At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead economic development initiatives and collaborate with diverse partners to drive regional growth.
- Company: Durham University, a globally recognised centre of educational excellence.
- Benefits: 42 days annual leave, generous pension, health support, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive community committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on local economies while working in a vibrant, inclusive environment.
- Qualifications: Degree level education and expertise in economic development or related fields.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
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.
The Economic Development Senior Manager is a managerial position within the University’s Commercialisation, Economic Development & Policy (CEDP) team, which sits within the Research and Innovation Services (RIS) Directorate. The post will report to the Head of Sector & Place Development and will work closely with professional services colleagues across CEDP and RIS, as well as senior colleagues in faculties, academic departments and wider University teams.
Durham University is a significant driver of economic growth for County Durham, the North East and the UK. In its last economic impact evaluation, Durham University generated £1.9 billion Gross Value Added (GVA) and 17,320 jobs in the UK, including £668 million GVA and 10,790 jobs in the North East. The current University Strategy sets out an ambition to deliver still greater impact and to play a key role as an anchor institution: translating emerging research and development, influencing policy, supporting priority sectors and enhancing our commercialisation and income generation opportunities.
The Economic Development team helps Durham University apply its research, knowledge exchange, skills and innovation strengths to economic opportunities. It provides targeted support for major projects, investment propositions, skills initiatives and external relationships that deliver economic, intellectual and financial value to the University and its partners.
The Economic Development Senior Manager will lead and support a portfolio of activity focused on economic development, business and industry engagement, investment propositions, strategic partnerships and fundable opportunities. Working with academic, professional services, civic, public sector, further education and industry partners, the postholder will help develop shared priorities, coordinate collaborative programmes and shape business cases and bids aligned to regional and national economic priorities.
The role will have responsibility for supporting sector skills activity where this is directly linked to economic development priorities, including identifying opportunities to align the University’s education, research and innovation strengths with business and industry needs in priority sectors. The postholder will also contribute to place-based programmes, regional innovation ecosystem development, investment pipeline activity and strategic proposals where Durham’s capabilities can support local and regional economic transformation.
The Economic Development Senior Manager will also support the development of staff, including at least one direct report. They will contribute to continuous improvement across Economic Development service delivery, processes, governance and reporting, ensuring the team provides a coordinated, professional and high-impact service to internal and external stakeholders.
The base location for this role is Boldon House, our exciting new professional services hub. Boldon House is situated on the outskirts of Durham near the Arnison Centre in Pity Me. Boldon House brings a number of professional services teams together in a vibrant office environment which supports collaborative working and is designed to embrace hybrid working.
A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University:
- You’ll receive 30 days annual leave per year in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year – a total of 42 days per year.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
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. Your application should cover the following criteria:
- Educated to degree level (or equivalent experience).
- Excellent spoken and written communication skills including the ability to develop effective working relationships, both internally and externally.
- Professional practitioner with specialist expertise in economic development, including business and industry engagement, high-growth sectors, place-based partnerships and/or regional innovation ecosystems.
- Experience of supporting skills, employment or talent-related activity where this is aligned to economic development priorities, sector growth or business and industry needs.
- Knowledge and understanding of high-growth sectors and regional innovation ecosystems and how universities can contribute to economic growth through research, innovation, skills and partnership activity.
- Experience of providing specialist advice and guidance to a range of internal and external stakeholders, including senior academic, professional services, civic, public sector and/or industry partners.
- Experience of building and maintaining productive internal and external networks, using these relationships to share intelligence, develop collaborative opportunities and positively influence organisational reputation.
- Experience of contributing to the development of strategic proposals, business cases, funding applications or partnership programmes involving multiple stakeholders.
- Project and programme management experience applied across a multi-disciplinary project team or diverse portfolio of activity.
- Ability to contribute to planning at operational and strategic levels, including the ability to identify priorities, assess opportunities and develop practical routes to delivery.
- Strong digital competence across a range of digital systems, devices and applications used to manage projects, data and stakeholder information, including Microsoft 365.
- Committed to continuing professional development and maintaining awareness of relevant policy, funding and economic development agendas.
Economic Development Senior Manager in North East employer: Durham University
Durham University is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant academic environment that fosters collaboration and innovation. As a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Anthropology, you will benefit from extensive professional development opportunities, a supportive work culture, and the chance to contribute to impactful research that shapes understanding of diverse cultures. Located in a historic city, the university provides a unique setting for both personal and professional growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Economic Development Senior Manager in North East
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We think you need these skills to ace Economic Development Senior Manager in North East
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Durham University and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Durham University
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Durham University, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Durham University.
