Scholarships Administrator

The Student Immigration and Funding Service (SIFS) works with internal colleagues and external bodies to provide high-quality advice and support relating to immigration legislation and financial support for both undergraduate and postgraduate students and applicants. The Service is part of the Student & Academic Services Directorate (SASD), which provides a professional administrative support service to staff, students and potential students of Durham University.

The post holder will be part of the Scholarships Team within the Student Immigration & Funding Service, which administers internally and externally funded scholarships for Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Home and International students. The Scholarships Administrator will provide clerical support to the Scholarships Team, ensuring that the Scholarship provision at Durham is seen as exemplary.

The post holder will provide a high standard of administrative support to scholarship applicants, recipients and staff, dealing with enquiries professionally and efficiently, and proactively following up on any queries you receive. You must be a flexible team worker able to take responsibility for managing a varied workload to a high standard. A high level of accuracy, sometimes under pressure, is essential. You will be dealing with highly confidential and potentially sensitive information and must ensure that it is kept in accordance with the principles of the Data Protection legislation and with the strictest confidence.

This role is based in the Palatine Centre, Durham. SASD operates a hybrid working policy which allows a level of flexibility within the working week.

Typical Role Requirements:

This role will support the administration of scholarships across the University, providing students with clear and accurate information about scholarship opportunities and awards. The postholder will help ensure that successful scholarship recipients receive the funding awarded to them in a timely and accurate manner. The role will involve collating and preparing scholarship application documentation to support selection panels in assessing applications and selecting recipients for scholarships and awards. The postholder will also support the wider work of the Student Immigration and Funding Service, providing an opportunity to develop their knowledge and experience and gain a broader understanding of the work undertaken across the Service.

Service Delivery:
- Contribute to equality, diversity and inclusion, and the University's values.
- Provide an excellent and timely service to students, colleagues in the Scholarships team and SIFS, as well as colleagues across university departments.
- Use experience and problem-solving skills to resolve routine issues relevant to the role such as payment queries, application status and provide information and updates to help the team find solutions.
- Collect, organise and record data and information accurately and provide reports as required.
- Promote positive wellbeing arrangements which benefit you and your team.
- When carrying out your role, use and apply relevant professional and regulatory standards e.g. data protection when managing data.
- Use standard office-based devices and applications such as Word, Excel, Email, and Microsoft Forms to deliver services.
- Update guidance on standard operating procedures followed by the team.
- Take care of travel arrangements for international scholars.

Teamwork:
- Resolve queries and respond to requests for information and advice and bring any complex issues to the attention of more experienced team members.
- Help the team organise and provide administrative services that support key activities, for example, planning and attending Open Days and Post Offer Events, undertaken within the service and contribute to team planning activities.

Communication/Liaison:
- Record information e.g. Scholarship applicants and recipients data and respond to queries received.
- Liaise with staff in other areas and external organisations to ensure that services are being delivered in an efficient and collaborative way.
- Provide support for meetings, working groups and committees, such as gathering data, preparing and sending documents for meetings, drafting reports and taking minutes.
- Any other reasonable duties.

Essential Criteria:
1. Five GCSEs at least Grade C or level four (or equivalent) including English Language and Mathematics or equivalent experience.
2. Experience of working in a busy office environment delivering front line administrative services or having relevant qualifications for the role.
3. Experience of managing time to meet deadlines and working under pressure without compromising on quality.
4. Good spoken and written communication skills.
5. Good digital skills including experience in using digital devices and apps including the internet, email, digital communication tools, Microsoft 365 applications, and Microsoft Access.
6. Committed to continuing professional development.
7. Ability to solve problems and resolve straightforward issues yourself and as part of a team.
8. Ability to provide advice and guidance to a range of colleagues and customers.

Desirable Criteria:
1. Post-16 qualification or equivalent experience.
2. Experience using Durham University systems, such as Banner, Banner Student Aid (BSA), and Oracle Fusion.

Benefits:
- 27 days annual leave per year in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year (39 days total). The University closes between Christmas and New Year.
- Parking across campus, cycle to work scheme, and discount with local bus and train companies.
- Exclusive discounts via benefits portal including supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products, eating out and days out.
- On-site nursery rated Outstanding by Ofsted, and holiday camps for children aged 5-16.
- Wide-ranging health and wellbeing support including discounted membership for sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme.
- Opportunity to take part in volunteering activities.
- Family friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, among the most generous in the higher education sector.
- Opportunities for professional development including qualifications, IT skills, courses and apprenticeships.
- Generous pension schemes with varying contribution amounts.