With a thriving community of Fellows, researchers, students and staff, sound finances and a growing endowment, the College continues to invest in its academic mission, student support and an ambitious future, including its forthcoming 150th anniversary campaign.

The College now seeks to appoint a Finance & Estates Bursar (referred to in the college Statute as the ‘Treasurer’), a senior Fellow and Trustee reporting to the Principal and Governing Body. This pivotal leadership role carries responsibility for financial strategy and management, investment oversight, estates and capital projects, human resources and operational departments across the college. The postholder will advise on major expenditure, governance and risk, oversee robust financial systems, convene key committees, and lead the college’s ambitions in sustainability and the delivery of its net-zero roadmap. Working closely with college officers, staff, students and external partners, the Bursar will help ensure Somerville’s resources and infrastructure continue to support an outstanding academic community.

The successful candidate will bring significant senior-level financial and operational leadership experience, with the ability to communicate complex issues clearly to non-specialists and build collaborative relationships at all levels. They will be an inclusive and effective leader, equally comfortable shaping long-term strategy and overseeing operational detail, with strong project management capability and a consensual approach to resolving issues. Above all, they will demonstrate sympathy with Somerville’s academic mission, pastoral responsibilities and commitment to diversity, and will be willing to engage fully in college life as a charity trustee and senior member of the community.

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to Somerville College on this appointment. For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit roles.saxbam.com using reference IPEAK. Alternatively email Belinda.beck@saxbam.com. Applications should be received by noon on Friday 27^th March 2026.