Student Enrichment Assistant

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 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. 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 workforce including people with disabilities, women and black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.

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.

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.

Qualifications:

• Five GCSEs at least Grade C or level four (or equivalent) including English Language and Mathematics or equivalent experience.
• Experience of working in a team delivering customer‑focused administrative services or possession of relevant qualifications for the role.
• Experience of managing time effectively to meet deadlines.
• Good spoken and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate clearly with students and colleagues.
• Good digital skills, including confident use of digital devices and Microsoft 365 applications.
• Commitment to training and continuing professional development.
• Ability to work collaboratively to solve problems and resolve straightforward issues.
• Ability to provide clear advice and guidance to colleagues and students within the College.
• Experience of supporting student enrichment, engagement, or extra‑curricular activities.
• General administrative experience in an office or customer‑facing environment.

Typical Role Requirements:

• 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 to deliver services.
• Collate and distribute information for use by others.
• Provide support for meetings, working groups and committees by preparing related documents.
• 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 to ensure that services are being delivered in an efficient and collaborative way.

Any other reasonable duties.