CASUAL - Postgraduate Durham Student Ambassador

The University  At Durham University we are proud of our people. A globally outstanding centre of educational excellence, a collegiate community of extraordinary people, and a unique and historical 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 vast variety of roles and career opportunities, which together make us a large and successful community, that 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.

Job Description

The role involves promoting the University, your course, department and/or College to prospective students (pre-applicants, applicants and offer holders) via various in-person or online activities. Those carrying out this work are likely to be allocated to some of the tasks below, the tasks will be provided with full instructions and appropriate training delivered where required.

Responsibilities and requirements of the role;

1. Assist with in-person on-site postgraduate recruitment/conversion events, such as Open Days, Discover Durham Tours and Congregation in a range of roles including setting up and dismantling equipment, presenting, signposting, staffing stands and delivering campus tours. Additional opportunities to support undergraduate events such as Open Days and Post-Offer Visit Days.

2. Assist with digital recruitment and conversion activity such as online open days and department or college-led webinars.

3. Travel to and assist with external events such as “Postgraduate Live” fairs.

4. Produce content for blogs and vlogs such as video or written testimonials, quotes and webinars.

5. Become a Unibuddy and respond to prospective students’ messages and moderate forums.

6. Ad hoc: online research, printing signage, moving equipment, department/college activity, photoshoots, call campaigns and focus groups.

7. Provide mentoring to prospective students.

8. Escalate queries appropriately.

9. Complete all required training within 2 months of starting the role.

10. Monitor and reply promptly to emails from Ambassador Coordinator and other staff and arrive to work on time.

Person Specification

1. Currently a Durham University postgraduate student.

2. Ability to act as a role model for your course, College and the University.

3. Ability to enthuse groups and individuals about progression to postgraduate study.

4. Ability to deal with confidential information and sensitive situations.

5. An awareness of the process of applying to Durham University for postgraduate study.

6. An awareness of issues relating to progression to postgraduate study.

7. Demonstrate a non-judgmental and empathetic approach.

8. Be confident in dealing with a range of people including University staff and prospective students (and their influencers).

9. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills including the ability to present independently.

10. Ability to take initiative in challenging situations.

11. Willingness to work across different projects and engage with different opportunities offered in the role.

12. Represent Durham University positively at all times.

13. Ability and willingness to travel independently using public transport.

Key activity:

Event	Date
Progress to Postgrad (internal event)	November and February
Postgraduate Open Day	June
Undergraduate Open Days	June and September
Undergraduate Post-Offer Visit Days	March and April
Online Sessions	November, March, June/July

Video Task - for all video submissions, please forward them to Meghan Taylor at pg.ambassador@durham.ac.uk - your “talking head” video should NOT exceed 2 minutes.

This section will be used to test Person Specifications 3, 6, 7 & 12.
We encourage applications from a diverse range of backgrounds.

Record your responses to the following two questions in video format (talking head):

(Please start the recording by stating your name, the College you belong to and your department of study).

1. A potential applicant asks: “Durham seems great, but I just don’t know if it’s for me”. How would you answer?

2. Why do you want to be a Student Ambassador?

What you need to do to apply:

· Upload a cover letter using the template below to demonstrate how you fulfil the person specifications.

· Include a link to your talking heads video

· Include your hobbies and interests

Cover letter template:

Person Specification	How you meet this specification
1. Currently a Durham University postgraduate student.
2. Ability to act as a role model for your course, College and the University.
3. Ability to enthuse groups and individuals about progression to postgraduate study.
4. Ability to deal with confidential information and sensitive situations.
5. An awareness of the process of applying to Durham University for postgraduate study.
6. An awareness of issues relating to progression to postgraduate study.
7. Demonstrate a non-judgmental and empathetic approach.