Oxford Skyline
Oxford Skyline
Credit: Greg Smolonski. This image comes from Oxford University Images

About PAD

The Public Affairs Directorate (PAD) is responsible for developing public understanding of the aims of the collegiate University and the diverse range of its research, teaching, education and innovation activities. The Directorate manages the University brand, organises its high profile events and promotes effective communication across the collegiate University.

PAD’s objectives:

Education: Explain and demonstrate the unique student offer and the experience Oxford provides for our undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Research: Promote Oxford’s work that enhances the lives of millions, solving real-world problems.

People: Promote Oxford as a great place to work, supporting the University’s efforts to attract, recruit and support talented individuals and provide a diverse, inclusive, fair and open environment that allows staff to grow and flourish.

Engagement and partnership: Promote and support Oxford’s efforts to enhance public engagement, knowledge exchange and innovation culture, thereby ensuring that our research and education benefit wider society.

Ensuring Oxford’s future: Promote Oxford’s innovative funding and philanthropy; growth and renewal plans (ie facilities and housing) and ‘One Oxford’.

PAD comprises six teams:

University Communications

Deliver news and information about the University and its achievements to the public and media globally. Highlight key new University initiatives, including progress on student access.

The team’s Government and Community Relations Officer liaises with central and local government and with community groups around Oxford, engaging with them on the University’s key ambitions and higher education issues.

Quad, the online and print alumni magazine, keeps former students in touch with the latest news and views about the University and the city.

Research and Innovation Communications

We strive to work closely with colleagues in academic divisions and departments, as well as in related units such as Research Services, Oxford University Innovation and GLAM.

We aim to tell the stories that show the positive impact Oxford research and innovation is having on people’s lives and the advancement of knowledge around the world.

As far as possible, we link our work to the University’s organisational priorities and strategy to help deliver specific outcomes for researchers and the university.

Campaigns & Digital Communications

Lead on corporate campaigns and promote the work and activities of the collegiate University through a range of digital communications. These include the University’s main public-facing website, video and animation, and social media channels.

Internal Communications

Deliver strategic communications to staff, fostering staff engagement, as well as celebrating and promoting the significant contribution of the University to teaching, research and innovation. The team also disseminates information about major change initiatives to keep staff safe and informed.

Manage University-wide channels, including all-staff emails, the Staff Gateway webpages, University Bulletin and the Gazette. The team also facilitates and supports the University’s Communications Community.

Brand & Design

Management of the University brand including advice on internal use of the brand, brand guidelines, digital files and templates, and external brand licensing. Design and production of core publications including the Annual Review, the Financial Statement, Oxford in Brief, the Annual Admissions Report, and graduation brochures. Creation of digital assets and printed items for PAD campaigns. Production of photography and management of the shared University image bank.

Events

Conception and delivery of high profile in-person, online and hybrid events. Annually, these include: ceremonies, lectures, internal staff events, visits by Heads of State and building openings. Our events showcase the University’s teaching, research and innovation and many are on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor. We also offer online guidance for organising and promoting events and provide advice on all aspects of event delivery. Please visit our Event Management pages for further information (SSO required for some pages).

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