Location: Birmingham, West Midlands, United Kingdom
Salary: £30,805 to £32,546 per annum
Grade: Grade 07
Contract Type: Fixed Term (until 31 January 2026)
Employment Basis: Full Time
Visa Sponsorship: Skilled Worker Visa Sponsorship Available
Application Deadline: 23:59 BST, Saturday 31 May 2025
Interview Date: To be confirmed
About Aston University and Design Factory Birmingham
Driving Innovation in Design and Enterprise
Design Factory Birmingham at Aston University is a leading-edge innovation hub fostering creativity and collaboration. Located in the heart of Birmingham, this facility unites students, researchers, industry professionals, and entrepreneurs to design and develop practical solutions to real-world challenges.
Aston University has recently secured funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to launch the Design Factory Shropshire initiative, and we are seeking a proactive and organised Project Officer to help bring this vision to life.
Role Overview: Project Officer, Design Factory Birmingham
Key Purpose of the Role
The Project Officer will support the operational delivery of the Design Factory Shropshire project by providing administrative, financial, and marketing support. You will work closely with the Design Factory team and report directly to the Design Factory Manager.
This role is ideal for a detail-oriented individual with strong organisational and communication skills who thrives in a dynamic and collaborative environment.
Key Responsibilities
Project Administration
- Manage day-to-day project operations ensuring compliance with university and funding guidelines.
- Assist in preparing reports and documentation for project tracking and assessment.
- Support the coordination of resources and scheduling of activities.
Financial Management
- Administer project budgets, purchase orders, and expense reports.
- Ensure accurate financial records are maintained in line with grant requirements.
- Liaise with the Finance Office to monitor project expenditure.
Event and Marketing Support
- Help plan, organise, and deliver workshops, networking events, and seminars.
- Support the development of promotional materials and digital content.
- Manage communication with stakeholders including students, industry partners, and academic teams.
Business Development Assistance
- Aid in identifying and engaging potential collaborators, clients, and stakeholders.
- Contribute to outreach activities promoting Design Factory services.
- Assist with data collection and impact reporting to stakeholders.
General Office Support
- Coordinate internal meetings and take minutes.
- Maintain databases, manage email correspondence, and support general office operations.
Qualifications and Experience
Essential Criteria
- Degree or equivalent experience in a relevant field.
- Strong administrative and organisational skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint).
- Experience working in a customer-facing role.
- Ability to manage time effectively and meet deadlines.
Desirable Criteria
- Experience working on grant-funded projects.
- Understanding of financial compliance within a public or academic setting.
- Familiarity with marketing tools and platforms.
- Event management experience.
Benefits of Working at Aston University
Competitive Salary and Leave
- Annual salary of £30,805 to £32,546 (Grade 07)
- 30 days of annual leave plus 13 additional University and bank holidays
Personal and Professional Development
- Access to training programs and professional development workshops
- Clear progression paths and performance reviews
Employee Discounts and Facilities
- Discounts on retail, travel, and leisure services
- On-site gym and swimming pool with subsidised membership
- Excellent transport links from across Birmingham and the West Midlands
Family-Friendly and Inclusive Policies
- Flexible working arrangements where applicable
- Strong focus on work-life balance
- Inclusive workplace culture supported by dedicated diversity and inclusion strategies
More on staff benefits and rewards: Aston University Staff Benefits
Skilled Worker Visa Sponsorship
Aston University is a licensed Skilled Worker visa sponsor. Although the salary for this role is below the general threshold, sponsorship may still be possible under the following conditions:
- Applicant is under 26 years old
- Applicant has held a Student or Graduate visa within the last 2 years
- Applicant currently holds a Tier 2 or Skilled Worker visa issued before 4 April 2024
If you meet any of these criteria and wish to explore sponsorship eligibility, contact the HR Immigration Team: hr_immigration@aston.ac.uk
Why Choose a Career at Aston University?
Inclusive and Empowering Work Culture
Aston University is committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion in all areas of employment. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and identities.
- Equal Opportunities Employer
- Active support for underrepresented groups
- Transparent recruitment and promotion procedures
- LGBTQ+ inclusive policies
For more information, visit: Inclusive Aston
Application Process
How to Apply
- Visit the official Aston University jobs portal
- Complete the online application form
- Submit supporting documents (CV, cover letter, references)
Need Assistance?
- Contact the recruitment team: recruitment@aston.ac.uk
- Request alternative formats if required for accessibility
Final Thoughts
This is a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in delivering an impactful design and innovation initiative in the West Midlands. If you’re passionate about administrative excellence, innovation in education, and working in a collaborative environment, we invite you to apply today.
Apply now and shape the future of design innovation at Aston University.