The University
At Durham University we are proud of our people. A globally outstanding centre of educational excellence, a collegiate community of extraordinary people, a unique and historic setting – Durham is a university like no other.
Across the University we have a huge variety of roles and career opportunities, which together make us a large and successful community, which is a key hub of activity within our region and nationally. Whether you are at the very start, middle or end of your career, there is a role for you. We believe everyone has their own unique skills to offer.
We would be thrilled if you would consider joining our thriving University.
The Role and the Department
The Durham Centre for Academic Development (DCAD) supports educational excellence and student success across Durham University through a wide range of programmes and initiatives, including those focused on widening participation, transition, staff development and educational enhancement, that enhance learning, teaching and the student experience.
This varied administrative role provides essential support across all areas of DCAD, contributing to the effective delivery of our activities and services. The post-holder will coordinate and support a broad range of functions, including event planning and organisation, diary management and committee servicing, registration and enrolment processes, HR and recruitment administration, finance and payroll activities, health and safety compliance, facilities management, and the maintenance and updating of SharePoint sites and webpages.
Working closely with colleagues across the University, this is an excellent opportunity to join a friendly, supportive and collaborative team where no two days are the same. DCAD offers a hybrid approach to working, providing flexibility alongside the benefits of being part of an engaged and welcoming team committed to making a positive difference to the experience and success of our staff and students.
Working at Durham
A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University:
- You’ll receive 27 days annual leave per year in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year - a total of 39 days. The University closes between Christmas and New Year.
- No matter how you travel to work, we have you covered. We have parking across campus, a cycle to work scheme which helps you to buy a bike and discount with local bus and train companies.
- You can access exclusive discounts via our benefits portal including money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products such as Apple, eating out and days out at various attractions.
- Our on-site nursery is rated Outstanding by Ofsted, and you can access holiday camps for children aged 5-16.
- We provide wide-ranging health and wellbeing support including discounted membership for our state-of-the-art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme.
- We offer all staff the opportunity to take part in volunteering activities to make a difference to the local community.
- Our family friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, are among the most generous in the higher education sector (and likely above and beyond many employers).
- If you are keen on advancing in your role or career, we have a genuine passion for developing our colleagues from qualifications to IT skills, courses and apprenticeships.
- We offer generous pension schemes with varying contribution amounts to help you plan for your future.
How to apply
To progress to the assessment stage, candidates must evidence each of the essential criteria required for the role in the person specification above. Where there are desirable criteria we would also urge you to provide any relevant evidence. Please don’t forget to check if there is any weighted criteria (see above).
While some criteria will be considered at the shortlisting stage, other criteria may be considered later in the assessment process, such as questions at interview.
Submitting your application
We prefer to receive applications online. We will update you about your application at various points during the process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to ensure you receive all emails
What you are required to submit:
- A CV
- A table showing examples of how you meet all of the criteria within the Person Specification
Contact details
If you would like to have a chat or ask any questions about the role, Zoe Harrison would be happy to speak to you. Please contact via Teams or email [email protected]
Typical Role Requirements
Here are the kind of activities that you’ll be asked to undertake and ways in which you’ll be expected to operate.
Service Delivery
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Contribute to the delivery of DCAD’s work by actively supporting the University’s commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and upholding its values in all aspects of the role.
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Provide a high-quality, timely and professional administrative service to colleagues, students and other stakeholders across a range of DCAD activities and programmes.
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Use initiative and problem-solving skills to resolve routine queries and issues (e.g. registration, booking or payment-related queries), escalating more complex matters appropriately and supporting the flow of information within the team.
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Collect, organise and maintain accurate data and records across a range of systems, and produce reports or summaries as required to support operational and reporting needs.
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Promote and contribute to a positive working culture that supports staff wellbeing and effective teamwork.
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Ensure all activities are carried out in line with relevant policies, procedures and professional standards, including data protection and information governance requirements.
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Use a range of standard office systems and digital tools (including Microsoft 365 applications such as Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, SharePoint and various finance related systems such as Oracle Fusion, Key Travel etc) to support the delivery of administrative services.
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Support the maintenance and updating of guidance documents and standard operating procedures to ensure consistency and efficiency within the team.
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Organise logistical arrangements for meetings, events and activities, including booking venues, scheduling diaries and arranging travel where required.
Teamwork
Respond to queries and requests for information and advice in a timely and professional manner, escalating more complex issues to senior colleagues where appropriate.
Contribute to the planning and delivery of DCAD’s administrative support services, helping to ensure smooth delivery of key activities across programmes and projects.
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Support continuous improvement by contributing to the refinement of processes and adapting services in response to feedback and changing priorities.
Communication/Liaison
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Engage with colleagues, students and stakeholders to understand needs and gather feedback to help ensure services remain responsive and effective.
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Maintain accurate records of activities such as bookings, registrations and event attendance, and respond efficiently to queries received through shared inboxes or systems.
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Work collaboratively with colleagues across the University and external partners (e.g. suppliers, contractors and service providers) to support the delivery of events, programmes and services.
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Provide administrative support for meetings, working groups and committees, including scheduling, preparing and circulating papers, drafting reports and taking minutes as required.
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Undertake any other reasonable duties appropriate to the grade and nature of the role.
Useful links
If you would like further information you may find the following will help
Durham Centre for Academic Development (DCAD)
Please note that in submitting your application Durham University will be processing your data. We would ask you to consider the relevant University Privacy Statement Privacy Notices - Durham University which provides information on the collation, storing and use of data.
Durham University is committed to equality diversity, inclusion and values
Our collective aim is to create an open and inclusive environment where everyone can reach their full potential and we believe our staff should reflect the diversity of the global community in which we work.
As a University equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are a key part of the University’s Strategy and a central part of everything we do. We also live by our values and our Staff Code of Conduct. At Durham we actively work towards providing an environment where our staff and students can study, work and live in a community which is supportive and inclusive.
We welcome and encourage applications from members of groups who are under-represented in our work force including people with disabilities, women and black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. If you have taken time out of your career, and you feel it relevant, let us know about it in your application. If you are a candidate with a disability, we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process. We will make adjustments to support the interview process wherever it is reasonable to do so and, where successful, reasonable adjustments will be made to support people within their role.
What you need to demonstrate when you apply
To be considered for this role, here are the skills/experience we’re looking for:
Qualifications/Experience
1. Five GCSEs at Grade C/Level 4 or above (or equivalent), including English Language and Mathematics, or equivalent relevant administrative experience.
2. Experience of working in a busy office or administrative environment providing a wide range of front-line support services, or possession of relevant qualifications and transferable experience applicable to the role.
3. Experience of effectively managing a varied and competing workload, working to deadlines and under pressure while maintaining accuracy, attention to detail, and a high standard of service delivery.
Skills/Abilities/Knowledge
4. Good written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interact confidently and professionally with colleagues and stakeholders at all levels.
5. Strong digital skills, including experience of using Microsoft 365 applications (such as Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams and SharePoint), online communication tools, digital booking/registration systems, and general web-based platforms.
6. Commitment to continuing professional development and willingness to learn new systems, processes and ways of working.
7. Ability to identify and resolve straightforward issues independently, using initiative, and to work effectively as part of a team to support shared objectives.
8. Ability to provide clear, accurate and helpful advice and guidance to a range of colleagues, students and external contacts, ensuring a high-quality customer service approach.
