Business Development Lead

The Oxford Character Project (OCP), part of the Programme for Global Leadership at DPIR, is seeking a Business Partnerships Lead to lead the development and delivery of its business engagement strategy. The OCP explores how leadership can be a force for good in an increasingly interconnected and rapidly changing world, with a distinctive focus on the role of character, and is committed to education that forms ethical and effective leaders. Working closely with the Director of the Oxford Leadership and Character Programme (OLCP) and academic colleagues, you will build strategic partnerships that extend the reach and impact of the Project's executive education portfolio, including OLCP and a range of business consultancy activities. You will lead the full partnership lifecycle, from identifying new opportunities and preparing proposals, business cases and tender submissions, through to overseeing successful delivery. You will act as principal relationship manager for business partners, lead participant and organisational recruitment for executive education programmes, and work with academic colleagues to translate research into practical leadership solutions for organisations. The postholder will be responsible for delivering annual business development and income targets across the Programme's full portfolio, including generating programme income in the region of £900,000 in the first year, rising in subsequent years in line with agreed growth plans. You will also prepare financial forecasts, business plans and performance reports, maintain partnership pipelines in CRM systems, and represent the OCP externally at conferences, networking events and meetings with senior organisational leaders.

You will be educated to degree level, or have equivalent experience, in business development, executive education, communications, organisational development, management, fundraising or a related discipline. You will bring significant experience of developing and managing strategic partnerships with senior organisational stakeholders, and demonstrable success in business development, from identifying opportunities and developing proposals to securing new partnerships, with strong commercial awareness and a track record of delivering against income or revenue targets. You will have excellent relationship management and influencing skills, with the credibility to engage senior executives, academics and external partners, and experience of leading complex projects involving multiple stakeholders, budgets and competing priorities. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, strong analytical skills, confidence using CRM systems and digital tools, and the ability to manage multiple priorities to tight deadlines are essential. You should be willing to travel within the UK and internationally where required. Knowledge of or experience in character and leadership development, experience in executive education or research commercialisation, and an understanding of the University of Oxford and its collegiate environment would be an advantage. Full details of the selection criteria are set out in the job description.

The Department of Politics and International Relations (DPIR) is one of Oxford's largest and most internationally recognised departments, home to around 90 academic staff and a thriving community of researchers and visitors. Ranked the Number One University in the UK for Politics by The Guardian in 2024, the department delivers world-class teaching and research supported by experienced Professional Services teams working across Courses, Research, Finance, HR and Communications. We are committed to equality of opportunity and an inclusive working environment and are proud to hold an Athena Swan Bronze Award. DPIR is based in the Social Sciences Building on Manor Road, alongside Economics, Criminology, Socio-Legal Studies and the Social Science Library. What We Offer Working at the University of Oxford offers several exclusive benefits, such as:

• 38 days of annual leave (pro rata if part time and inclusive of public holidays) to support your wellbeing and additional leave after long service.
• One of the most generous family leave schemes in UK higher education, offering up to 26 weeks of full-pay maternity and adoption leave, plus 12 weeks of full-pay paternity/partner leave.
• A commitment to hybrid and flexible working to suit your lifestyle.
• An excellent contributory pension scheme.
• Affordable and sustainable commuting options, including a cycle loan scheme, discounted bus travel, and season ticket loans.
• Access to a vibrant community through our social, cultural, and sports clubs.