At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide frontline support and advice to students, ensuring a welcoming environment.
- Company: Join the supportive team at Heriot-Watt University, focused on student wellbeing.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days annual leave, increasing to 33 after 5 years, plus additional closed days.
- Other info: Great opportunity for career growth within a collaborative and friendly team.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and experience in frontline services are essential.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 € per year.
Join to apply for the Student Wellbeing Executive Assistant role at Heriot-Watt University.
Contract Type: Full Time (1FTE), Open Ended
Rewards and Benefits: 28 days annual leave, increasing to 33 days per year after 5 years service, plus 9 buildings closed days for all full time staff.
About our Team: This post is located within the Disability Team, within the wider Student Wellbeing team, and works closely with colleagues from Counselling, Student Experience, and the Chaplaincy teams. The main purpose of Student Wellbeing is to provide advice, information, and support to undergraduate and postgraduate students, throughout the student lifecycle, from the point of initial enrolment onto a university study programme right through to graduation supporting them to overcome barriers to learning.
Detailed Description: This post plays a key role in delivering front line advice and support to students in the department of Student Wellbeing. You will work alongside Assistant Disability Advisors and the Student Wellbeing Administrator to ensure that a friendly, efficient, and helpful frontline service is delivered. You will carry out administrative work, operating databases and other systems, primarily for the Disability service, and deliver some direct support for a small number of students to facilitate their learning experience.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
- Provide a high level of customer service and front‑line advice (face to face, via phone, email) to anyone enquiring at Student Wellbeing Centre reception.
- Carry out financial processes, raising invoices, purchase order numbers, control department credit card and processing payments for the Disability Service.
- Update and process data, including financial information, on spreadsheets, databases and other procurement systems.
- Contact new students who have disclosed a disability and provide them with the relevant information and arrange appointments to see the appropriate advisor.
- Help collate and develop data reporting systems for the Disability Service.
- Carry out initial assessment of students who present with dyslexia and conduct online dyslexia tests.
- Log all student contacts on the database and run reports as necessary ensuring quick turnaround times and an excellent customer experience.
- Provide frontline advice and administrative support for the Student Counselling and Student Experience sections when the other Student Wellbeing Assistant is on leave.
- Support specific students in accessing timetabled lectures, tutorials, group work, laboratories, and related academic tasks.
- Undertake continuing professional development as appropriate.
- Undertake other tasks and responsibilities as requested by the Student Wellbeing Team.
Education, Qualifications and Experience:
- Good educational standard with excellent spoken and written English.
- Experience in working in front line services, assessing the appropriate response, and providing advice, information, and guidance on a range of issues.
- Experience in handling confidential/sensitive information.
- Experience of using IT, including Microsoft Office and Finance systems.
- Experience in carrying out a wide range of administrative tasks and implementing new processes and ability to handle large volumes of data.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and a professional, customer‑focused approach with experience of working co‑operatively and effectively within a team.
- Skills in responding to distressed or challenging customers.
- Understanding of the issues that affect students particularly those with a disability or mental health issue.
How to Apply: Please submit via the Heriot‑Watt on‑line recruitment system (1) Cover letter (2) Full CV. Applications can be submitted up to midnight (UK time) on Tuesday 6th January 2026. We expect interviews to take place on Thursday 15th January 2026.
Student Wellbeing Executive Assistant employer: Heriot-Watt University
Heriot-Watt University is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work environment that prioritises student wellbeing and professional development. With generous benefits including 28 days of annual leave, increasing to 33 after five years, and a commitment to fostering a collaborative culture, employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact on students' lives while enjoying a balanced work-life dynamic in a vibrant academic setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Student Wellbeing Executive Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before your interview, do a bit of research on the Student Wellbeing team at Heriot-Watt. Understanding their values and how they support students will help you connect during your chat.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a friend or in front of the mirror. Focus on how your experience aligns with the role of Student Wellbeing Executive Assistant.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! When you’re in the interview, let your enthusiasm for supporting students shine through. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to wellbeing.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up! After your interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch and keeps you fresh in their minds!
We think you need these skills to ace Student Wellbeing Executive Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Personalised Cover Letter:When writing your cover letter, make sure to tailor it specifically for the Student Wellbeing Executive Assistant role. Highlight your relevant experience and how it aligns with the responsibilities outlined in the job description. We want to see your personality shine through!
Showcase Your Customer Service Skills:Since this role involves providing front-line advice and support, emphasise your customer service experience. Share examples of how you've handled challenging situations or provided exceptional support to others. We love hearing about your real-life experiences!
Be Clear and Concise in Your CV:Your CV should be easy to read and straight to the point. Use bullet points to outline your skills and experiences, especially those related to administrative tasks and working with sensitive information. Remember, we’re looking for clarity and professionalism!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application via the Heriot-Watt online recruitment system! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it makes the whole process smoother for everyone involved. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Heriot-Watt University
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of a Student Wellbeing Executive Assistant inside out. Familiarise yourself with the key duties and responsibilities listed in the job description, especially around providing frontline advice and support. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Showcase Your Customer Service Skills
Since this role involves a lot of interaction with students, be prepared to discuss your experience in front-line services. Think of specific examples where you've provided excellent customer service or handled challenging situations. This will demonstrate your ability to connect with students and provide the support they need.
✨Highlight Your Administrative Experience
The job requires strong administrative skills, so be ready to talk about your experience with databases, spreadsheets, and financial processes. Bring examples of how you've managed data or implemented new processes in previous roles. This will show that you can handle the administrative side of the job effectively.
✨Understand the Student Perspective
It's crucial to have empathy for students, especially those with disabilities or mental health issues. Be prepared to discuss your understanding of these challenges and how you would approach supporting students in their learning experience. This will highlight your commitment to student wellbeing and your suitability for the role.