Gemma Banks Email and Phone Number

I manage the international, SSCI-listed journal, Educational Review - a leading generalist education journal published by Routledge and edited from the University of Birmingham's School of Education - by identifying journal development opportunities and carrying out research to identify publication trends. Working closely with the editor, I also manage the day-to-day administrative needs of the journal and key relationships between the Editorial Board, the Publisher and journal contributors.

I am responsible for the management of social media channels relating to the Journal of Global Security Studies (JoGSS), a journal of the International Studies Association (ISA), published by Oxford University Press. In addition to monitoring the social media feeds and responding to enquiries, I proactively source content, promote articles and disseminate journal news, enhancing engagement through the use of media, hashtags, account handles and adaptive communication styles. Striving to increase the journal’s reach, visibility and engagement, I work with the editors, editorial board members and publisher, to ensure that the social media strategy aligns with broader objectives and directions of journal development.

I provide support to authors and editors throughout the submission process, for instance by offering technical support on the submission portal, processing submissions, and proofing accepted manuscripts. I also help to promote the journal across social media and in other formats.

I have taught first- and second-year undergraduates on a range of English Literature modules, in group sizes of up to 25 students. In addition to designing engaging workshop activities and delivering key content, my role involved facilitating discussion; classroom management; and providing verbal and written feedback. I also supported the development of students’ communication by creatively designing and delivering workshops within the Academic Writing Advisory Service.

My duties included maintaining a safe, secure and pleasant environment for clients and visitors; professionally managing face-to-face and telephone enquiries; and ensuring that the business ran efficiently, for instance by producing resources and arranging shift cover when necessary. Other tasks included filing, correspondence, and project work, as well as operating a small shop.

I was responsible for the day-to-day administration of a busy office with a commitment to excellent client service. I handled enquiries, maintained the organisation’s website and social media outlets, placed orders, took deliveries, and managed invoices. I also supervised a team of administrative volunteers, supporting their development and delegating tasks.

I was responsible for the welfare of over 60 students in a University Hall of Residence, assisting them with queries and issues, and delivering campaigns on such topics as personal safety and finance. I also managed a team of mentors, delivering training where necessary, organising weekly meetings, and ensuring consistent commitment and motivation. When the Mentor Scheme was restructured, I worked from the dedicated Mentor Welfare Office to assist students with issues submitted via phone, email, or in person, often liaising with other University support services.