PA to the Head of the School of the Physical Sciences
The Office of the School of the Physical Sciences is seeking an exceptional and highly organised Personal Assistant to provide dedicated support to the Head of the School of the Physical Sciences.
The Team
The School Office Team is a growing team with a broad remit ranging from Education, IT, HR and Finance through to Planning, Strategy and Change Management. Our primary role is to support our Departments and Institutions on a wide range of issues, plus engage with the University's central functions. We are led by Professor Nigel Peake, Head of School and Daniela Manca, Interim School Secretary. Our Education Agenda is led by Professor Deborah Longbottom, Director of Education and Professors Jess Gwynne and Oliver Shorttle, Deputy Directors of Education. We are based in the Mill Lane Offices in central Cambridge and our team works in a flexible, hybrid manner which allows a mix of office-based and home-based working.
About the Role
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide high-level administrative and organisational support to the Head of School, managing their diary, scheduling meetings, and handling correspondence.
- Act as the first point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, ensuring effective communication on behalf of the Head of School.
- Prepare and collate documents, reports, and presentations, ensuring accuracy and professionalism.
- Organise and coordinate events, meetings, and travel arrangements, including minute-taking and follow-ups.
- Manage confidential and sensitive information with discretion.
- Support wider School administrative functions as required, liaising with academic and professional services colleagues.
Essential Skills and Experience:
- Proven experience as a Personal Assistant or Executive Assistant, ideally in a higher education or research environment.
- Exceptional organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise tasks and work under pressure.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with excellent attention to detail.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other administrative tools.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team, demonstrating initiative and professionalism.
- A diplomatic and proactive approach to problem-solving and stakeholder engagement.
Desirable:
- Knowledge of the University of Cambridge's structure and administrative processes.
- Experience in supporting senior leadership within an academic or research institution.
This role offers an excellent opportunity to work closely with the Head of School and the School Office, supporting world-leading research and education. If you are an efficient and motivated professional with a passion for supporting senior leadership, we would love to hear from you.
In return we will offer you:
- Generous annual leave.
- A clear training plan, with supportive training being delivered by colleagues within the team.
- A Personal and Professional development plan to encourage future growth and access to various University training courses.
- The opportunity to network within the Student Services Centre and with Colleges, Departments and individuals across the wider University.
- A supportive, inclusive and engaging working environment.
Your application should clearly set out how you meet the criteria listed in the person specification (the skills and experience required for the role) along with relevant examples.
The role is a full time one, but we would be prepared to discuss, with a suitably qualified candidate, whether there was scope for working at slightly less than full time or to work flexibly around childcare or other commitments.
The University of Cambridge is committed to supporting our staff to thrive both professionally and personally. The School Office aims to support our staff to achieve a better work/life balance, whilst retaining the positive aspects of our unique in-person environment and culture. Within that there is scope to explore whether this role could be worked in a hybrid way. This is an open ended position subject to probation.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
If you have any questions about the application process, please contact physicalsciences@admin.cam.ac.uk
Please quote reference LA45212 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.