Overview

Are you a senior administrative manager looking to use your skills to develop an international research organization? The Design Research Society is looking for someone with initiative and energy to help grow an already successful organization. This is a flexible, part-time position.

Location: UK based, work from home, with own IT equipment. As an international Society we operate online for our day-to-day activity.

Salary: £15K (0.33fte), equivalent to an annual, full-time salary of £45K. 

Contract: Freelance or permanent, with 6-month probation period and progress reviewed annually thereafter.

Role Summary

The DRS Administration Manager provides support to the Executive Board of the DRS (and Society membership) to ensure the smooth operation and growth of the Society. The role involves aspects of planning, administration, project management, and finance. Recent years have seen a significant restructuring of operations in planning for future growth, so the tasks of the role are expected to evolve as key strategic aims are met. Although the Society has a broad international membership, this a UK only based role.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide support to the Executive Board of the DRS on all projects and activities and to liaise and support the Chair and members of the International Advisory Council
• Meet regularly with the Chair of the Executive Board to agree ongoing work;
• Be responsible for the finances of the Society including monitoring payment systems, processing staff salaries, and preparing annual accounts;
• Administer Annual DRS elections and general meetings of the Society;
• Prepare relevant reports for the Executive Board;
• Work with the Executive Board and external advisors to deliver annual returns to Companies House and the Charity Commission;
• Provide support and liaison for major events such as DRS conferences;
• Support in the administration of DRS award schemes (student bursaries and fellowships);
• Ensure that all records are up to date, including policies and procedures;
• Coordinate with web platform administrators (website, social media, technical support);
• Work effectively with the DRS Online Editor, and the DRS Publications and Archives Editor.

Person Specification

We are looking for candidates with the following qualities: 

Essential

• A Further Education qualification or equivalent professional experience;  
• Experience of strategic planning and management of charities;
• Experience in preparing annual reports and accounts;
• Excellent planning and time-management ability;
• Confident and reliable under pressure;
• Experience of administering online platforms (e.g. Zoom);
• Experience of coordinating events;
• An understanding of the Higher Education environment;
• Excellent teamwork, interpersonal and communication skills;
• Proactive, flexible, responsive, strategic, and professional approach;
• A commitment to equal opportunities and inclusive practices.

Desirable

• A Higher education, project management, or accountancy qualification;
• Experience of working in Higher Education;
• Experience of Design Research and/or associated fields;
• Ability to travel to international events if appropriate.