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 found here. 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 We are looking for an energetic and experienced Digital Content and Communications Officer (Maternity Cover) for the Discovery Research Platform for Medical Humanities (DRP-MH) at Durham University. This is a Wellcome Trust funded Platform which will be hosted by the Institute for Medical Humanities from September 2023 until the end of August 2030. The Digital Content and Communications Officer (Maternity Cover) will play a key role in implementing the DRP-MH digital and communication strategy. This will include the design and development of DRP-MH websites, and the production and dissemination of media-rich resources and field-building communications that capture the learning and experimental processed developed through Platform projects and activities (e.g. blogs, podcasts, videos, animations, e-bulletins, infographics and interactive PDFs). We are looking for an experienced web developer with a passion for creating compelling digital content and engaging and accessible graphic design. The Digital Content and Communications Officer will report to the DRP-MH Digital Development and Communications Lead, Dr Victoria Patton. Dr Patton will be the post-holder's direct line manager. This is a part-time post, fixed term maternity cover from 1 September 2025 to 4 September 2026. The postholder will work 21 hours Monday-Friday (0.6FTE) with days of work to be negotiated. Please note that the salary is pro rata to the full-time salary. Further information about the role and the responsibilities is at the bottom of this job description. About the Discovery Research Platform for Medical Humanities The Discovery Research Platform for Medical Humanities at Durham University empowers health and wellbeing researchers from different sectors and disciplines to co-develop new and experimental approaches to tackling health challenges, including mental health and health inequalities. It is a £9m award which aims to transform the way research is undertaken in the field of Medical Humanities. The Platform involves researchers from departments across the Arts and Humanities, Social Sciences and Sciences. It will also engage with and support international research networks, and a wide range of voluntary and health sector partnerships. 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 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. 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. It's important to us that all of our colleagues are aligned to both our values and commitment to EDI. 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. 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 (one side of A4 max) A statement addressing the selection criteria. This should provide examples of how you meet all of the essential criteria within the Person Specification, and as many desirable criteria as possible. Contact details If you would like to have a chat or ask any questions about the role, please contact the Senior Digital Development and Communications Manager, Dr Victoria Patton, the would be happy to speak to you: victoria.patton@durham.ac.uk Typical Role Requirements Website/digital content development and maintenance Develop websites and digital resources to meet design specifications under the direction of the Digital Development and Communications Lead Create interactive or rich-media digital content that is engaging and accessible (for example, blogs, podcasts, videos, infographics, e-bulletins, interactive PDFs). Graphic design of logos and other communications assets, including publicity and print materials showcasing DRP-MH research and activities and reflecting on process and methodology. Provide high level technical guidance and support to academic and non-academic colleagues to solve problems within a defined area, specifically providing specialist support relating to the development of new digital tools, multi-media resources and online programmes. Ensure accuracy and functioning of DRP-MH websites, digital tools and resources by instituting recognised and routine checks, assessment criteria and maintenance techniques. Use a range of communication tools to implement the dissemination strategy for DRP-MH digital outputs, including social media, email marketing and print campaigns. Develop and maintain systems for tracking and recording website metrics and stakeholder engagement with DRP-MH digital outputs. Training and technical support Contribute to the design and delivery of training for team members and external stakeholders in digital content development and communication techniques. Set up, demonstrate, instruct and supervise the use and operation of specialist systems, software and pieces of equipment (for example, web content management systems, cameras, microphones and audio-visual recording equipment). Responsible for organising and maintaining media recording and editing equipment and resources within research and stakeholder engagement environments in line with DRP-MH, IMH and University requirements. Contribute to the successful running of online and hybrid events (including large-scale online conferences) Record, monitor and collate information accurately, analyse patterns and trends, provide reports and distribute information to key DRP-MH colleagues and stakeholders within the University and externally. Communication/Liaison Establish and maintain positive working relationships with DRP-MH staff stakeholders including academic partner institutions, health, creative and voluntary sector professionals, and lived experience communities to influence the perception of the DRP-MH, the Institute for Medical Humanities and the University. Liaise and network with specialist digital development and communications professionals to exchange knowledge and ideas internally and externally to the organisation. Build relationships with contractors and third-party suppliers to share good practice, exchange information and work together on joint initiatives. Explain and demonstrate to DRP-MH staff and stakeholders how to carry out tasks using a range of digital tools and equipment Develop and improve DRP-MH digital and communication services by taking part in meetings, committees and working groups where appropriate. Planning and organising Plan and organise own workload to deliver digital and communications projects in accordance with agreed timescales. Deliver assigned projects in accordance with agreed objectives ensuring a high level of accuracy, complexity, originality and excellence. Manage digital budgets and expenditure including buying (and returning) goods and services. Service Delivery Seek feedback from DRP-MH staff and stakeholders to ensure that the digital development and communication service meets expectations. Ensure that the University's procedures are always reflected in all aspects of the service and adapt ways of working where this is not evident. Show a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and the values of the IMH and wider University. Any other reasonable duties. Useful links If you would like further information you may find the following will help The Discovery Research Platform for Medical Humanities https://medhumsplatform.org Institute for Medical Humanities at Durham University https://www.durham.ac.uk/research/institutes-and-centres/medical-humanities/ Please note that in submitting your application Durham University will be processing your data. We would ask you to consider the relevant University Privacy Statement Privacy Notices - Durham University which provides information on the collation, storing and use of data. MATERNITY COVER Appointment to this post is fixed term to cover the substantive post holder'smaternity leave and is not anticipated to be extended. 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. What you need to demonstrate when you apply/Person Specification 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. Further information about the role and responsibilities is at the end of this job description. Where a criteria has an asterisk* next to it, it may be given additional weighting when your application is considered. Your application should cover the following criteria: Essential Criteria Qualifications/Experience Educated to degree level (or equivalent experience) plus continuing professional development required to maintain skills Experience of developing and designing websites using WordPress or a similar content management system. Experience of creating communications and engagement materials using a range of channels Experience of setting up and developing systems to track and monitor engagement with websites, social media campaigns and other digital outputs. Experience of providing advice and guidance to a range of customers and colleagues. Experienced service provider with knowledge and expertise used to contribute to the delivery of and development of digital services, events and activities, and of implementing policies and procedures Skills/Abilities/Knowledge 7. Excellent spoken and written communication skills including the ability to develop effective working relationships, both internally and externally 8. Strong editorial, proof-reading and professional writing skills 9. Strong digital competence across a range digital devices and apps including internet, email, Microsoft 365 applications, online meeting platforms (e.g. Zoom), illustration/image editing software (e.g. Adobe Creative Suite), web development tools and social media. Desirable Criteria Experience of producing engaging and accessible content and resources related to health or well-being Experience of using audio-visual recording, editing and production software Experience of working in large scale interdisciplinary and cross sector research projects or programmes.