Faculty Learning and Teaching Manager

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

With over 5,000 undergraduate and 1,000 postgraduate students, spanning across 8 academic departments, the Faculty of Science supports a diverse and vibrant learning and research environment. Our outstanding academic staff deliver innovative research led teaching in a range of modes from lectures through to small group teaching, laboratory and field based learning in both on-line and face to face formats.

The Faculty of Science has established a Learning and Teaching Hub that is overseen by the Deputy Executive Dean (Education). The highly successful Natural Sciences degree programmes (c 750 undergraduates), which allow students to combine more than one subject in their study programme sits within the hub. Recently the Faculty extended its portfolio of interdisciplinary education with the launch of the Master of Data Science, postgraduate taught programme. Drawing on expertise from across all four academic Faculties, this programme is designed for graduates from either technical or non-technical background to learn how to access, clean, analyse, and visualize complex data. In a world where decision making in commercial and public sector bodies and organisations is increasingly data driven, this programme is designed to prepare graduates seeking to pursue career opportunities in one of the fastest growing job markets.

We are looking to appoint a Learning and Teaching Manager who will provide support for the Director of Natural Sciences and the Director of Interdisciplinary Postgraduate Taught Programmes (IPGT). The Faculty Learning and Teaching Manager will lead on the delivery and development of the Natural Sciences and Master of Data Science programmes and will have the opportunity to be involved in the development of further Faculty-led interdisciplinary programmes. Core activities will include: 

• Providing senior leadership of the administration of the programmes
• Representing the Directors at relevant Committees etc
• Supporting the Director of IPGT with the development of new PGT programmes
• Working with central administrative teams particularly Student Registry with regard to timetabling, examinations and assessments etc
• Working with the central admissions team regarding recruitment of students
• Working with the Directors to ensure the maintenance of a distinctive web and social media presence
• Managing the Board of Examiners and external examiners
• Responsibility that student progression is monitored, issues identified and, where possible and working with the Colleges resolved, escalating complex cases to appropriate student support services
• Liaising with the Careers and Employability Service
• Working with the Alumni Office to identify appropriate alumni to engage with current students
• Line managing the Faculty Learning and Teaching administrative team. 

As a member of the Faculty of Science office, the role holder will also have the opportunity to work with other colleagues in the Faculty Office. This may include operational support through to involvement in strategic projects that are aligned to the Faculty Plan. We are looking forward to welcoming someone to join our team in this post who: possesses excellent organisational and time management skills; shows initiative and flexibility; demonstrates commitment to delivering excellent levels of service and is looking forward to playing a leading role in the development of new and exciting interdisciplinary teaching programmes. The role will require regular face to face interactions with staff and students however, on completion of training/induction, there will be opportunities to explore flexible, hybrid working.

Further information about the role and the responsibilities is at the bottom of this job description.

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.  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
1.    Educated to degree level (or equivalent experience).
2.    Professional practitioner with knowledge and expertise in the delivery and development of  administrative processes, particularly with an educational organisation.
3.    Experience of implementing policies and procedures and supporting change and service improvements. 
4.    Experience of providing specialist advice and guidance to a range of customers and colleagues, including more senior colleagues.
5.    Experience of participating in internal or external networks to share and discuss good practice, develop strong and productive working relationships that would positively influence the University’s reputation.
6.    Experience of managing and developing a team or teams and/or line management qualification. 

Skills/Abilities/Knowledge
7.    Excellent spoken and written communication skills including the ability to develop effective working relationships, both internally and externally.
8.    Strong digital competence across a range of digital devices and apps including digital communication tools, Microsoft 365 applications. 
9.    Committed to continuing professional development to maintain professional recognition.
10.    Knowledge and experience of ensuring compliance with regulatory and organisational policy and guidelines.
11.    Ability to solve problems and decide on and plan appropriate solutions.
 
Desirable Criteria

12. Experience of managing the delivery of administrative services in a Higher Education institution.

13. Competent in the use of BANNER is desirable .

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.  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 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  

• A CV: and  
• A supporting statement or covering letter which outlines how you meet all of the criteria within the Person Specification.    
  

Contact details  

For a chat about the role or any further information please contact Sarah Wilbourn, Faculty Manager Science at sarah.wilbourn@durham.ac.uk.

Typical Role Requirements   

Service Delivery/Development

• Show a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and the University’s values.
• Review and look for ways to improve systems and procedures that are relevant to your area of work in line with the University’s frameworks and Regulations.
• Manage the delivery of learning and teaching administration service to support interdisciplinary programmes led by the Faculty of Science to a high standard.
• Provide the best possible service by continually reviewing what is required from staff, students and others who you work with and contribute to ideas and service improvements.
• Work with your team to look for ways to improve processes, techniques and outputs/results across all areas of your work.

Planning and Organisation

• Manage the delivery of operational activities carried out by the Faculty of Science Education Hub which you are responsible for.
• Contribute to progressing the strategic and operational priorities of the Faculty Education Hub and the Faculty Office.
• Review data on the level of service provided by your area to recommend areas for future improvement.
• Manage budgets and expenditure as required.

Team Development

• Manage and monitor the performance, workload and expected outcomes of the Faculty Education hub team members and take action to respond anything that impacts on the service level provided.
• Ensure that your team can deliver the required services by devolving and delegating responsibilities to appropriate team members.
• Carry out regular performance reviews to provide feedback on objectives and expectations and identify any development needs.
• Ensure that your team continues to develop by coaching and mentoring team members and delivering any training needs.
• Support the welfare and wellbeing of your team referring more complex issues to specialist services.

Communication/Liaison

• Provide advice and share guidance with your stakeholders to ensure that the University’s policies, procedures and regulations are complied with.
• Use your operational expertise to participate in business meetings, working groups and sub-committees.
• Coordinate and oversee committees and other business meetings and deal with any related complaints.
• Update policies and procedures in response to any internal or external changes.
• Create positive working relationships, including internal and external networks, using your networks to increase your knowledge and skills and swap information with peers.

•    Any other reasonable duties.  This may include some pre-arranged working outside of normal hours e.g. to support Open Day and other student recruitment activity.
  
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.