Assistant Student Support Officer

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

We are pleased to invite applications for the role of Assistant Student Support Officer (1.0 FTE). This is a wonderful opportunity to become a highly visible and valued member of our College community, working closely with the Assistant Principal as well as the Principal and Vice-Principal. The postholder will be a key point of contact for our students, offering supportive, face-to-face guidance and helping to ensure they feel welcomed and supported throughout their time at Castle. They will work under the direction of the Assistant Principal, who leads student support within the College.

The Assistant Student Support Officer will work directly with individual students, helping to address their concerns wherever possible and connecting them with the most appropriate support. This may include liaising with academic departments, specialist University services such as the Counselling and Mental Health Service, and external agencies when needed. They will liaise actively with other parts of the University to provide joined-up support for students, and will maintain ownership of student cases even when referring them to other areas. The postholder's responsibilities will also include assisting with College accommodation allocations, responding to ongoing accommodation enquiries, and contributing to proactive wellbeing initiatives within the College.

Induction, guidance, training and support in the role will be provided by the College's Assistant Principal.

University College (Castle), founded in 1832, is a diverse and inclusive community based in Durham Castle. Home to 1,100 undergraduates and 450 postgraduates, the College cultivates a strong sense of belonging through 30+student-led societies, mentoring programmes, and vibrant events. With over 500 students in college accommodation and an engaged Senior Common Room, Castle champions inclusion, collaboration, and academic excellence. Regular formal dinners, charity initiatives and volunteering opportunities bring students together, creating a welcoming space for all.

Please note: Interviews are expected to take place on 15th July 2026

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.

-   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.

-   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. 

-   Our on-site nursery is rated Outstanding by Ofsted, and you can access holiday camps for children aged 5-16.

-  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.  

-   We offer all staff the opportunity to take part in volunteering activities to make a difference to the local community. 

-   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).  

-   If you are keen on advancing in your role or career, we have a genuine passion for developing our colleagues from qualifications to IT skills, courses and apprenticeships. 

-   We offer generous pension schemes with varying contribution amounts to help you plan for your future.  

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.