At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Director with coordination, communication, and administrative tasks in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join the Office for Students, the independent regulator of higher education in England.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, health benefits, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on higher education while developing your professional skills.
- Qualifications: Previous experience as an executive assistant and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 37614 - 38577 £ per year.
Overview
We are seeking a highly motivated and dynamic Executive Assistant to join the office of the Director of Regulation within our Regulation Directorate. This is an exciting opportunity to join the OfS as we embark on our ambitious new strategy focused on quality, standards, and equality of opportunity.
Responsibilities
- Act as the central point of contact in the Director\'s office, coordinating and supporting the Director as required.
- Develop a strong awareness of the Director\'s work and the wider directorate to understand subject matter in correspondence, triage queries, identify risks, and inform judgement around priorities.
- Coordinate communications and correspondence with internal and external stakeholders across the Director\'s regulatory and operational portfolio.
- Stakeholder management: build strong internal and external peer relationships and networks to enable the Director to manage and deliver meetings and engagement with stakeholders.
- Deliver a portfolio of administrative tasks to a high standard, including calendar management, email management, travel coordination, preparing briefing materials, drafting correspondence, and minute taking.
- Manage and enhance administrative systems, such as daily briefing packs and email accounts, to meet the Director\'s needs.
- Collaborate with the Director\'s Strategic Advisor, the Regulation Directorate Strategy and Support Team, and central functions (e.g. Chief Executive\'s Office; Human Resources; Communications team) to triage queries, solve problems, and deliver operational and regulatory work.
- Provide peer leadership to other administrative colleagues in the directorate to enhance business support functions.
Qualifications and qualities
- Professional experience: previous experience as an executive assistant to a director (or similar role) with enhanced Personal Assistant responsibilities to a high standard.
- Excellent judgement: ability to understand the Director\'s work, triage, prioritise, and action correspondence and queries; experience in handling sensitive issues discreetly.
- Effective networking: ability to build strong peer relationships with internal and external stakeholders to support meetings and engagements.
- Communication skills: clear, concise written and verbal communication; ability to draft and tailor communications for diverse audiences.
- Problem-solving: proactively identify and enhance administrative systems that support a Director.
- Organisational and time management: high attention to detail; ability to co-ordinate, organise, and prioritise within a fast-moving, complex portfolio.
- Office administration: solid experience with standard software and business processes, particularly MS Office (Word, Outlook, Teams, Excel, OneNote).
- Security: Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. Baseline security checks are required for those working with government assets.
Salary and benefits
Salary: £37,614 - £38,577 per annum. Plus generous Civil Service defined benefit pension and London weighting £3,566 where appropriate. The Office for Students offers a Total Reward Framework including:
- 25 days\' annual leave plus bank holidays
- Comprehensive learning and development opportunities
- Generous Civil Service pension scheme
- Health benefits and employer pension contributions (Civil Service Pension scheme)
- Learning and development tailored to your role
- Flexible working options
- Inclusive culture and diversity
About the Office for Students
The Office for Students (OfS) is the independent regulator of higher education in England. We regulate higher education on behalf of all students, ensuring that every student, regardless of their background, has a fulfilling experience that enriches their lives and careers.
Selection and working arrangements
Selection process details will be provided. We value diversity and the wealth of perspectives, experience, and ideas that it brings to our work, and we strive to embed equality of opportunity in everything we do. We recruit based on fair and open competition and welcome applications from candidates regardless of age, disability, race and ethnicity, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.
Flexibility is important to OfS. A set of organisation-wide principles guide flexible and hybrid working, typically requiring office presence two to three days per week.
Executive Assistant - Office for Students employer: Office for Students
The Office for Students (OfS) is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where you can contribute to the vital mission of regulating higher education in England. With a strong commitment to employee development, flexible working options, and a comprehensive benefits package including generous annual leave and a Civil Service pension scheme, OfS fosters an inclusive culture that values diversity and promotes professional growth. Join us in making a meaningful impact on students' lives while enjoying a supportive and collaborative workplace.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Assistant - Office for Students
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at the Office for Students on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info and might just help you stand out in the application process.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the OfS's recent projects and initiatives. This shows us that you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute to their mission of quality and equality in education.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As an Executive Assistant, you'll need to convey information clearly. Try mock interviews with friends or family to refine your responses and boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us that you’re serious about joining the team!
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Assistant - Office for Students
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know the Role Inside Out:Before you start writing, take a good look at the job description. We want to see that you understand what the Executive Assistant role entails, so make sure to highlight your relevant experience and skills that match the responsibilities listed.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! We love it when candidates personalise their cover letters and CVs. Use specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate how you can excel in this role, especially in areas like stakeholder management and communication.
Show Off Your Organisational Skills:As an Executive Assistant, organisation is key! In your application, give us a glimpse of how you manage your time and tasks effectively. Mention any tools or systems you use to stay on top of things, as this will show us you’re ready for the fast-paced environment.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us without any hiccups. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Office for Students
✨Know the Director's Work
Before the interview, take some time to research the Director's work and the wider Regulation Directorate. Understanding their priorities and challenges will help you demonstrate your ability to triage queries and manage correspondence effectively.
✨Showcase Your Networking Skills
Be prepared to discuss how you've built strong relationships with stakeholders in previous roles. Share specific examples of how these connections have helped you support a director or manage meetings, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Abilities
Think of instances where you've identified and enhanced administrative systems in your past roles. Be ready to explain how your proactive approach can benefit the Director's office and improve overall efficiency.
✨Master Communication Techniques
Practice clear and concise communication, both written and verbal. You might be asked to draft a sample email or respond to a query during the interview, so showcasing your ability to tailor communications for diverse audiences will set you apart.
