12-month temporary contract Equivalent salary £33500 - £34790| Potential temp to perm

A newly created role with the opportunity to build a long-term career. We are looking for someone with solid administrative, PA or executive support experience who genuinely enjoys being part of a team. Great opportunity to join a busy, prestigious higher education institution supporting a high-profile executive. You will work alongside an experienced Executive Assistant who is keen to share her knowledge and welcome someone into the team.

This is a brand-new position, created because the demands of the office have grown. You will be joining an established and supportive Executive Assistant, working together to ensure the Dean and senior academic colleagues receive an excellent level of support. If you enjoy administration, like taking responsibility and would welcome the chance to develop your experience into a Executive Assistant role or Personal Assistant this is a rare opportunity to do so.

Although initially offered as a 12-month temporary contract, there is the possibility of the position becoming permanent.

What will you be doing?

You will work closely with the Executive Assistant, sharing responsibilities and helping to keep a busy office organised and running smoothly.

Your work will include:

• Coordinating diaries, meetings and appointments.
• Managing emails, enquiries and correspondence.
• Welcoming visitors, including senior academics and high-profile external guests.
• Organising meetings, events, hospitality and refreshments.
• Arranging travel, itineraries and expenses.
• Coordinating student appointments with the Dean.
• Liaising with colleagues across the institution and external contacts.
• Supporting other senior academic colleagues with administrative requirements.
• Taking responsibility for day-to-day office administration when the Executive Assistant is not working.

There will be plenty of variety, opportunities to learn and scope to take on greater responsibility as you become familiar with the role.

Who would enjoy this role?

You will need to be organised, confident and comfortable working in a busy environment where priorities can change.

Just as importantly, you will be someone who takes the initiative, enjoys solving problems, communicates well and is happy to get involved in whatever needs doing.

A friendly personality, a good sense of humour and the ability to build positive working relationships will go a long way.

You will also need good Microsoft Office skills, particularly Outlook, and an understanding of the importance of discretion and confidentiality.

You do not need previous university experience. We are interested in your practical experience, your attitude and what you can bring to the role.

Location and working arrangements

The position is based in central London, within easy reach of public transport.

You will work 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

There is flexibility to work from home, but this will depend on the Dean's schedule. When the Dean is on campus, you will be expected to be in the office. This could mean five days on site in some weeks and approximately three in others.

Candidates should therefore be comfortable with a flexible hybrid arrangement rather than expecting fixed home-working days.

What makes this opportunity attractive?

• A newly created position: The opportunity to establish yourself in a role that has been introduced to meet a genuine business need.
• Potential long-term prospects: An initial 12-month contract with the possibility of becoming permanent.
• A supportive working relationship: You will work alongside an experienced Executive Assistant who is keen to share her knowledge.
• An interesting environment: Exposure to senior academics, international visitors and a wide range of activities.
• Professional development: Opportunities to learn new systems, develop your skills and gain valuable executive office experience.
• A central London location: Working within a respected and internationally recognised higher education environment.

Interested?

Please apply with your CV to Gray Recruitment Specialists.

Gray & Associates is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity.