Assistant Principal (Job Number: 25001166)
John Snow College
Grade 7: - £38,784 - £46,049 per annum
Open-Ended/Permanent - Full Time
Contracted Hours per Week: 35
Working Arrangements: In person, primarily in college or at annex college sites, some home working by agreement with line manager but this will be infrequent
Closing Date: 15-Sep-2025, 5:59:00 PM
Disclosure and Barring Service Requirement: Please note that the successful applicant will require DBS disclosure. Further info: https://bit.ly/3DP5K8y

WHAT YOU NEED TO DEMONSTRATE WHEN YOU APPLY/PERSON SPECIFICATION

When you apply it is important that you let us know what skills/experience you have from a similar role and/or what skills/experience you have which would make you right for this role. Further information about the role and responsibilities is at the end of this job description. Where a criteria has an asterisk* next to it, it may be given additional weighting when your application is considered.
Your application should cover the following criteria:

QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE

1. Educated to degree level (or equivalent experience).
2. Professional practitioner with knowledge and expertise in the delivery and development of student support and wellbeing within the organisation.
3. Experience of implementing policies and procedures and supporting change and service improvements.
4. Experience of providing specialist advice and guidance to a range of customers and colleagues, including more senior colleagues.
5. Experience of participating in internal or external networks to share and discuss good practice, develop strong and productive working relationships and positively influence the University’s reputation.
6. Experience of managing and developing a team or teams and/or line management qualification.

SKILLS/ABILITIES/KNOWLEDGE

1. Excellent spoken and written communication skills including the ability to develop effective working relationships, both internally and externally.
2. Strong digital competence across a range of digital devices and apps including digital communication tools, Microsoft 365 applications, business systems.
3. Committed to continuing professional development to maintain professional recognition.
4. Knowledge and experience of ensuring compliance with regulatory and organisational policy and guidelines.
5. Ability to solve problems and decide on and plan appropriate solutions.

THE ROLE AND DEPARTMENT

The Colleges Division includes the 15 Maintained College and this role will be based in John Snow College, a modern, progressive College in the newest site of the Durham colleges portfolio. John Snow is a large college with a multi-disciplinary community constituting over 1500 undergraduates and postgraduate students. Around 500 students live in College, or college accomodation. The College works closely with its student common rooms to deliver an enriching student experience that is meaningful for all of its students. It also has a growing Senior Common Room and alumni community, both of which contribute to the life of the College. Our college aim is to ensure students have an outstanding time at Durham. At the heart of College life are sports for every skill level, societies ranging from the serious to pure fun, a focus on the performing arts, including our own theatre company and a range of brilliant events year-round, from balls and gowned formal dinners to quizzes and live music nights.
The post-holder will be involved in a wide range of activities aimed at furthering the College and University strategy, especially in relation to the effective administration of the college.
We are now inviting applications for the permanent post of Assistant Principal at John Snow College. Reporting to the Principal and Vice-Principal, the post-holder will be an integral and visible member of the College community, helping to foster a stimulating and supportive environment in the College for academic study, social interaction, and student enrichment. They will lead on the student support and wellbeing provision within the College, being the primary point of contact for the College’s students and will provide them with face-to-face student support services. The post-holder will also support pro-active wellbeing initiatives within the College, working closely with the JCR and Welfare Officers. The Assistant Principal will work closely with the Vice-Principal on the annual admissions process, and lead on creating a supportive welcoming environment for our open days and support of outreach program. This post is a full-time role with line management responsibility for the Assistant Student Support Officers.
The successful candidate will be a friendly and motivated individual with a passion to see students from diverse backgrounds progress academically, overcome challenges, and develop as mature, well-rounded individuals equipped to engage with difference. They will be an effective communicator with a strong sense of professionalism and a champion of the College’s values, creating an inclusive environment for all students within the vision, mission and ethos of John Snow College.
Further information about the role and the responsibilities is at the bottom of this job description.