Curriculum Assistant (Technical Specialist Support)
Advert Reference Number: 528
Job Location: Milton Keynes, Remote/Hybrid
Department: Curriculum Strategy & Governance
Salary: £26,642 to £29,659
Closing Date: 28 January 2025
Weekly Working Hours: 25.5
Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract
Fixed Term Contract End Date: 12 months
About the Role
This role is based within the Curriculum Support Team within the Faculty of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. The main purpose of this role is to provide administrative and clerical support for the production and presentation of modules and other curriculum products, acting as a contact point for internal and external queries.
You will work with other members of the Curriculum Support Team and academic staff in delivering innovative and inclusive curriculum products within STEM. You will be ensuring that module materials are prepared according to appropriate formats and standard module styles using agreed templates. You will be typesetting a wide range of high-quality teaching material including diagrams, tables and mathematical notation, receiving additional training in using LaTeX, XML structured content and the associated packages specific to the role.
The team of curriculum assistants work in a very supportive environment and supporting training on LaTeX, XML structured content and the associated packages and systems will be provided. This post therefore provides an opportunity to gain valued new skills, or to put such skills into practice for those with relevant previous experience, and thus to make a significant contribution to highly successful parts of the OU’s curriculum.
The role will be hybrid working. The ideal expectation would be to attend Milton Keynes Campus at least one day per week, however, we are open to discussions about flexibility on working location.
Key Responsibilities
1. In liaison with Curriculum Managers and Academic Staff, ensure that module materials and other documents are prepared according to appropriate formats using agreed templates and that principles of version control are adhered to.
2. Create, edit, maintain and style documents in LaTeX and associated packages, including diagrams, tables and mathematical notation.
3. Create, edit, and maintain documents in the OU’s Structured Content system, including conversion into structured content from LaTeX or other sources.
4. Provide assistance in the preparation and updating of websites.
5. Take responsibility for the storage and sharing of material, including confidential items, in accordance with University regulations.
6. Maintain awareness of developments in the relevant systems and packages, undertake appropriate training and to contribute to discussions about such developments and associated processes and practices.
7. Interact with and update relevant Faculty/University systems.
8. Be a contact point for internal and external queries (using VOICE) and information storage and retrieval for a number of modules.
9. Be an adaptable, responsive and fully participating member of the team; undertake a variety of duties and work practices as required by the Line Manager.
10. Undertake a range of administrative tasks as directed by the Curriculum Support Team, such as respond to emails, liaise with other areas of the University and externally as required, be willing to organise meetings and other events such as tutor briefings; manage mailings and ensure that appropriate arrangements are followed up.
The role could also include elements of the following:
1. Monitoring external websites for instances of inappropriate inclusion of OU content etc.
2. Assisting with copyright applications, maintaining complete records of all copyright applications and associated costs.
Other expectations
1. Co-operate with the Open University in ensuring as far as is necessary, that Statutory Requirements, Codes of Practice, University Policies and Departmental Health and Safety arrangements are complied with.
2. Adhere to the University’s principles and practice of equality, diversity and inclusion.
3. Undertake appropriate staff development; proactively keeping own skills up to date in order to meet business needs and technological developments.
4. Take reasonable care of the Health and Safety of themselves and that of any other person who may be affected by your acts or omissions at work.
Skills and Experience
Essential
* GCSE Grade C/4 standard or equivalent in English and in mathematics.
* Willingness to use LaTeX, XML structured content and associated packages and systems, and to continue to update your skills.
* Ability to create and manage documentation, including storage, retrieval, and version control, using both new and existing methods and systems whilst maintaining confidentiality where necessary.
* Previous IT experience in an office environment, including proven word processing skills and use of a variety of systems and applications.
* Oral and written communication skills appropriate for delivery of the role.
* High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
* Excellent organisational skills, ability to manage own workload within given deadlines, ability to respond quickly to changing priorities, to take on other work to achieve overall priorities and to deliver against agreed timescales.
* Willingness to try to find solutions for problems if they arise.
* Work effectively alone and with a range of other staff.
* A commitment to equal opportunities principles and practice.
Desirable
* Previous successful experience of applying style sheets/templates.
* Previous successful experience of using LaTeX and/or XML structured content or oXygen XML writing software.
* Previous successful experience in a similar role.
Essential Requirements
To apply for this role please submit the following:
* CV and personal statement, up to 1,000 words, you should set out in your personal statement why you’re interested in this role and provide examples of where your skills and experience meet the essential and desirable criteria for this role as detailed above, and in the full job description.
Flexible working
We are open to discussions about flexible working. Whether it’s a part time, compressed hours or another working arrangement. Please reach out to us to discuss what works best for you.
Early Close: We reserve the right to close adverts sooner than the closing date.
Contact us
If you have any queries or questions about the recruitment process, or regarding your application, please contact: Careers@open.ac.uk.
The Open University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion which is reflected in our mission to be open to people, places, methods and ideas. We aim to foster a diverse and inclusive environment so that all in our OU community can reach their potential.
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