Research Administrator

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? - Durham University

The Role and the Department

This is an exciting time to join the Faculty of Arts & Humanities Research Team as we launch and develop the new 'Transformative Humanities' framework for the Faculty. Research lies at the centre of Arts and Humanities at Durham, from our research-led teaching to our individual and collaborative research. Our research environment is lively, cross-disciplinary and articulated through a rich array of activities, from seminars and conferences to performances and public events.

The successful applicant will be a key member of a high performing team, which supports the administration of the research environment across the Faculty. The post holder will work closely with the Senior Research Administrators and the Deputy Executive Dean for Research. They will also work with colleagues in our seven departments and other University teams including Research Innovation Service, Marketing and Communications, and Finance and Procurement. The team works in a hybrid manner and have an office on the World Heritage Site Durham.

Responsibilities will include: day to day diary management for the Deputy Executive Dean (Research); acting as first point of contact for the team inbox; monitoring and supporting work undertaken by the Faculty Filmmaker in Residence; assisting with research processes including research leave and internal funding competitions; website and SharePoint page maintenance; organising and supporting Faculty, departmental and research centre events; organising and minuting Faculty committee meetings; contributing to process improvement projects.

While the focus of this position is to carry out administrative responsibilities, this varied role offers opportunities to develop skills and attributes such as using initiative, taking responsibility for one's own work, problem-solving, collaborating with team members and academic staff and engaging with creative projects. Such skills are important for career development.

Working at Durham

A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University: you will also receive access to the following fantastic benefits:

• 27 Days annual leave per year in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year - a total of 39 days per year. 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.
• Lots of support for health and wellbeing including discounted membership for our state of the art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme.
• On site nursery is available plus access to holiday camps for children aged 5-16.
• Family friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, which are among the most generous in the higher education sector (and likely above and beyond many employers).
• There is 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.
• The opportunity to take part in staff volunteering activities to make a difference in the local community
• Discounts are available via our benefits portal including; money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products such as Apple, the cinema and days out at various attractions.
• We offer generous pension schemes.

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. It's important to us that all of our colleagues are aligned to both our values and commitment to EDI.

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 GCSE's at least Grade C or level four (or equivalent) including English Language and Mathematics or equivalent experience.
2. Experience of working in a busy office environment delivering front line administrative services or having relevant qualifications for the role of an administrator.
3. Experience of managing time to meet deadlines and working under pressure to carry out administrative tasks without compromising on quality.

Skills/Abilities/Knowledge
4. Good spoken and written communication skills in relation to administrative tasks.
5. Good digital skills including experience in using digital devices and apps including the internet, email, digital communication tools, Microsoft 365 applications, and experience of using these as part of an administrative role.
6. Committed to continuing professional development.
7. Ability to solve administrative and operational problems problems and resolve straightforward issues yourself and as part of a team.
8. Ability to provide advice and guidance to a range of colleagues and customers and to work collaboratively with colleagues at a more senior level.

Desirable Criteria

9. Previous experience of diary management and/or personal assistant skills.

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 which shows 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, Mrs Zoe Gardiner would be happy to speak to you zoe.gardiner@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

• Provide an excellent and timely service to your colleagues and anyone else you come across as part of your role.
• Work with research and communications staff to support digital and other marketing and communications activity, including website updating.
• 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 power point SharePoint and web editing software to deliver services.
• Arrange meeting/event venues and travel arrangements for visitors to the University and provide support for projects, e.g., filming schedules.
• Identify where service improvements can be made and work with team members to implement these.
• Show a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and the University's values.

Teamwork

• Resolve queries and respond to requests for information and advice. Bring any complex issues to the attention of more experienced team members.
• Provide administrative services that support key activities undertaken within your service and contribute to team planning activities.
• Engage with Professional Service staff, academics, and creative external stakeholders to take forward projects.

Communication/Liaison

• Record information, e.g., for processes such as research leave and research funding, bookings for activities/events, and respond to queries which you receive.
• Liaise with internal and external service providers to plan the delivery of services and events, ensuring that services are being delivered in an efficient and collaborative way.
• Provide support for meetings, working groups and committees, such as preparing and sending documents for meetings, drafting reports, taking minutes and following up actions.
• Any other reasonable duties.

Useful links
If you would like further information you may find the following will help Faculty of Arts and Humanities - Durham University

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.

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