Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Director of External Relations with high-level administrative tasks and manage daily priorities.
- Company: Join the University of Sunderland, a top 50 UK university with a vibrant, inclusive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, hybrid working, generous leave, and discounts on health and lifestyle.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team impacting student recruitment and community engagement in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Personal Assistant with strong organisational and communication skills is essential.
- Other info: This part-time role offers 18.5 hours per week with a focus on work-life balance.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 ÂŁ per year.
About the University of Sunderland
The University of Sunderland offers life-changing opportunities for 27,500 students across its campuses in Sunderland, London, Hong Kong, and through global partnerships with learning institutions in 19 countries. We are proud to be a top 50 UK university (Guardian University Guide 2024), with top-quality facilities, inclusive culture, and our vibrant, ever-changing city. The University of Sunderland is in an exciting phase of its development with a new vision and redefined strategic ambitions designed to take advantage of the ever-changing higher education landscape at home and overseas. External Relations plays a central role in delivering the University’s objectives – working with both internal and external stakeholders to support student recruitment and build reputation.
About the role
We’re seeking a highly professional and experienced Personal Assistant to provide dedicated executive-level support to Kath MacLeod, Director of External Relations. In this pivotal role, you’ll act as Kath’s right hand, managing day-to-day responsibilities and delivering a seamless, high-quality administrative service. Your support will be essential in helping Kath lead a dynamic and wide-reaching portfolio. The External Relations team plays a vital role in achieving the University’s strategic goals, particularly in student recruitment and reputation-building.
What you can bring
- You’ll have solid experience providing high-level, confidential support in a Personal Assistant role, with the ability to manage diaries and day-to-day priorities with confidence and care.
- Your strengths will include:
- Excellent organisational and forward-planning skills
- A keen eye for detail and a proactive, can-do attitude
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with a focus on delivering great service
- Proficiency in IT and administrative systems, particularly Microsoft Office and Outlook
What we can offer you
Our University is not just a place of academic excellence, but also a community that embraces inclusivity and support. We value our staff and offer a rewarding package that goes beyond just salary. At the University of Sunderland, we prioritise not only your professional growth but also your happiness and well-being. Enjoy a generous annual leave entitlement of 31 days, along with an additional 5 closure days over the Christmas break and 8 Bank Holidays. Enrolment into our pension scheme, ensuring your financial security for the future. Access to our “My Lifestyle Benefits Platform”, where you can enjoy online discounts at hundreds of retailers every day. Plus, take advantage of exclusive schemes that allow you to purchase a new car, bike, or technology at a discounted rate. Your health and well-being are important to us. That’s why we provide access to discounted private medical insurance, health cash plans, and guidance on financial well-being. Maintaining an active lifestyle is made easy with discounted membership for CitySpace Fitness, our state-of-the-art facility for sports and social activities.
Equality, diversity & inclusion
We strongly believe that an inclusive university, where a diverse range of individuals feel valued and have equal opportunity to get into work and reach their potential, is good for our staff, students, university, and society. Our work on equality, diversity and inclusivity has never been more important. We believe inclusivity is an essential value at the heart of what we do, and we want all our staff to be part of that journey with us. Our recent staff survey conducted in 2023 showed that 97% of our staff believed that we were committed to achieving an inclusive university.
The closing date for applications is Sunday 6 July (23.59 GMT). Interview date TBC. For informal enquiries, please contact Kath MacLeod, Director of External Relations - katherine.macleod@sunderland.ac.uk.
Personal Assistant to Director of External Relations employer: University of Sunderland
Contact Detail:
University of Sunderland Recruiting Team
katherine.macleod@sunderland.ac.uk
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Personal Assistant to Director of External Relations
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the University of Sunderland's mission and values. Understanding their strategic goals, especially in external relations, will help you demonstrate your alignment with their objectives during any discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees in similar roles. Engaging with them can provide insights into the culture and expectations of the position, which can be invaluable when preparing for interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your organisational skills by preparing examples of how you've successfully managed multiple priorities in previous roles. This will highlight your ability to support the Director effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the key stakeholders that the Director of External Relations interacts with, such as Sunderland City Council. Being knowledgeable about these relationships can set you apart as a candidate who is proactive and well-informed.
We think you need these skills to ace Personal Assistant to Director of External Relations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience that aligns with the role of Personal Assistant. Focus on your organisational skills, diary management, and any previous experience in supporting senior leaders.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that specifically addresses the key responsibilities mentioned in the job description. Emphasise your proactive attitude, attention to detail, and strong communication skills, providing examples from your past roles.
Highlight IT Proficiency: Since proficiency in Microsoft Office and Outlook is essential for this role, make sure to mention your experience with these tools. You could include specific tasks you've accomplished using these applications to demonstrate your capability.
Showcase Your Interpersonal Skills: In your application, illustrate how your strong communication and interpersonal skills have helped you build relationships with stakeholders in previous positions. This will show that you can be a trusted point of contact as required in the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Sunderland
✨Research the University and Its Values
Before your interview, take some time to understand the University of Sunderland's mission, values, and recent developments. This will help you align your answers with their goals and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
As a Personal Assistant, strong organisational skills are crucial. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've effectively managed diaries, prioritised tasks, and maintained attention to detail in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and how you handle challenging situations. Think of scenarios where you've had to manage conflicting priorities or communicate effectively with various stakeholders.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
Since the role involves liaising with senior leaders and external stakeholders, be ready to showcase your communication style. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, and consider how you can convey your proactive attitude during the interview.
