Requirements
Candidates must have at least five GCSEs (or equivalent) and experience in widening access or public engagement projects. The role requires strong communication skills, experience in team supervision, and the ability to manage safeguarding and operational procedures.
Job Description
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.
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.
We would be thrilled if you would consider joining our thriving University. Further information about the University can be found here.
Find out more about the benefits of working at the University and what it is like to live and work in the Durham area on our Why Join Us? - Information Page.
The Role and the Department
Futures in STEM is an online academic and pastoral support programme for Year 12 students from groups underrepresented in STEM who are considering studying Chemistry, Maths, Computer Science, Engineering or Physics at university. Students have the opportunity to take part in a variety of online subject specific tutorials, mentoring, guest lectures and activities designed to prepare them for university study and to help make sure they are ready to apply for, and succeed, in Higher Education.
The programme officer will be based in the Science Engagement Team, and will work with colleagues across the Faculty of Science as well as central teams across the university.
The Programme Officer is responsible for the day-to-day management and development of the Futures in STEM programme, including project delivery, staff and volunteer coordination, recruitment, communications, stakeholder engagement, budget monitoring, marketing, and administration. The role ensures the effective delivery of tutoring, mentoring and outreach activities while maintaining programme documentation, monitoring progress, and supporting continuous improvement and growth.
The work of the Futures in STEM programme is focused in the North East and targets local school and FE college participants. This role is key to the delivery of the University’s Widening Access and Participation activities, and Science Engagement Strategy (part of the Science Transformation Programme), and is aligned with our developing Regional Engagement strategies within the North East and Tees Valley Combined Authorities’ area.
Working at Durham
A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University:
You’ll receive 27 days annual leave per year in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year - a total of 39 days. The University closes between Christmas and New Year.
We offer a generous pension scheme, and 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 ample parking across campus, a cycle to work scheme which helps you to buy a bike and discount with local bus and train companies. You can also take advantage of our cost-effective and environmentally friendly Tusker Car Benefit Scheme, allowing you to lease a brand-new electric or hybrid vehicle with savings on tax and National Insurance.
We have 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.
We provide wide-ranging health and wellbeing support including discounted membership for our state-of-the-art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme.
Our on-site nursery is rated Outstanding by Ofsted, and you can access holiday camps for children aged 5-16.
Our family friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, are among the most generous in the higher education sector (and likely above and beyond many employers).
We offer all staff the opportunity to take part in volunteering activities to make a difference in the local community.
You can access exclusive discounts via our benefits portal including money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products such as Apple, eating out and days out at various attractions.
Various salary sacrifice schemes are also available to help you take advantage of tax savings on benefits.
If you are moving to Durham, you may be eligible for 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.
Discover more about our total rewards and benefits package here.
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.
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. Five GCSEs at least Grade C or level four (or equivalent) including English Language and Mathematics or a Post-16 qualification or equivalent experience.
2. Experience and expertise in the development and delivery of widening access and/or public engagement projects.
3. Experience of providing advice and guidance to a range of customers and colleagues.
4. Experience of implementing policies and procedures.
5. Experience of supervising/managing a team and/or a line management qualification.
Skills/Abilities/Knowledge
6. Excellent spoken and written communication skills including the ability to develop effective working relationships, both internally and externally.
7. Experience of working with school age students (i.e., under the age of 18) and knowledge of safeguarding requirements.
8. Strong digital competence across a range of digital devices and apps including digital communication tools, Microsoft 365 applications, (particularly the use of MS Teams as a VLE) and business systems (particularly Taleo, Oracle Fusion and LabSafe)
9. Committed to continuing professional development.
10. Ability to plan and organise events and activities involving the service.
11. Ability to solve problems as part of a team and decide on and plan appropriate solutions.
12. Ability to participate in networks to share and discuss good practice and exchange information.
13. Ability to contribute to operational planning activities.
Desirable Criteria
- Experience conducting qualitative and quantitative project impact assessment and evaluation
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. Where there are desirable criteria we would also urge you to provide any relevant evidence. 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 during the process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to ensure you receive all emails
What you are required to submit:
• A CV
• A covering letter or statement which shows examples of how you meet all of the criteria within the Person Specification
Interviews are expected to take place 17th September 2026.
Contact details
If you would like to have a chat or ask any questions about the role, Johanna Waite, Deputy Head of Science Engagement – Programmes and Operations or Lorraine Coghill Deputy Head of Science Engagement – Strategy and Partnerships would be happy to speak to you. Johanna.waite@durham.ac.uk or l.s.coghill@durham.ac.uk
Typical Role Requirements
Service Delivery
Contribute to equality, diversity and inclusion, and the University’s values.
Ensure that any procedures and expectations that apply throughout the University are reflected in all aspects of the service provided by the team and adapt ways of working where this is not evident.
Manage, maintain and monitor designated Futures in STEM and National Levelling Up: Chemistry Hub systems to ensure safety, security and compliance.
Provide the best possible service to staff, participants and others who you work with by reviewing and making suggestions to improve the service.
Collect, organise and analyse data and information (such as customer feedback) accurately to provide reports.
Ensure that public areas are safe and secure and respond to and report any incidents.
Planning and Organisation
Plan and organise operational activities carried out by the Futures in STEM which you are responsible for such as recruitment, line management, training and onboarding of tutors, mentors and interns; overseeing curriculum development and resource production to create high-quality study programmes, including supporting the development of new subject strands; and supporting evaluation and data collection/analysis procedures to identify any development needs and requirements for the programme.
Manage frontline services in a variety of different outlets and buildings across the University.
Plan, manage and deliver assigned projects, activities and events in accordance with agreed objectives.
Manage budgets and expenditure including buying (and returning) goods and services.
Monitor and update risk assessments and safeguarding procedures, providing guidance to others where necessary.
Ensure compliance with GDPR, ethics, best practice guidelines and ensure that safety protocols are adhered to in line with the University’s requirements.
Team Development
Supervise team members and manage any other people/resources that are assigned to you and provide an initial response to any related HR issues.
Explain systems and procedures to induct new starters into the team and provide specialist advice and guidance including any training (including customer service excellence).
Contribute to performance review processes by providing feedback on individual and team objectives and expectations, considering any development needs.
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 Futures in STEM
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.
Build relationships with internal and external networks to share good practice, exchange information and work together on joint initiatives.
Contribute to internal and external presentations and public relations events promoting the Durham University reputation, encouraging participation and income generation.
Any other reasonable duties.
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 Job Applicants/Potential Job Applicants - Privacy Notice which provides information on the collation, storing and use of data.
SECONDMENT
The post is full time, fixed term for a 21 month period and may be offered on an internal secondment basis subject to the agreement of the current line manager.
Durham University is a UKVI sponsor. Applicants who require sponsorship to work in the UK should note that not all roles are eligible. Further information on visa requirements and eligibility can be found on the UKVI website.
Version 07-2026