Operations Assistant - Development and Alumni Relations Office Grade 4

Job Description

Job:
Operations Assistant – Development and Alumni Relations Office (DARO)

Location:

University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full‑time, Permanent. Grade:
4. Closing date: 1st June 2026.

Starting salary range: £27,546 to £29,171 with potential progression to £32,595.

Flexible working arrangements and a generous benefits package including 40 paid holiday days per year, one paid volunteering day, occupational sick pay, pension scheme, and subsidised day nurseries.

The Development and Alumni Relations Office (DARO) supports the University's academic and student community by engaging alumni, funders, and volunteers. The office has five teams focused on fundraising and volunteering.

The Operations Assistant provides operational and administrative support to DARO, including diary support, travel arrangements, financial administration, and assistance with alumni and donor campus visits. The post holder will manage a varied workload and assist the Office Manager with tasks as required.

• Support the Deputy Director and Associate Directors with diary management, event planning, financial administration, and day‑to‑day portfolio activity.
• Assist cross‑office fundraising teams with logistical arrangements for campus donor visits and ad‑hoc support.
• Book UK train travel and accommodation, and coordinate international travel requests with the Office Manager.
• Act as main point of contact for day‑to‑day office queries (maintenance, office supplies, post, etc.) and forward complex issues to the Office Manager.
• Serve as superuser for internal University systems, providing guidance and advice.
• Help maintain the office environment and assist with training such as fire warden and evacuation chair.
• Collaborate with the Office Manager to support staff inductions, interviews, and other operational processes.
• Support the administration of DARO sustainability initiatives.
• Take notes and support relevant committees and meetings as required.
• Maintain working relationships with key stakeholders.
• Support equality and diversity, and avoid discriminatory impact or bias.
• Perform any other duties reasonably expected by the Office Manager.

• GCSEs to a minimum of grade C/4 in English and Mathematics or equivalent Business Administration qualification.
• Strong attention to detail and high standards of accuracy.
• Ability to work independently and in a team, prioritising workload with minimal supervision.
• Problem‑solving ability, breaking down potential issues and suggesting improvements under supervision.
• Excellent IT skills, including proficiency with MS Office.
• Organisation skills and ability to multitask.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work with a diverse range of stakeholders courteously and with confidentiality.
• Willingness to pursue continuous professional development.
• Positive, adaptable, and flexible attitude when dealing with change.
• Good understanding of the UK HE sector.
• Understanding of equality and diversity in the workplace; ability to identify and respond to issues in line with relevant policies.

Line management and budget responsibility not required.

Manage and prioritise a varied workload to meet deadlines and maintain awareness of departmental activity.

Work under manager direction with autonomy to deliver required outputs, using existing policies and procedures.

Maintain good relationships with internal colleagues and external stakeholders.

Use of AI in applications:
We want to understand your genuine interest in the role and for the written elements of your application to accurately reflect your own communication style. Applications that rely too heavily on AI tools can appear generic and lack the detail we need to assess your skills and experience. Such applications will unlikely be progressed to interview.