Please note that this post is fixed term until 31 July 2027.

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.

Discover more about our total rewards and benefits package here.

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

1. Five GCSE’s at least Grade C or level four (or equivalent) including English Language and Mathematics or a Post-16 qualification or equivalent experience.
2. Degree or equivalent qualification and direct experience of the UK school and HE system
3. Experience of working with young people and enthusing them about higher education.
4. Experience of working on complex logistical activities and events with young people, preferably in a higher education setting.
5. Experience of providing advice and guidance to a range of customers and colleagues.

Skills/Abilities/Knowledge

1. Excellent spoken and written communication skills including the ability to develop effective working relationships, both internally and externally and to deliver presentations to a range of audiences.
2. Strong digital competence across a range of digital devices and apps including use of Microsoft Office.
3. Committed to continuing professional development.
4. The ability to research and develop new in-person and virtual outreach activity in support of progression to further and higher education.
5. Ability to use initiative to solve problems and decide on and plan appropriate solutions.
6. Ability to participate in networks to share and discuss good practice and exchange information.
7. An understanding and interest in Widening Participation and of issues relating to progression, recruitment and admissions of students into further and higher education especially from under-represented groups.
8. Flexible and positive approach to tasks, activities, and situations with the ability to handle difficult conversations.

Desirable Criteria

1. Experience of implementing policies and procedures.
2. Experience of supervising/managing a team and/or a line management qualification
3. An understanding of educational issues as they affect young people particularly in the North East.
4. An understanding of data protection, child safeguarding and internet safety issues.
5. Experience of extracting, manipulating and analysing data and preparing summary reports.

Other specific role requirements

DBS Check

Ability to travel independently e.g. between remote locations and transport promotional materials and equipment such as display stands, is essential. Due to the remote location of some schools and colleges, a full UK Driving Licence is advantageous, as is having access to your own vehicle.

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