Oxfordshire Community Research Network Manager

Job Introduction

About Us

The Oxfordshire Community Research Network (OCRN) is a bold new collaboration between communities, voluntary sectors, researchers, and public sector partners, hosted by Oxfordshire County Council (OCC). It is on a mission to transform how research is done—placing lived experience at the heart of inquiry and action.

Launched in 2023, OCRN brings together voluntary organisations, universities, NHS bodies, and local authorities to tackle health inequalities through inclusive, community-led research. OCRN's work is guided by four principles: nothing about us without us, commit to action, value lived experience and time, and be open, transparent and accountable.

As the current host of this role, OCC offers a dynamic and forward-thinking environment committed to research, innovation, inclusion, and impact. The Council is nationally recognised for its leadership in many areas including climate action, public health, and community engagement—making it an ideal support for a network that’s reshaping research culture. Joining OCRN means being part of a movement that’s building trust, driving change, and ensuring research leads to real impact.

About the Role

You’ll coordinate the network’s activities, working with community groups, non governmental organizations, academics, and public sector partners to:

• Support community-led research and research prioritisation
• Facilitate training and capacity building
• Lead communications and collaborative funding bids

Based in Oxford, you will report to OCC Head of Research and community steering group and be encouraged to form strategic relationships with local organisations across the County in order to develop joint work interests and expand the network.

About You

To be successful in the role, you will:

bring experience in community engagement, research coordination, and partnership working, ideally across the voluntary, academic, and public sectors.

You’ll have:

• A higher degree or equivalent experience in community research or engagement
• A strong understanding of participatory research methods, especially Community Participatory Action Research (CPAR)
• Proven experience in managing networks, facilitating meetings, and coordinating projects
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to build trusted relationships with diverse stakeholders
• Experience in fundraising, grant writing, and supporting research development
• A commitment to equity, transparency, and amplifying lived experience in research

You’ll be comfortable working independently and collaboratively, with the flexibility to adapt to evolving priorities. Most importantly, you’ll be motivated by the opportunity to help shape participatory community research culture in Oxfordshire.

Rewards and benefits

It really is true that every single job role here contributes to bettering the lives of the people in our county - we want to do this for our employees too. We are proud of our strong flexible working culture, including the opportunity for flexibility on working hours and the use of technology to support agile working. We offer some of the very best learning and development opportunities to support your ongoing development.

We have a generous holiday allowance which rises as you remain in employment with us up to 32 days, as well as giving you the option to buy additional holiday. You will also have access to a Local Government Pension Scheme with employer contributions of up to 19.9% of your salary; a range of local and national retail discounts; and a host of enhanced family friendly policies including carers leave and paid time off for volunteering.

Our commitment to:
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

At Oxfordshire County Council we are proud of our diverse workforce. Everyone is accepted for who they are, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or on maternity or family leave. We have a number of staff network groups which provide peer support, education and safe spaces for all.

Our commitment to:
Guaranteed Interview Schemes

As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job. We also guarantee interviews to care leavers who have completed further education and who meet the essential criteria for the job. For those leaving care without any further education, we guarantee an interview for our apprenticeships. We are also committed to helping and supporting those transitioning from HM Armed Forces to civilian life and guarantee an interview for those demonstrating the essential criteria for the role, within three years of leaving the service.

Our commitment to:
Safeguarding

Oxfordshire County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect these commitments.

Our commitment to:
Flexible Working

We are open to discussions about flexible working, which can include flexi-time, full time and part time working, job sharing, nine-day fortnights and annualised hours, depending on the requirements of the role and the service.

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If you encounter any issues with the application system, please contact: researchteam@oxfordshire.gov.uk