Vice-Principal

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.

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 Department

University College (Castle) is home to 1,100 undergraduates, 450 postgraduates, 400+ senior common room members, and nearly 50 staff. Our shared vision: Inspired by our enduring heritage, University College aspires to be a welcoming and inclusive learning community dedicated to empowering individuals, fostering a deep sense of belonging, and enabling all to flourish through service, scholarship, and shared purpose. Our community is co-created by students and staff through facilitation of 40+ student-led sports and societies, enrichment and mentoring programmes, charity initiatives and volunteering opportunities, wellbeing support, performing arts opportunities, vibrant social events, and more.

The highly collaborative college leadership team includes the Principal, Vice Principal, Assistant Principal, Alumni and Development Manager, Chaplain and Solway Fellow, College Operations Manager, Curator, and Food and Beverage Manager. The VP maintains an intentional link with each colleague, providing continuity and big picture perspective to ensure the smooth day-to-day operation of University College.

As a partner in leadership with the Principal, the VP shepherds delivery of our college objectives, enlivens our shared vision and drives culture change. Specific admin responsibilities include coordinating the administrative team, monitoring a complex budget, coordinating college communications, facilitating college misconduct protocols, and managing student internships and employment.

The Vice Principal leads the College's multi-faceted and highly collaborative enrichment programme. This includes supporting the JCR and MCR, coordinating all new student induction activities, supporting internships, overseeing library and study space, facilitating prospective student visit days, and inspiring academic engagement programmes, all of which enable the University's current strategy of enabling a unique Wider Student Experience offer.

As the University's oldest College, Castle partners with a wide range of internal and external constituencies. The Vice Principal plays an important role in maintaining these relationships, including the Institute for Medieval and Early Modern Studies, Institute for Advanced Studies, International Office, World Heritage Site Senior Manager, local community partners/events, Castle Research Group and the DU World Heritage Site governance framework. Managing the complementary and competing demands for events and engagement here, both internally and externally, requires the VP's attention to ensure congruence with the college's co-curricular education focus and support castle access for the broader community.

Please note this role must be fulfilled onsite here at Durham Castle, which is part of the Durham Castle and Cathedral World Heritage Site and involves navigating historic staircases, cobbles and environmental controls.

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

Please note: We anticipate scheduling interviews on 15 September. We encourage early applications, as this role may close before the advertised deadline if a large number of applications are received.

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 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 although there will be some duty cover required as part of the on call rota during vacations

- 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.