At a Glance
- Tasks: Support families and staff with administrative tasks in a busy Pre-School Centre.
- Company: Join a highly regarded Pre-School Centre at Lancaster University.
- Benefits: Enjoy 39 days annual leave, competitive salary, and flexible benefits.
- Other info: Inclusive environment with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Strong customer service skills and experience in administration required.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 25989 £ per year.
Are you an organised and customer‑focused administrator who enjoys supporting people and making a difference? Do you thrive in a busy environment where no two days are the same? The post is a maternity leave for 9 months in the first instance, start date 28/09/26 and end date 25/06/27. We are seeking an enthusiastic and professional Administrative Assistant to join our Pre‑School Centre team. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in the day‑to‑day operation of our highly regarded service, providing reception, administrative and business support to families, staff, students and visitors.
What you’ll be doing
The Pre‑School Centre is open approximately 50 weeks of the year with closures at Easter, Christmas and all Bank Holidays. As an Administrative Assistant, you will be the first point of contact for parents, carers, visitors, University staff and students. You will provide a welcoming and professional reception service while supporting the efficient running of the Centre through a range of administrative, financial and customer service duties. Your responsibilities will include:
- providing a friendly and professional reception service
- responding to enquiries by telephone, email and in person
- supporting bookings, waiting lists and attendance records
- maintaining accurate electronic and paper records
- preparing correspondence, newsletters and parent communications
- assisting with routine financial administration and invoicing processes
- supporting meetings, events, inspections and open days
- maintaining confidential records and ensuring compliance with safeguarding and data protection requirements
- producing routine reports, spreadsheets and administrative information
- working collaboratively with colleagues across the Centre and wider University.
About you
To be a great fit for our Pre‑School team, you will have:
- excellent customer service and communication skills
- experience in an administrative or reception role
- strong organisational skills and attention to detail
- experience using Microsoft Office applications, including Excel
- experience maintaining electronic records and databases
- the ability to manage competing priorities in a busy environment
- a flexible and team‑focused approach
- a commitment to personal development and learning.
Experience of working in an education, childcare or early years environment would be advantageous, as would knowledge of safeguarding practices.
Why work with us?
Our Pre‑School Centre is rated Good by Ofsted, and our dedicated team makes a real difference to children and families every day. We are proud of our supportive and inclusive working environment and would love you to be part of it.
Take a look at our facilities here:
- a sports centre
- shops and cafés
- a post office
- a multi‑faith centre
- an excellent library
- social groups, clubs and staff networks.
Lancaster University provides an environment that strongly supports employee wellbeing and promotes a healthy work‑life balance. We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including:
- competitive salary with annual reviews
- generous employer pension scheme
- 39 days annual leave, including University closure days and bank holidays
- a family‑friendly approach for those with caring responsibilities
- flexible employee benefits and salary‑saving schemes
- training and development opportunities.
Find out more about our employee benefits on our website.
Further Details
Please note: unless specified otherwise in the advert, all advertised roles are UK based. Find out what it's like to work here, including information on our wide range of employee benefits, support networks and our policies and facilities for a family‑friendly workplace. The University recognises and celebrates good employment practice undertaken to address all inequality in higher education whilst promoting the importance and wellbeing for all our colleagues. We warmly welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of their age, religion or gender identity or expression, race, disability or sexual orientation, and are committed to promoting diversity, and equality of opportunity.
Administrative Assistant - 0591-26 in Lancaster employer: Lancaster University
Lancaster University is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment that prioritises student wellbeing and success. With a strong commitment to professional development, employees benefit from flexible working arrangements and opportunities to lead impactful initiatives in widening participation. Located in the vibrant city of Lancaster, staff enjoy a supportive culture that values diversity and fosters collaboration across disciplines.
