Career Consultant

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. We believe that inspiring our people to do outstanding things at Durham enables Durham people to do outstanding things professionally and personally.   

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.  We would be thrilled if you would consider joining our thriving University.  Further information about the University can be found here .

The Role and Department 

Dynamic and vibrant, Durham University Business School is one of Durham University’s four Faculties and is comprised of four research-intensive departments: Accounting, Economics, Finance, and Management and Marketing.  Known for its global reputation, its impact on policy and practice and its strong focus on ethics, responsibility and sustainability, the School aims to be a leading European business school with a strong global presence by 2027.   

The School currently has 180 academic and teaching staff, with plans and resource commitments to grow to 230 by 2027.  The School has a high-quality portfolio of programmes at undergraduate, masters and doctoral level, across all subject areas.  The School’s student population is around 4000, across undergraduate, postgraduate and research programmes, attracting a talented and diverse student intake (with over 130 nationalities).  

Our vision is to lead business thought and practice to improve global wealth and well-being. Our associated mission is to create, share and use knowledge to deliver equitable and sustainable futures around the world. We pursue this mission by advancing world changing knowledge and securing global impact through increasingly collaborative research across disciplines and around the world. Further information on the School can be found at http://www.dur.ac.uk/business/.  

Durham University Business School, one of the longest established business schools in the UK, is a multi-disciplinary School characterised by academic excellence, internationally-rated research and superb student support services. The School's diversity and international standing is reflected in the student intake; accreditation by AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS; and high positions in the UK and European Business School rankings. Further information on the School can be found at https://www.dur.ac.uk/business/.

The strength of a School’s career provision has direct impact on the School’s ability to select high quality students. In addition, student satisfaction with the careers service and the quality and progression of career outcomes are significant contributors to the international MBA and Masters programme rankings methodology; these rankings are also an important input to student choice of Business School and, in combination with other rankings determine the overall ranked position of a Business School.
The Business School seeks to appoint an experienced Career Consultant.  This is a fantastic opportunity to make a significant contribution to our students at a key time of development and growth of some new programmes of learning.   You will be joining a vibrant and supportive team who operate across a global footprint, with a multitude of partners across the globe.   As a team we want to be at the cutting edge of the profession, so being innovative and adaptable is an essential part of the role. 

As a Career Consultant you will deliver an innovative and effective career and professional development service targeted to meet the varying needs and expectations of Masters/MBA students and alumni from a diverse range of cultures and societies.  They will work closely with the Learning and Teaching teams and module leaders and collaborate with External Engagement and International and Alumni teams to ensure career and skills development is an integral part of the student experience which supports the School’s Strategic Framework as well as the rankings and accreditation outcomes.  The School’s career team will provide a wide range of tailored support, workshops, events, projects and resources and present a wide variety of global employment opportunities to assist the specific needs of the international Masters\MBA students and alumni to achieve their career goals. 

We are looking for someone who wants to make a difference, has the drive to achieve results and take things to the next level.  You should be 100% a team player and want to contribute to wider team goals as well forming effective cross team working relationships across the School and the wider university.  As an individual you will be a people person, have personal presence, be a strong communicator who can develop relationships and rapport quickly.  You will need an interest in industry, have a global awareness and use this knowledge to provide the expert advice our student and alumnus need.
 
Further information about the role and the responsibilities is at the bottom of this job description. 

Working Arrangements 

At Durham we recognise that our staff and students are our greatest asset, and we want to support the health and wellbeing of all.  Hybrid working supports this ethos and provides many benefits to our colleagues, including empowering people, where their role allows, to work in a manner which is more suitable for them, whilst encouraging our commitment to environmental sustainability. 

Depending on the needs of the business and the job role, Durham University is utilising hybrid working for all Professional Services colleagues in the academic year 2022/2023, which may include the opportunity to work both on and off campus and to flex working hours.  If appointed to the post, your line-manager will discuss the specific arrangements with you.  Any hybrid arrangements are non-contractual and may change.
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:  

• 30 Days annual leave per year in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year – a total of 42 days per year.   
• The University closes between Christmas and New Year.
• We offer a generous pension scheme, As a new member of staff you will be automatically enrolled  into the University Superannuation Scheme (USS). 
• 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. 
• 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.  
• 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 and children’s clubs in the summer holidays.
• 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). 
• 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.  
• A salary sacrifice scheme is also available to help you take advantage of tax savings on benefits.  
• If you are moving to Durham, we can help with removal costs and we have a dedicated team who can help you with the practicalities such as house hunting and schools.  If you need a visa, we cover most visa costs and offer an interest free loan scheme to pay for dependant visas. 

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.

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.   
 
Essential Criteria

1.    Excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to develop excellent working relationships both internally and externally.
2.    Ability to make professional and effective presentations to corporate partners, academic and management staff, and postgraduate students. 
3.    Excellent digital competence with demonstrable skills in using core digital tools including internet, email, digital communication tools, Microsoft 365 applications, digital booking system, project planning, financial systems. 
4.     Educated to degree level (or equivalent experience). Postgraduate qualification in career guidance or working towards this qualification.
5.    Professional career practitioner with knowledge and expertise used to contribute to the delivery and development of services, events and activities.
6.    Experience of designing and delivering workshops to a large, culturally diverse audience.
7.    Continuing professional development required to maintain professional recognition.
8.    Ability to contribute to planning at operational level and work with a high level of attention to detail with excellent organisational and time management skills. 
9.    Experience of being able to network effectively and develop strong and productive working relationships. 
10.    Self-motivated with a real drive to succeed, resilient and enthusiastic.
11.    Demonstrated ability to achieve operational targets and objectives.
12.    Ability and willingness to undertake national and international travel and work outside normal office hours, including weekends.

Desirable Criteria 

13.    Experience of corporate relationship management with appropriate professional experience and knowledge of the private sector.
14.    Experience in or knowledge of postgraduate and experience hire employment markets, hiring practices, job opportunities and career paths.
15.    International experience and an appreciation of the career’s advisory needs of international postgraduate students. 
 

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. It will be at the discretion of the recruiting panel as to whether they will also consider any desirable criteria, but we would urge candidates to provide evidence for all criteria.
 
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 throughout the selection process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to make sure you have not missed any of our updates. 
   
What you need to submit    

Contact details    

For a chat about the role or any further information please contact Tim McCollum, Career Consultant:  [email protected].  

Typical Role Requirements 
Service Delivery

• Implement changes to the design and development of career service processes, techniques and deliverables for the Business School’s MBA and Masters students and alumni.
• Contribute to development of Business School career service activities to ensure excellence in the stakeholder experience.
•  Identify and design activities to meet learning objectives and outcomes. 
• Responsible for managing small budgets for consumables and some capital items, keeping records and processing invoices.  
• Provide management for the operation of a stakeholder focussed service delivery for Postgraduate Taught Business School students and alumni. 
• Identify cohort specific needs and tailor the delivery of careers and skills development sessions to meet these needs in partnership with the Learning and Teaching teams; Alumni, International and External Engagement teams; and Ranking and Accreditation teams.
• Identify, engage and manage a network of global external career and skills providers to deliver workshops and events in the UK and overseas.
• Prepare and manage the service area budget or budgets and monitor expenditure to ensure cost-effective service delivery.  
• A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and the University’s values.
• In collaboration with the Engagement Manager (Recruitment):
  • Implement plans to achieve PGT employment opportunities targets.
  • Ensure vacancies and internship opportunities meet the needs of Masters and MBA students.
  • Implement plans which enhance the employment prospects of Masters and MBA students.
  • Create opportunities for Masters and MBA students to engage with recruiters, alumni and other business partners and extend their network of contacts.
  • Be proactive in encouraging alumni to promote Durham University Business School candidates within their organisation.

Planning and Organising

• Collect and analyse stakeholder feedback to help define needs and requirements and the design and planning of services. 
• Manage and monitor service performance and provide metrics and reports to evaluate the impact of career and skills support, placement and employment success and effectiveness of the services offered, providing recommendations for Service improvement. 
• Contribute to the development of operational plans and stakeholder reports such as Programme Director’s Annual reports and MBA Advisory Board briefings.
• Produce and analyse statistical service metrics to identify successful delivery and areas for future improvement. 
• Plan, implement and monitor continuous service improvements to enhance the delivery of stakeholder services. 
• Plan, design and deliver workshops, events and projects for PGT students and alumni.
• Research, develop and maintain bespoke careers resources and materials for Masters/MBA students and alumni ensuring that career and sector specific information is up to date and relevant.

Communication/Networking/Stakeholders

• Internal and external national/international relationship development and partnership working, networking and participation to engage and influence future services and the University reputation. 
• Contribute to and lead business meetings, working groups and sub-committees at departmental and operational service levels. 
• Participate in and monitor national and international communities of practice and partnership working internally and externally. 
• Network and engage with external and internal stakeholders to gather feedback and identify future service needs, to ensure excellence in service provision. 
• Communicate with internal and external stakeholders using appropriate media and methods. 
• Conduct confidential career consultations with Masters and MBA students and alumni which are tailored to meet the individual’s needs and provide them with support and guidance which enables them to achieve their goals.
• Distribute and process key service information to all stakeholders, including contributing to the submission of information for external surveys and rankings and accreditation assessments.

Knowledge and Experience

• Recognised career professional practitioner and service specialist. 
• Provide career specialist expertise and support with complexity of data and information sources, interpretation and analysis to support the implementation of operational plans, rankings, accreditations and continuous improvement initiatives. 
• Maintain an awareness of current policy for University business goals such as widening participation and access, and provision of advice using specialist knowledge. 
• Maintain and develop professional knowledge and expertise of career development as well as knowledge of the employment market, with particular reference to international postgraduate students.
• Any other reasonable duties. 

Specific role requirements 

• The role requires flexibility to effectively manage and support events, including working evenings, weekends and potentially national and international travel.

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.    

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.