The University At Durham University we are proud of our people. A globally outstanding centre of educational excellence, a collegiate community of extraordinary people, a unique and historic setting - Durham is a university like no other. Across the University we have a huge variety of roles and career opportunities, which together make us a large and successful community, which is a key hub of activity within our region and nationally. 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. We would be thrilled if you would consider joining our thriving University. Further information about the University can be foundhere. Find out more about the benefits of working at the University and what it is like to live and work in the Durham area on ourWhy Join Us? - Information Page. The Role and the Department The Admissions Administrator will contribute towards a professional, knowledgeable, effective and efficient admissions service delivering the University's strategic aims and targets and ensuring that University and external regulations and policies are adhered to. The post involves processing applications and making criteria-based decisions. It also involves providing information, advice and guidance by phone, in person or by email; and developing positive working relationships with other staff within the Student Recruitment and Admissions Office, across the wider University, and beyond. A commitment to maximising personal and team effectiveness and the principles of equality and diversity is essential. Working at Durham A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University: you will also receive access to the following fantastic benefits: • 27 Days annual leave per year in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year - a total of 39 days per year. 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. • Lots of support for health and wellbeing including discounted membership for our state of the art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme. • On site nursery is available plus access to holiday camps for children aged 5-16. • Family friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, which are among the most generous in the higher education sector (and likely above and beyond many employers). • There is 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. • The opportunity to take part in staff volunteering activities to make a difference in the local community • Discounts are available via our benefits portal including; money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products such as Apple, the cinema and days out at various attractions. • We offer generous pension schemes. Discover more about our total rewards and benefits package here. Durham University is committed to equality diversity, inclusion and values 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. As a University equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are a key part of the University's Strategy and a central part of everything we do. We also live by our values and our Staff Code of Conduct. At Durham we actively work towards providing an environment where our staff and students can study, work and live in a community which is supportive and inclusive. 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. If you have taken time out of your career, and you feel it relevant, let us know about it in your application. If you are a candidate with a disability, we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process. We will make adjustments to support the interview process wherever it is reasonable to do so and, where successful, reasonable adjustments will be made to support people within their role. What you need to demonstrate when you apply (Person Specification) To be considered for this role, here are the skills/experience we're looking for: Essential Criteria Qualifications/Experience 1. Five GCSE's at least Grade C or level four (or equivalent) including English Language and Mathematics or equivalent experience. 2. Experience of working in a busy office environment delivering front line administrative services. 3. Experience of work which involves a significant amount of data checks, requiring a high level of accuracy and attention to detail. 4. Experience of managing time to meet deadlines and working under pressure without compromising on quality. Skills/Abilities/Knowledge 5. Good spoken and written communication skills. 6. Good digital skills including experience in using the Internet, email, digital communication tools and Microsoft 365 applications, as well as the ability to learn new systems. 7. Committed to continuing professional development. 8. Ability to solve problems and resolve straightforward issues yourself and as part of a team. 9. Ability to provide advice and guidance to a range of colleagues and customers. 10. Ability to work independently and use own initiative in the completion of day-to-day tasks. 11. Ability to make criteria-based decisions. 12. Ability to think critically with sound judgement. Desirable Criteria 13. Knowledge and understanding of UCAS processes. 14. Knowledge and experience of Higher Education admissions processes. 15. Knowledge and experience of student/applicant records systems. How to apply To progress to the assessment stage, candidates must evidence each of the essential criteria required for the role in the person specification above. Where there are desirable criteria we would also urge you to provide any relevant evidence. Please don't forget to check if there is any weighted criteria (see above). While some criteria will be considered at the shortlisting stage, other criteria may be considered later in the assessment process, such as questions at interview. Submitting your application We prefer to receive applications online. We will update you about your application at various points during the process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to ensure you receive all emails What you are required to submit: • A CV • A covering letter and table which shows examples of how you meet all of the criteria within the Person Specification Contact details If you would like to have a chat or ask any questions about the role, our Admissions Managers (Laura Kelly or Charlotte Hogg) would be happy to speak to you. Contact us by email at these addresses: Laura Kelly: laura.l.kelly@durham.ac.uk Charlotte Hogg: charlotte.hogg@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 Show a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and the University's values. Provide an excellent and timely service to our applicants, academic departments and other colleagues within and beyond the office. Use standard office-based devices and applications [such as word, excel and power point] to deliver services. Update guidance on standard operating procedures followed by the team. Contribute to the planning of Admissions activities, work and deadlines to ensure the smooth running and timelines of service. Operate an Admissions service (including responding to enquiries and processing decisions), finding solutions or escalating queries where necessary. Compile, record, store and archive admissions data and information to ensure the accuracy and safety of information, and provide reports as required to team members and more experienced staff. Acquire, maintain and apply a good working knowledge of professional and regulatory policies and procedures, including: Durham University policies, UCAS regulations, Equality Act 2010, GDPR (data protection), Home Office regulations, UUK Admissions Code of Good Practice and Consumer Protection Law. Apply standard professional and recognised regulatory procedures to make admissions decisions and process, check and reconcile anomalies within admissions data and information sets. Teamwork Resolve queries and respond to requests for information and advice and bring any complex issues to the attention of more experienced team members. Help your team organise and provide administrative services that support key activities undertaken within your service and contribute to team planning activities. Help your team ensure that products and services are adapted in response to feedback and to meet changing demands. Communication/Liaison Liaise and collaborate with staff in other areas of the organisation to ensure a seamless, smooth and efficient service and to develop own knowledge of the University and the admissions process. Liaise with internal and external stakeholders to support the organisation, planning and delivery of admissions activity. Work with team members in the Admissions Team, the wider Recruitment and Admissions function and stakeholders across the institution to ensure the smooth running of administrative processes to support admissions. Provide expert information, advice and guidance to external customers and their advisors in writing and verbally (including by phone), including participation in recruitment events, such as open days. Any other reasonable duties. Occasional weekend and extended work will be required for activity such as open days and during the Confirmation and Clearing period in the summer. Leave is restricted at certain times of the year to support this work, particularly during the middle two weeks of August (before and during the release of A level results). Additional opportunities are available to support UCAS Fairs and other recruitment activity, which may include UK travel. Useful links If you would like further information about undergraduate admissions in general, you might like to visit the following sites: Applying to Durham University for Undergraduate study Durham University Admissions Policy Find out more about UCAS Please note that in submitting your application Durham University will be processing your data. We would ask you to consider the relevant University Privacy StatementPrivacy Notices - Durham University which provides information on the collation, storing and use of data. 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.