Leadership and Research Coordinator

The role and the department

This is a fixed-term, full-time, externally funded post. External funding has supported the Laidlaw Programme at Durham University for the last 10 years. Given the success of the programme, there is a possibility of future extension of the role; however, this will be dependent upon future funding received. Secondment applications are welcome, subject to approval from your current Line Manager.

The role holder will provide full administrative support to the Laidlaw Scholars Leadership & Research Programme as well as the Matariki Virtual Student Leadership Programme, supporting the Senior Manager in all aspects of programme delivery.

The Laidlaw Scholars Leadership & Research Programme is a two-year funded programme for undergraduate students dedicated to cultivating the next generation of ethical leaders who are not only skilled researchers, but also champions of integrity and evidence-based decision-making. The programme involves students undertaking independent research; leadership development and training; character development through the Oxford Character Project; and six weeks working with a community of need in a global setting.

The post holder will have responsibility for administering the programme. This may include recruiting scholars to the programme; assessing scholar eligibility; event management, including booking venues and travel and checking risk assessments;

maintaining accurate and detailed records of student outputs and expenses; supporting the creation of marketing materials, PowerPoint presentations and social media content; and undertaking the day-to-day financial recording of expenditure and reporting.

The Laidlaw Scholars Leadership & Research Programme is delivered by 21 universities globally. The post holder will be part of the wider network of administrators who support senior managers at their respective universities. As this is a global programme, the post holder will be required to work flexibly and professionally as part of a busy annual programme schedule. As the programme forms part of student enrichment, training days and events may require working outside normal 9-to-5 hours and at weekends.

In addition, the post holder will be required to attend events organised by the Laidlaw Foundation, typically held over three days and hosted at locations around the UK, with the possibility that future events may also be hosted in Europe. This will require occasional overnight stays away from Durham.

It is anticipated that supporting the Laidlaw Scholars Leadership & Research Programme will require 0.8 FTE of the role holder’s time. The remaining 0.2 FTE will be dedicated to supporting other leadership programmes, including the Matariki Virtual Student Leadership Programme, which will commence its pilot year in 2026–27.

What you are required to submit:

• A CV
• A supporting statement 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, please contact Chantelle Cumming, Senior Manager: chantelle.cumming@durham.ac.uk

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