At a Glance
- Tasks: Support senior leaders with information, advice, and coordination of priorities in higher education.
- Company: Join the Office for Students, the independent regulator of higher education in England.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous pension, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Diverse workplace with opportunities for growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on higher education while developing your skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Strong writing and communication skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities.
The predicted salary is between 56209 - 58820 £ per year.
As Senior Private Secretary, you will play a central role in supporting the Chair and Chief Executives of the Office for Students. Working at the heart of the organisation, you will help ensure that they receive the right information, advice and support to lead the organisation effectively. You will coordinate complex and fast-moving priorities, provide high-quality briefings, and help ensure that key decisions and actions are delivered.
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. We have high ambitions and offer great opportunities to get involved in bringing that vision to life.
This is an exciting opportunity to work at the centre of a busy Private Office function, supporting the Chair, Chief Executives and Chief of Staff on some of the most important issues affecting higher education. The role is critical to managing the flow of information to senior leaders, preparing them for meetings and events, and ensuring that important organisational priorities are delivered effectively. You will work closely with colleagues across the OfS and with external stakeholders, building strong relationships and helping to navigate complex issues and competing demands.
The role combines strategic thinking with practical delivery. One day you might be preparing a briefing for a major stakeholder engagement, the next you could be coordinating action on a time-critical issue, supporting executive decision-making, or leading improvements to how the private office operates. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys variety, pace and making a real contribution to the leadership of the organisation.
We are looking for someone who can build strong working relationships, exercise sound judgement, and remain calm and organised when managing competing priorities.
Essential criteria
- Have an understanding of the work of the OfS and the context it operates in.
- Strong writing skills and the ability to provide accurate and reliable information in a timely manner.
- Ability to communicate complex issues effectively through both verbal and written communication.
- Ability to take the initiative and make decisions relating to the operational parts of the role.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues, showing openness, professionalism and an ability to support delivery of senior priorities through others.
- Ability to prioritise work and deliver high quality outcomes under time pressure and in the face of competing demands.
- Ability to exercise judgement, discretion and professionalism appropriate to a senior support role, enabling effective decision‑making and delivery through others.
Desirable criteria
- Understanding of the OfS’s priorities, and the ability to utilise judgement and creativity to apply these priorities to decision‑making in novel situations.
- Seeing the big picture.
Working for us
The OfS regulates the higher education sector on behalf of all students. 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 the OfS, as we recognise that it can enable people to work more effectively. A set of organisation-wide principles shape our approach to flexible and hybrid working, which our teams use as guidance on how they deliver their business goals. In a typical week, we expect colleagues to spend several days working from the office, balancing business needs, team collaboration and individual responsibilities.
Closing date for applications: Wednesday 12 August at noon. Interviews: From 19 August.
Senior Private Secretary employer: OFS
The Office for Students (OfS) is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Bristol that prioritises the professional growth of its employees. With a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, the OfS fosters a collaborative culture where innovative ideas are valued, and flexible working arrangements are supported. Employees benefit from comprehensive learning opportunities, generous annual leave, and a robust pension scheme, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in higher education regulation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Private Secretary
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like OFS, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like OFS and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Private Secretary
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for OFS and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at OFS
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with OFS, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for OFS.
