Events Officer

THIS POST COULD BE CONSIDERED AS A SECONDMENT OPPORTUNITY About the role

We are seeking an organised and proactive Events Officer to support the delivery of our commercial events, fairs and seasonal activities, helping to generate income while maintaining the integrity and reputation of the Department.

You will support the planning and delivery of the Department's commercial events programme, with a particular focus on the Christmas Fair and other seasonal activities. Working closely with the Head of Operations and the current postholder during a handover period, you will assist with coordinating event logistics, liaising with suppliers, contractors, exhibitors and clients, and ensuring events are delivered successfully across both the Botanic Garden and Harcourt Arboretum.

You will prepare and maintain event documentation, including supplier agreements, schedules, function sheets and risk assessments, support the monitoring of budgets and invoicing processes, and work collaboratively with colleagues across front of house, catering, retail, security and operational teams. The role offers the opportunity to contribute to a varied programme of weddings, corporate hospitality receptions, fairs and other commercial events while developing experience in a unique visitor attraction environment.

This is a full-time, fixed-term position, working 36.5 hours per week until 31st August 2027 covering a period of maternity leave. Part-time applications (0.8 FTE) would be considered. Remote working may be possible for up to one day per week. This role requires the postholder to be flexible and willing to work occasional evenings, weekends and Bank Holidays during event delivery periods.

About You

You will have a minimum of A-level standard education, or an equivalent qualification or experience, together with demonstrable experience supporting or delivering public, seasonal or commercial events such as fairs or festivals. You will be highly organised, with excellent administrative skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines effectively.

You will have experience coordinating projects or events within agreed timescales and budgets, alongside strong communication and interpersonal skills that enable you to build positive working relationships with colleagues, suppliers and external stakeholders. You will be confident using Microsoft Office applications and able to work collaboratively as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.

What We Offer

As an employer, we genuinely care about our employees’ wellbeing and this is reflected in the range of benefits that we offer including:

• An excellent contributory pension scheme

• 38 days of annual leave

• A comprehensive range of childcare services

• Family leave schemes

• Cycle loan scheme

• Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans

More information is available at https://hr.admin.ox.ac.uk/staff-benefits Diversity

Our staff and students come from all over the world, and we proudly promote a friendly and inclusive culture. Diversity is positively encouraged, through diverse groups and champions, as well as a number of family-friendly policies, such as the right to apply for flexible working and support for staff returning from periods of extended absence, for example, shared parental leave.

We are committed to ensuring that our recruitment processes are inclusive and accessible. If you require the job description or any other materials in an alternative format, or if you would like to request any adjustments to support you through the application or interview process, please contact the recruitment team at ***email_hidden***.

How to apply

You will be required to upload your CV and a supporting evidence form using the attached template as part of your online application. Your supporting evidence form should list each of the essential and desirable selection criteria, as listed in the job description, and explain how you meet each one. Both documents must be submitted to be considered.

We aim to provide a supportive working environment and are happy to discuss training and professional development opportunities. The Chair of this recruitment panel will be Heidi El-Megrisi, Head of Operations, who can be contacted with enquiries relating to the role ( [email protected]). General queries about the recruitment and application process should be directed to the Recruitment team within our Human Resources department ( ***email_hidden***).

Please discuss secondments with your line manager in the first instance, as you must have their agreement that you can be released for a secondment before you submit an application https://hr.admin.ox.ac.uk/secondments

Only applications received online by 12.00 midday (BST) on Tuesday 30th June 2026 can be considered. Interviews are expected to take place on Thursday 30th July 2026.