CASUAL - Communications Assistant

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.

Role

Responsibilities

Communications Assistant

Casual rate

Under instruction and following appropriate training:

• Proactively seek news stories and engagement opportunities from relevant stakeholders
• Create content for various communication methods, consulting with colleagues before publishing/posting where necessary
• Develop and maintain communication tools, which may include the department’s social media accounts and internal and external webpages associated to the department
• Develop communication templates for use within the department, for example emails, webpages and social media posts

This role is open to Durham University students only. Please note, the post holder must be enrolled on a degree course for the 2026/27 year. The application window may close earlier if a large number of applications are received.

The role will involve working within the Department of English Studies to promote its events and other research-related activities to public and academic audiences, through the use of practical marketing and evaluation tools, including social media.

The role is for 5 hours per week. Respecting the varying demands of your studies and the social media calendar, this can be averaged out in discussion with the Department's Digital Coordinator (i.e. you may work a little more in one week to work less a subsequent week, or vice versa). You will need to be available to work during vacation periods outside of term time. The job can be done remotely so there is no requirement to be on campus during this period.

The job is subject to a probation period of one month initially.

Essential Requirements

1. An interest in marketing and communications

2. Experience of using social media for marketing and communications, such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter/X

3. Competent user of Microsoft Office packages, plus searching the internet for information and the use of email

4. Design and content creation skills, and understanding of effective visual design for online audiences

5. Ability to interpret academic research in English Literature and communicate key messages in an appropriate way

6. Knowledge of the most relevant audiences, channels and influencers likely to be interested in English Literature content

7. Excellent written and verbal communication skills

8. Good organisation skills and the ability to pay close attention to detail

9. Ability to quickly establish effective working relationships with staff

10. Ability to stay calm whilst under pressure

11. An appreciation of the need for confidentiality and protection of information and data, and of the basic principles of copyright and intellectual property

12. Reliable, punctual, professional and enthusiastic

13. Ability to work effectively as part of a team and on own initiative

To apply for the role please complete the online application process, uploading a copy of your CV and covering letter evidencing how you meet each of the essential requirements.