Durham University
Futures in STEM Programme Officer
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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. Further information about the University can be found here. Find out more about the benefits of working at the University and what it is like to live and work in the Durham area on our Why Join Us? - Information Page.
The Role and the Department
Futures in STEM is an online academic and pastoral support programme for Year 12 students from groups underrepresented in STEM who are considering studying Chemistry, Maths, Computer Science, Engineering or Physics at university. Students have the opportunity to take part in a variety of online subject specific tutorials, mentoring, guest lectures and activities designed to prepare them for university study and to help make sure they are ready to apply for, and succeed, in Higher Education.
The programme officer will be based in the Science Engagement Team, and will work with colleagues across the Faculty of Science as well as central teams across the university.
The Programme Officer is responsible for the day-to-day management and development of the Futures in STEM programme, including project delivery, staff and volunteer coordination, recruitment, communications, stakeholder engagement, budget monitoring, marketing, and administration. The role ensures the effective delivery of tutoring, mentoring and outreach activities while maintaining programme documentation, monitoring progress, and supporting continuous improvement and growth.
The work of the Futures in STEM programme is focused in the North East and targets local school and FE college participants. This role is key to the delivery of the University’s Widening Access and Participation activities, and Science Engagement Strategy (part of the Science Transformation Programme), and is aligned with our developing Regional Engagement strategies within the North East and Tees Valley Combined Authorities’ area.
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.
- We offer a generous pension scheme, and as a new member of staff you will be automatically enrolled into the University Superannuation Scheme (USS).
- No matter how you travel to work, we have you covered. We have ample 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 also take advantage of our cost-effective and environmentally friendly Tusker Car Benefit Scheme, allowing you to lease a brand-new electric or hybrid vehicle with savings on tax and National Insurance.
- We have a genuine commitment to developing our colleagues professionally and personally. There is a comprehensive range of development courses, apprenticeships and access to qualifications and routes to develop your career in the University. All staff have dedicated annual time to concentrate on their personal development opportunities.
- 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.
- Our on-site nursery is rated Outstanding by Ofsted, and you can access holiday camps for children aged 5-16.
- 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).
- We offer all staff the opportunity to take part in volunteering activities to make a difference in the local community.
- 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.
- Various salary sacrifice schemes are also available to help you take advantage of tax savings on benefits.
- If you are moving to Durham, you may be eligible for help with removal costs, and we have a dedicated team who can help you with the practicalities such as house hunting and schools. If you need a visa, we cover most visa costs and offer an interest free loan scheme to pay for dependant visas.
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Durham University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion
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 workforce 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/Person Specification
When you apply it is important that you let us know what skills/experience you have from a similar role and/or what skills/experience you have which would make you right for this role. Further information about the role and responsibilities is at the end of this job description. Where a criteria has an asterisk* next to it, it may be given additional weighting when your application is considered.
Your application should cover the following criteria:
Essential Criteria
Qualifications/Experience
- Five GCSEs at least Grade C or level four (or equivalent) including English Language and Mathematics or a Post-16 qualification or equivalent experience.
- Experience and expertise in the development and delivery of widening access and/or public engagement projects.
- Experience of providing advice and guidance to a range of customers and colleagues.
- Experience of implementing policies and procedures.
- Experience of supervising/managing a team and/or a line management qualification.
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Skills/Abilities/Knowledge
- Excellent spoken and written communication skills including the ability to develop effective working relationships, both internally and externally.
- Experience of working with school age students (i.e., under the age of 18) and knowledge of safeguarding requirements.
- Strong digital competence across a range of digital devices and apps including digital communication tools, Microsoft 365 applications, (particularly the use of MS Teams as a VLE) and business systems (particularly Taleo, Oracle Fusion and LabSafe)
- Committed to continuing professional development.
- Ability to plan and organise events and activities involving the service.
- Ability to solve problems as part of a team and decide on and plan appropriate solutions.
- Ability to participate in networks to share and discuss good practice and exchange information.
- Ability to contribute to operational planning activities.
Desirable Criteria
Experience conducting qualitative and quantitative project impact assessment and evaluation
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 covering letter or statement which shows examples of how you meet all of the criteria within the Person Specification
Interviews are expected to take place 17th September 2026.
Contact details
If you would like to have a chat or ask any questions about the role, Johanna Waite, Deputy Head of Science Engagement – Programmes and Operations or Lorraine Coghill Deputy Head of Science Engagement – Strategy and Partnerships would be happy to speak to you. Johanna.waite@durham.ac.uk or l.s.coghill@durham.ac.uk
Typical Role Requirements
Service Delivery
- Contribute to equality, diversity and inclusion, and the University’s values.
- Ensure that any procedures and expectations that apply throughout the University are reflected in all aspects of the service provided by the team and adapt ways of working where this is not evident.
- Manage, maintain and monitor designated Futures in STEM and National Levelling Up: Chemistry Hub systems to ensure safety, security and compliance.
- Provide the best possible service to staff, participants and others who you work with by reviewing and making suggestions to improve the service.
- Collect, organise and analyse data and information (such as customer feedback) accurately to provide reports.
- Ensure that public areas are safe and secure and respond to and report any incidents.
Planning
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