Job Title: IT Officer
Location: On-site at our Manchester Campus (M1 1LQ)
Hours: Full Time, Monday - Friday 8:30 – 16:30 plus rostered evening and weekend shifts as
reasonably required.
Salary: £26000 per annum
Department: IT
Reporting to: IT Coordinator
About Us
Victoria College of Arts and Design (VCAD) provides higher education teaching and learning in the arts, design, creative industries, and business fields. Our goal is to guide and support our students on their journey to becoming successful individuals and citizens. We strive to offer the best services and resources available to ensure that our students are well-prepared for graduate-level employment within creative industries or any other aspect of the world of work. From enrolment to graduation, we are dedicated to nurturing our students' growth, fostering their creative and critical skills, and equipping them with the confidence and abilities needed to excel in a professional environment. Whether through the dedication of our lecturers and support staff, our outstanding facilities, or our network of industry connections, Victoria College of Arts and Design is committed to helping and mentoring our students so that they achieve their personal goals and build themselves sustainable and fulfilling careers.
Job Overview:
VCAD is seeking an enthusiastic IT Specialist to join our IT department and help keep technology
running smoothly across our two lively London campuses in Canary Wharf and Borough. Reporting to the IT Coordinator, you will gain hands-on experience maintaining IT systems, providing friendly first line support through our ticketing system and in-person help, and contributing to a positive digital experience for students and staff.
In this role, you will assist users with everyday tasks such as managing accounts, fixing login problems on platforms like Moodle (password resets, phone number updates, module enrolments), showing people how to use our apps and systems, and guiding the on submitting support tickets.
Support is delivered through a mix of tickets, email, and face-to-face assistance, giving you the chance to build confidence in multiple communication channels. You will also help the team keep track of IT equipment (computers, printers, AV systems, and more) through basic inspections, inventory updates, and simple maintenance tasks, all while following university policies on safety, security, and sustainability.
This is an ideal starting role for someone eager to grow in IT, with solid foundational knowledge of learning platforms (like Moodle), office software, and classroom tech. Any gaps in experience can be bridged with a positive attitude and willingness to learn on the job.
Join us to develop your skills in a supportive environment and help create a reliable, welcoming tech experience for the VCAD community.
Key Responsibilities:
• Deliver friendly first-line IT support to students and staff through tickets, email, and in-person
help, resolving common issues such as account management, password resets, phone number updates, Moodle logins and module enrolments, platform navigation, app downloads, and ticket submission guidance.
• Conduct regular checks of classrooms, computer labs, studios, and office spaces to confirm that all IT equipment (computers, projectors, printers, monitors, keyboards, audio systems, and other hardware) is clean, fully operational, and ready for teaching, learning, and administrative tasks.
• Perform basic troubleshooting and maintenance on IT hardware and software; escalate complex
problems to the IT Coordinator and PEN IT department or external suppliers and follow up to ensure quick repairs or replacements.
• Keep an accurate, up-to-date inventory of all IT assets, peripherals, and software licenses; flag low stock levels and assist with ordering new equipment when required.
• Set up new hardware in offices and shared spaces, including desktop PCs, monitors, docking stations, printers, and audiovisual devices.
• Work closely with Facilities, Cleaning, Security, and the Campus Manager to make sure every
teaching and working area is properly equipped, safe, and compliant with health & safety and data-security standards.
• Provide hands-on IT assistance during inductions, workshops, open days, exams, and other campus events; be prepared to offer flexible support outside normal hours when needed.
• Communicate clearly and promptly with users about system updates, planned maintenance, or any disruptions to IT services.
• Help maintain key platforms such as Microsoft 365, Moodle, Unit-E, Adobe, and online library systems by running weekly health checks, supporting user access, and reporting faults.
• Support basic student-record tasks when required, including accurate data entry, running reports, and responding to transcript or certificate requests in the student management system.
• Take initiative to spot opportunities for small improvements in IT processes, sustainability, or resource use, and suggest practical ideas to the IT Coordinator.
• Stay willing to learn new tools and systems, attend training, and carry out any reasonable additional tasks to keep the campus running smoothly.
Qualifications & Skills:
Essential:
• Broad foundational IT and technology skills with a practical understanding of hardware, software, and network basics.
• Professional-level competence with Microsoft Office 365 (Word, Excel, Teams, Outlook, and OneDrive).
• Proficiency in student management systems and standard office software (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite, databases, ticketing systems) to support administrative functions, maintain accurate inventory records, and communicate effectively with other departments.
• Ability to provide general IT support, including basic troubleshooting, equipment setup (e.g., projectors, AV systems), hardware replacement (e.g., monitors, keyboards), and escalation technical issues to the IT Coordinator and PEN IT department as needed.
• Strong communication and organizational skills, with the ability to explain technical issues clearly to non-technical users, interact effectively with academic staff, students, and external vendors, and contribute to a positive, supportive campus environment.
• Capability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously—from equipment inventory management to IT event support—while remaining agile and responsive under pressure.
• Willingness and flexibility to work occasional evenings or weekends as reasonably requested to support campus events or urgent issues.
• Bachelor's degree in IT, Computer Science, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Foundational networking knowledge (e.g., IP addressing, Wi-Fi connectivity, basic LAN
troubleshooting).
Desirable:
• Experience working in Higher Education or a similar learning environment, with knowledge of platforms like Moodle, student management systems, and classroom AV technology.
• Familiarity with health and safety practices related to IT equipment, including basic risk awareness and compliance.
• Previous hands-on experience in IT support, helpdesk, or resource coordination roles, especially where technology supports teaching, learning, or daily operations.
• An appreciation of the challenges students faces in modern higher education, and a
commitment to supporting their success through reliable technology.
• Basic knowledge of Python, SQL, or any other programming or scripting language.
Benefits
* Annual leave (7.2 weeks)
* Workplace pension scheme.
* Company Sick Policy.
* Statutory maternity/paternity pays.
* Career development opportunities
* Training and self-development opportunities.
* Gym membership discounts
* Retail discount schemes
* Cinema discounts
* Grocery discounts
* Cycle to work
* Investing and savings opportunities
* Financial wellbeing – personal debt advise.
* Financial wellbeing education
* My Mind Pal (mental fitness)