The UniversityAt 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 DepartmentThe Faculty of Social Sciences is one of Durham University's four Faculties and is home to a diverse community of staff and students across eight academic departments and Schools: Anthropology, Archaeology, Education, Geography, Government and International Affairs, Law, Sociology and Sport and Exercise Sciences. The faculty is also responsible for interdisciplinary programmes in Combined Social Sciences and Research Methods and is working towards developing a broader range of interdisciplinary programmes at postgraduate taught level. Our inclusive, creative, and innovative research environment provides our students with an inspiring learning experience and enables us to produce world leading research within and across Departments, Research Centres and Institutes. The diverse nature of the activities that take place across the faculty and the role of the Faculty Office in supporting the development and delivery of strategic objectives provides our staff with a stimulating and engaging work environment.
The Faculty of Social Sciences is looking to appoint an Operations Administrator that will be flexibly deployed across the 8 departments of the faculty to align with fluctuations in resource. In the medium term, this post will be deployed into the School of Education.
The Operations Administrator will provide proactive support in working with Departments across the faculty, in particular the Heads of Department, Department Managers and members of the Senior Management Team. Working within a team under the line management of the Department Managers, the role holder will be expected to undertake administrative tasks and support processes that underpin the delivery of the Departments Strategy, particularly with respect to teaching, research, marketing, social media and related operations, demonstrating a commitment to customer service excellence.
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.
Discover more about our total rewards and benefits package here.
Durham University is committed to equality diversity, inclusion and valuesOur 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 applyTo be considered for this role, here are the skills/experience we're looking for:
Essential Criteria
1. Excellent oral and written communication skills.
2. Good digital skills including experience in using core digital tools including internet, email, digital communication tools,
Microsoft 365 applications
3. Five GCSEs at least Grade C or level four (or equivalent) including English Language and Mathematics (or equivalent
experience or qualifications).
4. Evidence of relevant personal development to maintain skills.
5. Demonstrable ability to provide advice and guidance to a range of customers and colleagues.
6. Ability to manage a varied workload, work under pressure and meet tight deadlines without compromising on quality.
7. Ability to solve problems as part of a team and resolve straightforward issues.
Desirable Criteria- Experience of working with social media.
- Experience of creating and publishing basic web content.
How to applyTo 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 document demonstrating how you meet the essential and desirable criteria for the role, this is best done in table format.
Contact details If you would like to have a chat or ask any questions about the role, Emma Meriste would be happy to speak to you emma.meriste@durham.ac.uk
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- Contribute to equality, diversity and inclusion, and the University's values.
- Provide an excellent and timely service to our students, your colleagues and anyone else you come across as part of your role.
- Use your experience and problem-solving skills to resolve routine issues relevant to your role such as payment queries and provide information and updates to help your team find solutions.
- Collect, organise and record data and information accurately and provide reports as required.
- Promote positive wellbeing arrangements which benefit you and your team.
- When carrying out your role, use and apply relevant professional and regulatory standards e.g. data protection when managing data.
- Use standard office-based devices and applications such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint to deliver services.
- Update guidance on standard operating procedures followed by the team.
- Arrange meeting/event venues and travel arrangements for other team members.
Teamwork- Resolve queries and respond to requests for information and advice and bring any complex issues to the attention of more experienced team members.
- Help your colleagues to organise, plan and prepare for departmental level events / meetings and activities at the request of the Department Manager.
- Help your team ensure that products and services are adapted in response to feedback and to meet changing demands.
Communication/Liaison- Seek feedback from students, staff and anyone else that you come across as part of your role on their requirements from your service to ensure that their reasonable expectations are being met.
- Record information e.g. bookings for activities/events and respond to queries which you receive.
- Liaise with staff in other areas, professional organisations and agencies to ensure that services are being delivered in an efficient and collaborative way.
- Liaise with external suppliers, contractors, specialists and service providers to plan the delivery of services and events.
- Provide support for meetings, working groups and committees, such preparing and sending documents for meetings, drafting reports and taking minutes.
- Any other reasonable duties.
Useful links 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.
When appointing to this role the University must ensure that it meets any applicable immigration requirements, including salary thresholds which are applicable to some visas.
