Administrator in North East

We welcome applications from candidates with disabilities, neurodiversity and long‑term health conditions, and we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process. We will make adjustments to support the recruitment and interview process wherever it is reasonable to do so and, where successful, adjustments will be made to support people within their role. If you are unable to complete your application via our recruitment system or would like to discuss any reasonable adjustments to support you in the application process, please get in touch with us on e.recruitment@durham.ac.uk.

Durham University Business School is a multidisciplinary school known for academic excellence, internationally‑rated research and superb student support services. The role of Administrator supports the day‑to‑day operation of the department and works closely with students, visitors, academics and staff.

• Contribute to equality, diversity and inclusion, and the University’s values.
• Provide an excellent and timely service to our students, visitors, academic colleagues and team colleagues.
• Use problem‑solving skills to resolve routine issues, including travel logistics and room availability, and keep the team updated on internal processes.
• Collect, organize and record data accurately and prepare reports as required.
• Promote positive wellbeing arrangements for yourself and your team.
• Apply relevant professional and regulatory standards such as data protection when managing data.
• Use standard office‑based devices and applications such as Email, Internet, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote.
• Update guidance on standard operating procedures followed by the team.
• Arrange departmental meetings, events and travel for academic colleagues and visitors.
• Be prepared to work outside normal office hours on occasion, with notice, to support departmental events.

• Resolve queries and respond to requests for information and advice, escalating complex issues.
• Assist the team in organising and providing administrative services that support key activities such as recruitment of academic staff and students, including casual workers.
• Ensure that products and services are adapted in response to feedback to meet changing demands.
• Seek feedback from students, staff and others to ensure that their reasonable expectations are met.
• Record and monitor information such as calendar bookings, departmental information, budget records, equipment tracking, travel registers, student files and teaching evaluations.
• Manage departmental inboxes and handle face‑to‑face enquiries.
• Maintain updates to departmental web pages and SharePoint sites.
• Liaise with staff in other areas, professional organisations and agencies to ensure efficient service delivery.
• Liaise with external suppliers, contractors, specialists and service providers to plan delivery of services and events.
• Provide support for meetings, working groups and committees by preparing documents, drafting reports and taking minutes.
• Perform other reasonable duties as assigned.

• Five GCSEs (or equivalent) – including English Language and Mathematics – at least Grade C or Level 4.
• Experience working in a busy front‑line administrative environment or equivalent qualifications.
• Ability to manage time to meet deadlines and work under pressure without compromising quality.
• Good spoken and written communication skills.
• Good digital skills, including experience with Microsoft 365 and digital booking systems.
• Commitment to continuing professional development.
• Problem‑solving skills and ability to work individually and as part of a team.
• Ability to provide advice and guidance to a range of colleagues and customers.
• Accuracy in updating and maintaining information on relevant platforms (e.g. SharePoint).
• Experience working within a Higher Education environment.
• Experience supporting formal committees, including preparing documentation and taking minutes.

• 27 days annual leave plus 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year (total 39 days).
• Parking across campus and a cycle‑to‑work scheme with discounts on local bus and train companies.
• Exclusive discounts through the benefits portal for supermarkets, retailers, IT products, eating out and attractions.
• Outstanding on‑site nursery and holiday camps for children aged 5‑16.
• Health and wellbeing support including discounted gym membership and a 24‑7 Employee Assistance Programme.
• Opportunities to volunteer in the local community.
• Generous maternity, adoption and family‑friendly policies.
• Support for career development through courses, apprenticeships and IT training.
• Pension scheme with varying contribution amounts.

To progress to the assessment stage, candidates must evidence each of the essential criteria in the person specification above. Where desirable criteria exist, please provide evidence. Candidates will be considered for shortlisting and, where appropriate, interview. Required submission: A CV. Optional – a covering letter showing how you meet the criteria.

Contact Senior Departmental Officer, Stacey Lackenby – stacey.lackenby@durham.ac.uk. We welcome applications from candidates with disabilities, neurodiversity and long‑term health conditions. Adjustments will be provided for the recruitment and interview process, and for the role where appropriate. Please note that by submitting your application you consent to the processing of your data under the University Privacy Statement.