Job Overview and Advice for Applicants: International Education Perspective

The Deputy Registrar role within Oxford University’s Gardens, Libraries, and Museums (GLAM) division is a strategically vital, senior leadership position. GLAM includes six renowned cultural and academic institutions: the Ashmolean Museum, Bodleian Libraries, History of Science Museum, Museum of Natural History, Oxford Botanic Garden and Arboretum, and Pitt Rivers Museum. These institutions are central to Oxford’s academic and cultural ecosystem, providing learning resources and preserving invaluable collections for global audiences.

As Deputy Registrar, you will be pivotal in supporting the Head of GLAM and the Registrar to plan and deliver key strategic initiatives that shape the future direction of GLAM, ensuring operational excellence and sustainability in professional services across its institutions. This role involves cross-institutional collaboration with diverse stakeholders within GLAM, the University’s central administration, other divisional offices, and external consultants. Responsibilities include managing operational planning and professional services at the divisional level, contributing to estates strategies, spearheading strategic projects and business change initiatives, and representing GLAM in various forums at the University.

This position is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-moving, dynamic environment, enjoys engaging with a broad portfolio of responsibilities, and relishes the opportunity to lead strategic planning and transformative change initiatives. The successful applicant will develop crucial links between GLAM and the wider University structure, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities.

Advice for Application from an International Education Perspective:

International applicants, as well as those from diverse academic or museum-related backgrounds, are highly encouraged to apply for this prestigious post. Here are several important considerations to enhance your application:

1. Highlight Relevant Transferable Skills: If you come from an international background in higher education, museum management, libraries, or cultural institutions, emphasize your global perspective on strategic planning, professional services management, and change leadership. Show how your expertise aligns with GLAM’s mission and value as a globally recognized network of academic resources and cultural heritage.

1. Demonstrate Your Cultural Competence: As GLAM institutions attract global visitors, scholars, and stakeholders, the ability to navigate diverse cultural contexts is essential. Highlight prior experiences working in multicultural environments or with international teams, as this will give your application a competitive edge.

1. Tailor Your Supporting Statement Thoughtfully: Carefully read the selection criteria. In your supporting statement, list the essential and desirable criteria provided in the job description and clearly explain how your achievements and experiences meet each one. Use specific, tangible examples where possible, especially those that highlight management experience or strategic planning project successes.

1. Address Academic and Operational Synergies: GLAM bridges research, education, and cultural preservation. Present yourself as someone who can integrate academic priorities with operational efficiency while fostering collaboration across varied institutional profiles. Your connection to international education systems, museum governance, or cultural resource management may be critical here.

1. Showcase Leadership in Project and Change Management: The role calls for someone who can lead business change and strategic initiatives at scale. Provide examples of large-scale project leadership, change management, or cross-functional collaboration, particularly if they involved international teams or partnerships.

1. Understand GLAM Institutions and Oxford’s Cultural Legacy: Take time to research GLAM’s institutions thoroughly and familiarize yourself with their unique missions and strategic ambitions. In your application, communicate an understanding of the importance of cultural heritage within the framework of one of the world’s leading universities. International applicants can also connect this to broader global trends in education and cultural preservation.

1. Consider the University’s Extra-Academic Environment: If relevant, highlight experiences liaising with central administrative departments or navigating governance procedures within complex organizations, particularly those with international or multidisciplinary settings. GLAM’s central link to university-wide strategies will be integral to your role.

1. Be Clear on Practicalities: Oxford University seeks candidates who are not only qualified but also committed to the responsibilities outlined. Address logistical details such as your availability, ability to work full-time or part-time (0.8 FTE), and relocation considerations, if applicable.

Application Process
Applications for this fixed-term role (two years) must be submitted online, with a CV and a supporting statement that addresses each item listed in the essential and desirable selection criteria. Note that CVs will not replace the supporting statement, and both documents are mandatory for processing the application.

Ensure your application is submitted by 12.00 midday (BST) on Tuesday, 3 June 2025. Interviews are expected to take place mid-June in person. Preparing for the interview with a clear understanding of GLAM’s values, systems, and institutions will be essential for advancing in the selection process.

This role is not only an exciting opportunity for professional growth but also a chance to contribute to a globally respected educational and cultural institution, making a significant impact on the local and international academic community