At a Glance
- Tasks: Support senior leaders with diary management and organise impactful meetings and events.
- Company: Join the University of Sheffield, a diverse and world-class institution.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career progression, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements and opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a difference in a dynamic team while developing your organisational skills.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Personal Assistant and strong administrative skills required.
The predicted salary is between 27319 - 31236 £ per year.
The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world‑class university.
There are two main aspects to this role:
- Support the Assistant Director of Research, Partnerships and Innovation (RPI)/Director Regional Engagement and Innovation with diary management, organising and supporting meetings and events, coordinating with other PAs to prioritise and schedule a range of activities.
- Be a member of the RPI support team, working with others on a range of areas which support the whole department, e.g. acting as first point of contact for operational queries and supporting our processes relating to finance, recruitment, induction and Health.
Essential Criteria:
- English and Maths (or equivalent) – Application
- Previous experience in a Personal Assistant role in any workplace context – Application
- Knowledge of standard office procedures through relevant qualifications, or work experience in an administrative role – Application
- Ability to plan, prioritise and deliver your own tasks, and collaborate with a small team to agree distribution of and deliver shared tasks – Application / Interview
- Experience of assisting senior colleagues in planning and prioritisation of future work, making proactive decisions regarding diary management – Application / Interview
- Experience of planning, organising and efficient delivery of meetings and events such as workshops or focus groups – Application / Interview
- Ability to proactively collaborate with colleagues within and beyond the department to plan events and meetings, to share best practice and to develop improved processes and approaches to work – Application / Interview
- Ability to organise resources effectively for short, medium and long term plans, considering the impact that decisions may have on workload, objectives and outcomes for self and others, and remaining flexible in the face of competing plans – Application / Interview
- Experience of responding to queries and providing advice based on information unique to each given situation by applying knowledge drawn from similar situations in order to resolve queries from all stakeholders – Application / Interview
Desirable Criteria:
- Experience of contributing to the work of an organisation beyond your own role – Application
- Experience of working in a large complex organisation – Application
Further Information:
- Grade: 5
- Salary: £27,319 to £31,236 (potential to progress to £33,951)
- Work arrangement: Full‑time
- Line manager: Team Support Manager
- Direct reports: N/A
Our website: https://staff.sheffield.ac.uk/rpi
Contact: Feel free to contact Stephanie Riley at stephanie.riley@sheffield.ac.uk for informal enquiries.
Equal Opportunities: We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.
Personal Assistant & Departmental Support Officer employer: Diversity Dashboard
The University of Sheffield is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its staff. With a vibrant work culture that celebrates diversity and collaboration, employees benefit from comprehensive support, professional growth opportunities, and a commitment to inclusivity. Located in a dynamic academic environment, this role offers the chance to contribute meaningfully to innovative research and community engagement initiatives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Personal Assistant & Departmental Support Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at the University of Sheffield on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the department's recent projects and initiatives. This shows you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute. Plus, it gives you great talking points to impress the interviewers!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common interview questions with a mate. Get comfortable with articulating your experience as a Personal Assistant and how it aligns with the role. The more you rehearse, the more confident you'll feel!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and show your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Personal Assistant & Departmental Support Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Personal Assistant & Departmental Support Officer. We want to see how you can support our team effectively!
Showcase Your Experience:Don’t hold back on sharing your previous experience in similar roles. We’re looking for examples of how you've managed diaries, organised meetings, and supported senior colleagues. This is your chance to shine!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, so make sure your key points stand out. Remember, less is often more!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and is considered promptly. Let’s get started!
How to prepare for a job interview at Diversity Dashboard
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Personal Assistant & Departmental Support Officer. Familiarise yourself with diary management, event planning, and how to support senior colleagues effectively. This will help you answer questions confidently and demonstrate your suitability for the role.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed multiple tasks or events in the past. Highlight your ability to prioritise and deliver on time, as this is crucial for the role. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Demonstrate Team Collaboration
Since this role involves working closely with others, be ready to talk about your experience collaborating with teams. Share instances where you’ve contributed to group projects or supported colleagues, emphasising your proactive approach to communication and problem-solving.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions that show your interest in the department and its goals. Inquire about the current challenges they face or how the team collaborates on projects. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the role is the right fit for you.
