Advert Reference Number: 1407
Job Location: Milton Keynes
Department: Curriculum Services
Salary: £27,319 to £30,378
Closing Date: 16 March 2026
Weekly Working Hours: 37
Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract
Fixed Term Contract: End Date: 31 July 2027
Change your career, change lives
The Open University is the UK’s largest university, a world leader in flexible part-time education combining a mission to widen access to higher education with research excellence, transforming lives through education. Find out more about us and our mission by watching this short video (you will be taken to YouTube by clicking this link).
About the Role
As an Assistant within the Faculty’s professional services team, you will support the day-to-day delivery of Curriculum Services by providing proactive, flexible, and professional operational, administrative, and secretarial support that allows colleagues to do their jobs effectively.
Although you will predominantly support Curriculum Services, you will be expected to work flexibly and collaboratively with colleagues across the Faculty.
Specifically, you will support the Tuition Managers and the Directors of Student Support with the administration and practical operation of devolved Tuition Budgets and the School’s tuition workload planning and allocation of Associate Lecturer (AL) FTE; acting as a point of contact for enquiries from ALs and working with the University’s CRM (VOICE) system to support Academic staff; and support the identification, dissemination, and implementation of good practice as part a commitment to continuous improvement and the development of operational capabilities.
Key Responsibilities
Operations and Finance
Providing operational, administrative and secretarial support, working in conjunction with other members of the team and colleagues across the Faculty and wider University. Activities could include but are not limited to:
* Day-to-day administration that supports the planning, allocation and reallocation of AL FTE and the management of the School’s devolved Tuition Budget.
* Supporting the administration of Student Complaints & Appeals, Academic Conduct cases and Group Study Skills sessions.
* Supporting the administration of credit transfer.
* Acting as a first point of contact and handling general enquiries from students (including triaging VOICE queries and CAMEL messages), ALs, external organisations and partners etc. using initiative to respond or refer on accordingly.
* Providing practical support to the Director of Student Support and the Tuition Manager on the local implementation of Faculty and institutional frameworks, policies, and processes.
* Supporting the organisation and delivery of relevant meetings, events, and conferences e.g., Day Schools, Teaching & Learning Conferences etc.
* Updating website, SharePoint, Teams sites content and email distribution lists.
* Raising purchase requisitions, booking travel, maintaining records of expenditure, logging future commitments, reconciling budgets and contributing to quarterly forecasts.
People Management
* Prioritising own work, having an awareness of the workload of the team, and supporting colleagues when necessary.
Strategy, Planning, Policy and Governance
* Servicing committees/meetings, including arranging rooms (bookings and AV equipment, catering, drafting agendas, circulating papers and taking notes etc.).
Project Management
* Assisting with the administration of all aspects of projects including supporting project initiation, set up and reporting processes, and assisting with day-to-day requests from project teams.
Wider Influence
* Working collaboratively with others in the team and making an active contribution to the wider work of the Faculty including contributing to networks and communities that support the identification, dissemination, and adoption of good practice and solving common issues and problems.
* Advising on routine enquiries and providing guidance to colleagues on policy and processes.
Undertaking other duties as agreed with your line manager.
About You
Essential
* A level of English grammar that enables you to write and verbally communicate concisely, politely and efficiently with all grades of staff whilst undertaking your duties.
* A level of Mathematical knowledge commensurate with the role e.g. calculations and budgeting.
* A willingness to reflect on personal/professional development and pursue opportunities that benefit the unit and you personally.
* Able to demonstrate effective communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust, establish constructive relationships, and work collaboratively and in a team.
* Effective organisational skills with the ability to remain flexible, adaptable, and responsive and to use initiative, work independently, and solve problems in a pro‑active manner.
* The ability to deal with sensitive and confidential information, work accurately, and to manage and manipulate data appropriately.
* Proficient in the use of IT, particularly Microsoft packages such as Word and Excel and willing to develop existing skills, learning about relevant IT systems.
* An understanding of the University’s mission and Values in Action and an ability to practice behaviours which align to these whilst undertaking your work.
Support with your application
If you have any questions, or need support or adjustments relating to your application, the recruitment process, or the role, please contact us on 01908 541111 or email careers@open.ac.uk quoting the advert reference number.
What’s in it for you?
At The Open University, we offer a range of benefits to recognise and reward great work, alongside policies and flexible working that contribute towards a great work life balance. Get all the details of what benefits we offer by visiting our Staff Benefits page (clicking this link will open a new window).
Flexible working
We are open to discussions about flexible working. Whether it’s a job share, part time, compressed hours or another working arrangement. Please reach out to us to discuss what works best for you.
Whilst the successful candidate can work from home/remotely for the majority of the time, there will be a requirement to attend the Milton Keynes office as and when required. Currently this is every other Tuesday.
Next steps in the Recruitment process
Interviews are likely to be held on 25 and 26 March.
Early closing date notification
While most roles will remain open until the advertised closing date, applications may be reviewed on an ongoing basis. In some cases, vacancies may close earlier if a sufficient number of suitable applications has been received and equality impacts have been appropriately considered. All roles will remain advertised for a minimum of one week before any early closure is implemented. If you have started an application or were in the process of applying when the advert closed, we encourage you to get in touch. We are committed to understanding individual circumstances and can offer further support where needed, including reasonable adjustments for applicants with protected characteristics.
How to apply
Please apply via our website at the link provided.
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