About

• 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

• The Role and the Department

• As a Department the Student Enrichment Directorate is striving to play a pivotal role in developing, delivering and transforming a Wider Student Experience that is as impactful as anything in the world. We remain steadfast in our core commitment to accelerating the growth of far-reaching and market-leading programmes across performance, participation, and community outreach, whilst fostering a culture that safeguards academic excellence. We are guided by the belief that an investment in the Wider Student Experience is ultimately an investment in the quality of graduates that the University produces and are motivated by the opportunity to engage and inspire the next generation of talent. In doing so, we feel confident that we are making a positive contribution to the development of rounded, global citizens.
• Sport
• Durham University is one of Europe’s leading sport universities and has been ranked as Britain’s Number 1 Team Sport University since 2013. In the autumn of 2019, the University completed the construction of a £32m Sports & Wellbeing Park, adding to a prior investment, on the same site, of £8m in 2012.
• Strength and Conditioning
• Durham University has an established high performance athlete support programme aimed at providing exceptional services to student athletes. Strength and conditioning is a crucial component of the programme and the post holder will be part of a team of coaches providing a service that meets the requirements of student athletes and sport specific programme leads.

• Working at Durham

A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University: you will also receive access to the following fantastic benefits

• • 27 Days annual leave per year in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year – a total of 39 days per 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.
• • Lots of support for health and wellbeing including discounted membership for our state of the art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme.
• • On site nursery is available and children’s clubs in the summer holidays.
• • Family friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, which are among the most generous in the higher education sector (and likely above and beyond many employers).
• • There is 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.
• • The opportunity to take part in staff volunteering activities to make a difference in the local community
• • Discounts are available via our benefits portal including; money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products such as Apple, the cinema and days out at various attractions.
• • We offer generous pension schemes.

• 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.

• What you need to demonstrate when you apply

To be considered for this role, here are the skills/experience we’re looking for

• Qualifications/Experience
• 1. Five GCSE’s at least Grade C or level four (or equivalent) including English Language and Mathematics or equivalent experience.
• 2. Experience of working in a team.
• 3. Experience of managing time to meet deadlines and working under pressure without compromising on quality.
• 4. Strength and conditioning specific qualification (e.g., BWLA, YMCA).
• 5. Ability to work towards full UKSCA accreditation within 12 months.
• Skills/Abilities/Knowledge
• 6. Good spoken and written communication skills.
• 7. Good digital skills including experience in using digital devices and apps including the internet, email, digital communication tools, Microsoft 365 applications.
• 8. Knowledge of, and ability to, teach Olympic lifting techniques.
• 9. Knowledge of, and ability to, coach speed and agility in a team-based setting.
• 10. Understanding of anti-doping regulations and their application within different sports.
• 11. Committed to continuing professional development.
• 12. Ability to solve problems and resolve straightforward issues yourself and as part of a team.

Desirable Criteria

• 13. Undergraduate and/or postgraduate degree in strength and conditioning/sports science.
• 14. Experience of working in a multi-disciplinary support team (e.g., S&C, medical, technical sport coach).
• 15. Experience of working with disability athletes.
• 16. An understanding of the needs of coaches and athletes in university sport.
• 17. Knowledge of the British University sports structure.
• 18. Experience of mentoring athletes.
• 19. First aid certificate/qualification.
• How to apply

• To progress to the assessment stage, candidates must evidence each of the essential criteria required for the role in the person specification above. Where there are desirable criteria we would also urge you to provide any relevant evidence. Please don’t forget to check if there is any weighted criteria (see above).

• While some criteria will be considered at the shortlisting stage, other criteria may be considered later in the assessment process, such as questions at interview.

• Submitting your application

• We prefer to receive applications online. We will update you about your application at various points during the process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to ensure you receive all emails

What you are required to submit

• • A CV
• • A covering letter which shows examples of how you meet all of the criteria within the Person Specification
• Contact details

• If you would like to have a chat or ask any questions about the role, Luke Southgate would be happy to speak to you. luke.southgate@durham.ac.uk

• Typical Role Requirements
• Here are the kind of activities that you’ll be asked to undertake and ways in which you’ll be expected to operate.

• Service Delivery
• · Show a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and the University’s values.
• · Assisting in the development and delivery of strength and conditioning programmes for identified Tier 1 and Tier 2 sports clubs.
• · Provide a first point of contact for identified Team Durham Club Captains and individual athletes requiring additional strength and conditioning support.
• · Deliver group and individual sessions/programmes to athletes within the Durham Institute of Sport programme.
• · Deliver group and individual sessions/programmes to athletes within the Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme programme.
• · Promote positive wellbeing arrangements which benefit you and your team.
• · When carrying out your role, use and apply relevant professional and regulatory standards such as using correct lifting techniques and appropriate use of equipment.
• · Providing mentorship to interns/placement students.
• · Understand and apply recognised industry standards to enhance the level of service being delivered.
• Teamwork
• · Help your colleagues to organise, plan and prepare for strength and conditioning coaching sessions and contribute to team planning activities.
• · Resolve queries and respond to requests for information and advice and bring any complex issues to the attention of more experienced team members.
• · Help your team ensure that products and services are adapted in response to feedback and to meet changing demands.
• Communication/Liaison
• · Seek feedback from students, staff and anyone else that you come across as part of your role on their requirements from your service to ensure that their reasonable expectations are being met.
• · Collect, organise and record data and information accurately and provide reports and analysis to sport specific coaches and broader support team.
• · Liaise with staff in other areas to ensure that services are being delivered in an efficient and collaborative way.
• · Liaise with external suppliers, contractors, specialists and service providers.
• · Provide support for meetings, working groups and committees, such as preparing and sending documents for meetings.
• · Liaise with external suppliers, contractors, specialists and service providers to plan the delivery of services and events.
• · Any other reasonable duties.
• Useful links
• If you would like further information you may find the following will help
• https://www.durham.ac.uk/colleges-and-student-experience/team-durham/

• Please note that in submitting your application Durham University will be processing your data. We would ask you to consider the relevant University Privacy Statement Privacy Notices - Durham University which provides information on the collation, storing and use of data.

• When appointing to this role the University must ensure that it meets any applicable immigration requirements, including salary thresholds which are applicable to some visas.