PA to Head of College

Job Purpose

The post-holder is responsible for providing executive support to the Head of College. The post-holder must have the ability to work in a busy environment and cope with conflicting demands as the position requires a significant amount of initiative and personal responsibility.

The post-holder will act as Personal Assistant (PA) to the Head of College and provide support for the effective administration of the College Office. The post-holder’s role will involve liaison with the College Director of Operations, College/University Officers and internal and external agencies. The working relationship between the PA and the Head of College is of paramount importance to the success of the College and its efficient operation.

The post-holder will deal with people at all levels of University staff and students. The post-holder will be involved in gathering and collating information on specific projects to be reviewed by the Head of School, developing and managing complex and administrative information systems and proactively ensuring that the work is successfully completed to deadline.

Person Specification

• Significant previous experience in a similar senior secretarial role and strong interpersonal and organisational skills, with the ability and flexibility to successfully prioritise and address a demanding workload.
• Good general education, at least to GCE A-level or equivalent professional experience and evidence of continuing professional development or further learning.
• Proficient in the use of other computer software including: E-mail, power point for presentation production, spreadsheets and databases (i.e. Excel, Access).
• Experience of line managing a complex and diverse team.
• Experience of managing budgets especially with regards to annual budgeting and forecasting.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, dealing with staff at all levels within the University and with external organisations, and able to demonstrate a tactful and confident approach at all times.
• A high level of discretion in dealing with confidential matters.
• The ability to assimilate large amounts of disparate information and to analyse and make judgements relating to complex subject matters.
• Accuracy and attention to detail, a ‘can do’ attitude, and the ability to work independently and on own initiative.
• Well developed organisational abilities e.g. ability to implement, maintain and initiate changes to office procedures, keep accurate records and produce status or progress reports.
• Ability to work on own initiative, manage time effectively, progress tasks concurrently and work to deadlines
• Ability to research issues of a national and international nature.