CCS Communications Officer

challenges, from reducing our carbon emissions to developing vaccines during a pandemic.  The Social Sciences Division is one of four academic Divisions in the University. The Division represents one of the largest groupings of social scientists in the world, with over 1,000 researchers and 5,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students exploring major challenges facing humanity, such as climate change, migration, global governance, justice, poverty and international development. In 2025 the University of Oxford ranked second in both the Times Higher Education World University Rankings for Social Sciences and QS World University Rankings for Social Sciences & Management.  The Connected Communication Service (CCS) is a shared service communications team - providing communications capability to multiple parts of the Division through a single team and shared resources, rather than each department maintaining that capability independently - and is the only team of its kind at the University of Oxford. Essentially, we act as an internal communications agency for the departments in the Social Sciences Division who have signed up to our services.  About the Role  The CCS is looking for a well-rounded communications professional to lead on a new partnership with the Department of Sociology to deliver one year's maternity cover to the department. This role will be based in the divisional office and departmental offices as necessary – as well as having the opportunity to work remotely. Working hours will be on a part-time basis within the core working hours of 8am and 6pm, Monday to Friday, with attendance in person at team meetings on Wednesday morning essential. This post is 0.5FTE and fixed term until 31 September 2027 or the return of the substantive postholder, in the first instance. About You The post holder will be able to work independently in a busy environment, take initiative when necessary and prioritise effectively to meet deadlines. The successful candidate will display excellent interpersonal skills, including diplomacy and the ability to inspire the confidence of colleagues. The post holder will be comfortable with supporting stakeholders from across the University, as well as providing support to and receiving support from other members of the CCS team. The post holder will have extensive communications experience in print, digital and social media. Mixing strategic and operational responsibilities, you will work closely with the department, build relationships with stakeholders throughout the University and provide effective support that helps fulfil departmental objectives. Application Process As part of your online application you will be required to upload a supporting statement demonstrating with evidence how you meet each of the selection criteria. You will be required to upload a CV and the details of two referees as part of your online application. For queries about the role, contact: recruitment@socsci.ox.ac.uk. For an informal discussion about the post, please contact Kate O’Connor (kate.oconnor@sosci.ox.ac.uk) The closing date for applications is midday on 29 September 2026. Interviews are expected to take place on 9 September. Committed to equality and valuing diversity.