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- Tasks: Support the smooth running of the UK's oldest botanic garden with diverse administrative tasks.
- Company: Join the Oxford Botanic Garden and Arboretum, a historic and vibrant workplace.
- Benefits: Enjoy 38 days of leave, a great pension scheme, and family-friendly policies.
- Why this job: Be the first point of contact in a unique environment while making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Strong admin skills, confidence with IT, and excellent communication abilities required.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive culture with opportunities for professional development.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
The Oxford Botanic Garden and Arboretum (OBGA) seeks a capable and effective Administrative Officer to contribute to the smooth running of the department, which is home to the UK’s oldest botanic garden and a 130-acre arboretum. You will be the first point of contact for all internal and external enquiries, handling information that is often sensitive, confidential, or time critical.
You will provide comprehensive administrative support to the Head of Operations, Director of OBGA, and senior managers within OBGA, including diary management, organising meetings, preparing agendas and minutes, and coordinating travel and visits. You will support departmental activity across finance, HR, events, facilities, and volunteer administration. This will include processing invoices and financial transactions, supporting recruitment activity, assisting with event administration, liaising with suppliers and contractors, and maintaining effective office systems and records. You will also contribute to the continuous improvement of office management practices and provide cover for other administrative roles as required.
This is a permanent, full-time post, working 36.5 hours per week (Monday to Friday). The role is based on site and does not support working from home. The post may require occasional weekend or overtime work.
You will have a high standard of general education, or equivalent practical experience, and bring strong administrative skills gained in a busy working environment. You will be highly organised, numerate, and confident using office IT systems, including Word, Excel, and Outlook, with the ability to manage diaries, arrange meetings, and maintain accurate records. You will communicate clearly and professionally with a wide range of colleagues and external contacts, using sound judgement and discretion when handling confidential or sensitive information. You will be comfortable supporting financial processes, drafting correspondence and minutes, and working both independently and collaboratively to meet competing priorities.
As an employer, we genuinely care about our employees’ wellbeing and this is reflected in the range of benefits that we offer including:
- An excellent contributory pension scheme
- 38 days of annual leave
- A comprehensive range of childcare services
- Family leave schemes
- Cycle loan scheme
- Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans
Diversity is positively encouraged, through diverse groups and champions, as well as a number of family-friendly policies, such as the right to apply for flexible working and support for staff returning from periods of extended absence, for example, shared parental leave. We are committed to ensuring that our recruitment processes are inclusive and accessible.
You will be required to upload your CV and a supporting evidence form using the attached template as part of your online application. Your supporting evidence form should list each of the essential and desirable selection criteria, as listed in the job description, and explain how you meet each one. CVs alone will not be considered.
We aim to provide a supportive working environment and are happy to discuss training and professional development opportunities.
Administrative Officer in Oxford employer: Gardens, Libraries and Museums (GLAM), University of Oxford
Contact Detail:
Gardens, Libraries and Museums (GLAM), University of Oxford Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Administrative Officer in Oxford
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research the Oxford Botanic Garden and Arboretum, their values, and what they stand for. This will help you tailor your approach and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills. As an Administrative Officer, you'll be the first point of contact for enquiries. Role-play with a friend or family member to get comfortable handling different types of questions and scenarios.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your organisational skills! Prepare a mock diary management plan or a sample agenda for a meeting. This will demonstrate your ability to manage competing priorities and keep things running smoothly.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows that you're tech-savvy and know how to navigate online systems, which is key for this role.
We think you need these skills to ace Administrative Officer in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start your application, take a good look at the job description. We want to see how you fit into the role of Administrative Officer, so make sure you understand what’s required and tailor your application accordingly.
Craft Your Supporting Evidence Form: This is your chance to shine! Use the supporting evidence form to clearly demonstrate how you meet each of the essential and desirable criteria. We’re looking for specific examples, so don’t hold back on showcasing your skills and experiences.
Keep It Professional Yet Personal: While we love a bit of personality, remember to keep your tone professional. You’ll be handling sensitive information, so show us that you can communicate clearly and effectively, just like you would in the role.
Submit Through Our Website: Make sure to apply through our website by uploading your CV and supporting evidence form. We want to keep things organised, and this helps us ensure your application gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gardens, Libraries and Museums (GLAM), University of Oxford
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of the Administrative Officer position. Familiarise yourself with the key tasks mentioned in the job description, such as diary management and financial processes. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Prepare for Common Questions
Think about the types of questions you might be asked during the interview, especially those related to handling sensitive information and managing competing priorities. Prepare specific examples from your past experiences that showcase your organisational skills and ability to communicate effectively with various stakeholders.
✨Showcase Your IT Skills
Since the role requires confidence in using office IT systems like Word, Excel, and Outlook, be ready to discuss your proficiency with these tools. You could even mention any relevant projects where you used these applications to improve efficiency or manage data effectively.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, take the opportunity to ask insightful questions about the team dynamics, office management practices, or ongoing projects at the Oxford Botanic Garden and Arboretum. This not only shows your enthusiasm for the role but also helps you gauge if the workplace culture aligns with your values.
