The University

At Durham University, we are proud of our people, because they are at the heart of our globally outstanding institution, which is a key part of our local community. We inspire our people to do extraordinary things and we invite you to join our fantastic team.

Across the University, we have a huge variety of roles and responsibilities, which together make us one large and successful community. 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.

At the University we promote and actively champion equality, diversity and inclusion. It is crucial that everyone can be themselves and can flourish in an environment where everyone respects each other and is treated fairly. We want our people and wider community to feel happy, secure and proud to be a part of Durham. We are looking for the same values in you.

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. For more information on our EDI strategy and values, click here

The Role and Department

Josephine Butler College is seeking to appoint and welcome a new 1 year fixed term Student Enrichment Assistant (Grade 3, 0.4FTE) to our friendly, vibrant, and inclusive community.

Opened in 2006, we are named after the 19th-century social reformer, Josephine Butler, who had a profound influence on society's view of women's health and education. Her legacy of advocacy, commitment to social justice, and kindness serves as an inspiration to our students, staff, and broader College community. Josephine Butler College is led by Professor Gillian Hampden-Thompson.

In the academic year of 2026-27, the College will be celebrating its 20th anniversary. As such, the role will allow the successful candidate to be involved in supporting various events and activities relating to the anniversary celebrations.

This is an in-person role based at Josephine Butler College. For a suitably qualified candidate, the position could be alongside another fractional role, as we can offer flexibility in choosing which day of the week the hours are worked. The expected start date is 1st September 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter.The role may require occasional evening work.

Key responsibilities will include

• Support the delivery of Butler Engage and Butler Launch programmes, working with the Principal and Vice-Principal to coordinate student enrichment, leadership, careers, and employability activities during the 20th-anniversary year.

• Assist the College Administration Coordinator and College Interns with communications and digital content, including preparing announcements, maintaining online platforms, and supporting student-facing information.

• Contribute to the College's alumni engagement work, helping to prepare communications, maintain records, and support alumni-related initiatives.

• Provide administrative support for anniversary events and activities, including planning, logistics, and on-the-day assistance as required.

Further information about the role and the responsibilities is at the bottom of this job description.

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.

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 least Grade C or level four (or equivalent) including English Language and Mathematics or equivalent experience.

2. Experience of working in a team delivering customer-focused administrative services or possession of relevant qualifications for the role.

3. Experience of managing time effectively to meet deadlines.

Skills/Abilities/Knowledge

4. Good spoken and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate clearly with students and colleagues.

5. Good digital skills, including confident use of digital devices and Microsoft 365 applications.

6. Commitment to training and continuing professional development.

7. Ability to work collaboratively to solve problems and resolve straightforward issues.

8. Ability to provide clear advice and guidance to colleagues and students within the College.

Desirable Criteria

9. Experience of supporting student enrichment, engagement, or extra-curricular activities.

10. General administrative experience in an office or customer-facing environment

How to Apply

We prefer to receive applications online. When you apply you need to submit a CV and/or a statement that tells us your experience and gives examples of how you meet the criteria above and/or submit the application form and include the information within the form.

We will update you about your application at various points throughout the selection process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to make sure you have not missed any of our updates.

Who to contact for more information

If you would like to have a chat or ask any questions about the role or if you are struggling to complete the application process, Gillian Hampden-Thompson would be happy to speak to you. gillian.hampden-thompson@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 our students, alumni, your colleagues and anyone else you come across as part of your role.

• Log, record and pass on information for use by others.

• Follow established procedures when carrying out your role, varying when necessary or referring to more senior colleagues.

• Collect, organise and record data and information accurately for use by others.

• Use standard office-based devices and applications [such as MS Word, MS Excel, MS Forms, MS Copilot, MS Teams, MS Outlook and Canva to deliver services.

• Collate and distribute information [e.g. meeting papers] for use by others.

• Provide support for meetings, working groups and committees by preparing related documents.

Teamwork/Liaison

• Help to move, set-up and maintain any event spaces and equipment

• Help and cooperate with the rest of your team on operational matters to help achieve shared objectives.

• Liaise with staff in other areas (e.g., College operations, central wider student experience colleagues, alumni relations) to ensure that services are being delivered in an efficient and collaborative way.

Communication/Personal

• Contribute to equality, diversity and inclusion and the University's values.

• Follow established procedures to respond to queries and bring any complex issues to the attention of more experienced team members.

• Respond to queries by providing routine information and signposting to additional guidance.

• Any other reasonable duties.

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.

SECONDMENT

The post is part time and fixed term for a 1 year period and may be offered on an internal secondment basis subject to the agreement of the current line manager.

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.