Examinations 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.

The Examinations and Assessment Team oversees the planning, scheduling and administration of centrally run exams and the publication of results. They sit within Student Registry, which provides a professional administrative support service to staff, students and potential students at Durham University. The Academic Registrar is the Head of the department and is responsible to the Chief Operating Officer for its management.

The Examinations Administrator is a member of the Examinations and Assessment Team and has a key role in organising exam arrangements for students who require assessment adjustments for reasons of disability. Other duties include processing examination papers for printing and production of exam results, assisting in the general organisation of examinations and providing advice to staff in academic departments. Working with other members of Student Registry, the Examinations Administrator provides a high-quality service for students, staff and external customers.

Working in a hybrid model with the opportunity to split time between home and the Student Registry office (Palatine Centre, South Road, Durham).

Benefits:

• 27 days annual leave plus 8 public holidays and 4 customary days (39 days total); university closes between Christmas and New Year.
• Parking, cycle-to-work scheme, and discounts with local bus and train companies.
• Exclusive discounts via benefits portal (supermarkets, retailers, IT products, dining out, attractions).
• On-site nursery rated Outstanding by Ofsted; holiday camps for children aged 5-16.
• Health and wellbeing support, including discounted gym memberships and 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme.
• Opportunities to participate in volunteering; family-friendly policies including generous maternity/adoption leave.
• Professional development opportunities (qualifications, IT skills, courses, apprenticeships).
• Generous pension schemes with varying contribution levels.

Durham University is committed to equality, diversity, inclusion and values. We aim to create an open and inclusive environment where everyone can reach their full potential and staff reflect the diversity of the global community. EDI is a key part of the University’s Strategy and Staff Code of Conduct. We actively work towards an environment where staff and students can study, work and live inclusively. We welcome applications from groups under-represented in our workforce, including people with disabilities, women and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities.

What you need to demonstrate when you apply:

To be considered for this role, please evidence the essential criteria required for the role in the person specification. If there are desirable criteria, provide evidence as well.

Qualifications/Experience:

• Five GCSEs at least Grade C or level 4 (or equivalent) including English Language and Mathematics or equivalent experience.
• Experience of working in a busy office environment delivering front line administrative services.
• Experience of managing time to meet deadlines and working under pressure without compromising on quality.

Skills/Abilities/Knowledge:

• Good spoken and written communication skills.
• Good digital skills including experience with Microsoft 365 applications.
• Committed to continuing professional development.
• Ability to solve problems and resolve straightforward issues yourself and as part of a team.
• Ability to provide advice and guidance to colleagues and customers.
• Previous experience of working in education, particularly higher education.
• Previous experience of working with a record management system.

How to apply:

To progress to the assessment stage, candidates must evidence each of the essential criteria required for the role. Where there are desirable criteria, provide relevant evidence. Please check if there is any weighted criteria.

Some criteria may be assessed later in the process, such as in interview. We prefer online applications and will provide updates via automated emails from our e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder to ensure you receive all emails.

What you are required to submit:

• A CV
• A covering letter, including a skills matrix with practical examples showing how you meet the criteria within the Person Specification

Contact details:

If you would like to chat or ask questions about the role, Peter Laskey (peter.laskey@durham.ac.uk) is available to speak with you.

Typical Role Requirements:

• Show commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and the University’s values.
• Ensure all individual exam arrangements are reflected accurately across exam-related IT systems.
• Provide excellent and timely service to students, colleagues and external customers.
• Use experience and problem-solving skills to resolve routine issues and provide information to help the team find solutions.
• Collect, organise and record data accurately and provide reports as required.
• Promote wellbeing arrangements that benefit the team.
• Apply data protection and other regulatory standards when managing data.
• Process, check and reconcile anomalies within examinations data using standard procedures.
• Use standard office devices and Microsoft 365, Banner student records system and departmental web apps.
• Update guidance on standard operating procedures followed by the team.

Teamwork:

• Resolve queries and provide information/advice; escalate complex issues to more experienced team members.
• Assist in organising administrative services and contribute to team planning.
• Adapt products and services in response to feedback and changing demands.
• Work with the Disability Service to approve and process examination concessions.
• Seek stakeholder feedback to ensure expectations are met.
• Record information and respond to queries; liaise with colleagues to ensure efficient service delivery.
• Undertake other reasonable duties.

Please note that submitting your application means Durham University will process your data in line with its Privacy Statement.