Job Title: Schools Liaison Administrator

Job title: Schools Liaison Administrator

Post No: EE5007

Reports to: Deputy School Administration Manager (Systems, Information and Development)

Department: School of Education

Location: Falmer

Grade: 4

Purpose of the role

To undertake the administration of schools liaison for Initial Teacher Education (ITE) courses in the College of Social Sciences, for the full range of ITE programmes including primary, secondary and further education and training (FET) courses. To maintain contact with schools regarding school experience placements and to support the School Placement, Employability and Alumni Officer in overseeing the financial control systems for schools liaison on behalf of the Deputy Head of School (Placements).

Line management responsibility for: Not applicable

Main areas of responsibility:

·  To provide full administrative and secretarial support for partnership activities, including typing correspondence and reports; preparing handbooks, documentation and other materials as appropriate; ensuring that records are kept of all placements offered and their subsequent confirmation; servicing meetings as necessary etc.

·  To act as a first and major point of contact for schools, university staff (particularly programme leaders, link tutors and subject tutors) and students with reference to schools liaison enquiries, providing initial guidance and advice on the procedures governing school experience placements and receiving and pursuing required documentation and reports from tutors, students and schools as necessary.

·  To maintain and develop the school’s link with schools and colleges as appropriate, negotiating with schools on routine matters such as payments for placements, referring schools to the School Placements, Employability and Alumni Officer or Deputy Head of School (Partnerships), as appropriate.

·  To administer the placing of students in schools to fulfil the requirements of their courses, in liaison with academic staff, especially programme leaders, link tutors and subject tutors.

·  To gather, evaluate and collate information required for the production of an annual report on schools liaison and other monitoring and evaluation activities, and to draft these reports.

·  To arrange and administer training events, which include sourcing and making arrangements with external venues, liaising with schools and colleges, and arranging for payments.

·  To support the School Placement, Employability and Alumni Officer in developing, maintaining and administering the financial records system for schools liaison.

·  To provide regular financial information, liaising with the School Placement, Employability and Alumni Officer, Deputy Head of School (Partnerships) and School Administration Manager, drawing attention to any irregularities.

General responsibilities

These are standard to all University of Brighton job descriptions.

·  To undertake other duties appropriate to the grade and character of work as may be reasonably required, including specific duties of a similar or lesser grade.

·  To adhere to the University’s Equality and Diversity Policy in all activities, and to actively promote equality of opportunity wherever possible.

·  To be responsible for your own health and safety and that of your colleagues, in accordance with the Health and Safety at Work Act.

·  To work in accordance with the Data Protection Act.

The person specification focuses on the knowledge, qualifications, experience and skills (both general and technical) required to undertake the role effectively. Please ensure that your application demonstrates how you meet the essential criteria. You will be assessed by your completed application form (A), at interview (I) and in some instances through an exercise (E).

Essential criteria / A, I, E
Knowledge / ·  evidence of a high level of analytical, communication and problem-solving ability to maintain and develop links with schools and answer student queries;
·  knowledge of how to develop and maintain effective office systems;
·  numerate with attention to detail and accuracy;
·  familiarity with Word or other word-processing software;
·  competence with using spreadsheets and databases;
·  familiarity with effective basic office procedures;
·  knowledge of relevant customer service standards including effective telephone use;
·  knowledge of relevant health and safety requirements. / A, I, E
Communication / ·  understands the information needs of others;
·  able to communicate information in an understandable way orally and in writing, as suitable to the situation;
·  the ability to negotiate effectively with a wide range of clients, from university staff and students to senior managers in schools. / A, I
Sensitivity / ·  listens well and understands the needs of others;
·  approachability and the flexibility to respond to emergencies or unforeseen events. / A, I
Self-motivation / ·  has a record of successful performance at an appropriate level of responsibility;
·  sets and meets objectives on own initiative;
·  is committed to continuous self-development. / A, I
Teamwork / ·  flexible, co-operative and helpful;
·  respects ideas and expertise of others;
·  appreciates own strengths and weaknesses. / A, I
Organisation / ·  works systematically;
·  uses time efficiently and meets priorities and deadlines with a minimum of supervision;
·  the ability to identify and schedule priorities and to implement appropriate follow-up action. / A, I, E
Response to Change / ·  prepares and plans self and others for change;
·  adaptable;
·  interested in learning and investigation. / A, I
Desirable / ·  familiarity with Filemaker Pro/Access or similar database.
·  familiarity with SITS/E-Vision or similar student record system.
·  understanding of the higher education environment, particularly schools liaison or teacher training.
·  experience of servicing meetings and preparing reports.
·  knowledge of the complexities of modular courses.
·  understanding of student problems and priorities: this might come from employment in an educational institution or from having been a student. / A, I

·  Any appointment is generally made at the bottom of the salary range for the grade dependent upon experience and previous salary.

·  This is a full time post and is fixed term for one year.

·  Annual leave entitlements are shown in the table below and increase after 5 years’ service. In addition, to the eight Bank Holidays, there are university discretionary days between Christmas and New Year. All leave, including bank holidays and discretionary days, are pro-rated for part time employees.

Grades / Basic entitlement per year / Grades / After 5 years’ service
1-3 / 23 days / 1-3 / 28 days
4-7 / 25 days / 4-7 / 30 days
8-9 / 27 days / 8-9 / 30 days

·  More information about the department/school can be found here Professional Services Departments or here Academic departments (schools and colleges)

·  Read the University’s 2016 - 2021 Strategy

·  The University has an attractive range of benefits and you can find more information about them on our website