Global Opportunities Officer

The International Office is responsible for:

• The recruitment of international students to all areas of the university to meet institutional targets


• Supporting and managing the development of international partnerships to raise the University's global profile and to support academic colleagues in developing international links and collaborations


• Managing the university's student mobility programmes to meet the University's strategic objectives and in particular to widen access to global opportunities.


As a member of the Global Opportunities Team, this role supports the delivery of the University's Global Strategy and achievement of relevant key performance indicators through the development, promotion and efficient administration of international student mobility programmes (incl Turing). The post holder will be responsible for the delivery of identified projects within Global Opportunities Team, including but not limited to the development and integration of systems to embed the Turing Scheme across Durham, supporting the Turing annual application, implementation and reporting, and process and systems development in respect of incoming fee-paying Study Abroad students. This role requires significant joint working with academic and professional service support departments, international partners and students.
The International Office currently operates on a hybrid working basis., 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.,
• Ensure that the University's procedures and values are always reflected in all aspects of the service and adapt ways of working where this is not evident.


• Provide specialist advice and make decisions to resolve problems relating to international student mobility programmes.


• Use your experience and problem-solving skills to investigate and resolve issues relevant to your role and make recommendations based on your findings.


• Manage, maintain and monitor designated processes and systems to ensure safety, security and compliance relating to international mobility programmes.


• Provide the best possible service to staff, students and others key stakeholders including international partners by reviewing and make suggestions to improve the service.


• Collect and record data and information accurately.


• Organise and analyse data and information to ensure it is accurate and provide reports to senior colleagues and other stakeholders on patterns and trends.


• Support the welfare of our students participating in international mobility and refer them to appropriate support services when necessary.


Planning and Organising

• Plan and organise own workload to deliver the role.


• Plan, manage and deliver assigned projects, activities and events [e.g. events promoting global opportunities to students] in accordance with agreed objectives.


• Supervise the work of staff and teams involved in supporting students participating in mobility activities [e.g. nomination process, pre-departure briefings etc.


• Accountable for managing/maintaining financial and budget records and reconciling expenditure in respect of mobility activity.


Communication/Liaison

• Develop and improve services by taking part in meetings, working groups and committees.


• Liaise with other service areas to ensure the most diverse and accessible delivery and promotion of global opportunities.


• Create good working relationships, including internal and external networks which allow you to increase your knowledge and skills, while swapping information with peers.


• Act as a key point of contact between the University and internal and external stakeholders, including donors and employers.


• Relationship building, network participation internally to build and develop engagement in global opportunities.


• Deliver internal and external presentations and public relations events promoting global opportunities and Durham University as an attractive partner institution.


• Any other reasonable duties.
  
  1. Five GCSE's at least Grade C or level four (or equivalent) including English Language and Mathematics or a Post-16 qualification or equivalent experience.

2. Experience of working in an International Office or similar environment with ability to plan, deliver and develop activities in support of global opportunities

3. Experience of providing advice and guidance to a range of customers and colleagues.
4. Experience of implementing policies and procedures and continuous development of a service.

Skills/Abilities/Knowledge
5. Excellent spoken and written communication skills including the ability to develop effective working relationships, both internally and externally with a variety of stakeholders.

Excellent networking skills including a sensitive approach to relationship building and cultural awareness.
6. Strong digital competence across a range digital devices and apps, including use of Microsoft Office and advanced expertise in data management software (e.g. Access, Excel)

Experience of financial management incl. undertaking financial reconciliations.
7. Committed to continuing professional development.

9. Ability to solve problems as part of a team and decide on, plan appropriate solutions and make pragmatic decisions.

10. Ability to participate in networks to share and discuss good practice and exchange information.
11. Ability to contribute to operational planning activities.

Flexible approach to working patterns which will include a commitment to working outside office hours where necessary.

Desirable Criteria

• A sound understanding of the global education environment



• Experience of living or studying abroad and an understanding of different cultures



• Proficiency in a foreign language



• Knowledge of the Turing Scheme
  
  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.

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 and access to holiday camps for children aged 5-16 throughout the year.


• 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.


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.