At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the CEO and lead creative communications for our schools and community.
- Company: Join Orchard Learning Alliance, dedicated to excellent education and community building.
- Benefits: Flexible hybrid work, supportive culture, and skill development opportunities.
- Other info: Part-time role with potential for growth and creativity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while enhancing your skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Organised, proactive, with strong communication and administration skills.
The predicted salary is between 17494 - 19178 £ per year.
Salary range: Grade 7 SCP 25 to 29 (£36,363 to £39,862 full time equivalent)
Actual salary: £17,494.58 to £19,177.98 per annum
Start date: September 2026
Working hours per week: Part time, 20 hours per week
Hours of work: The role is flexible to meet the needs of the business. While most of the role will be completed within the core working hours of 9am to 3pm, some evening work is also required.
Location: Hybrid. 50% of time will be at the Central Office located in Woodley. This role will require travel to schools on occasion (currently Woodley, Earley, Spencers Wood and Tilehurst) and some home working is also possible.
Contract type: Permanent, term time only plus 10 additional working days (5 inset days plus 5 additional days to be agreed with CEO)
Reporting to: Chief Executive Officer
Are you an organised, proactive professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment? Do you have a flair for communication and a passion for making an impact? The Orchard Learning Alliance is seeking a highly capable PA to the Chief Executive Officer & Communications Lead to play a key role in supporting our CEO while shaping how we communicate with our schools, staff and community.
This is a unique and varied role combining executive support with creative communications. You will work closely with the CEO, ensuring the smooth running of daily operations, while also leading our communications and marketing activity across the Trust.
What you’ll be doing:
- Providing high-level PA support to the Chief Executive Officer
- Coordinating meetings, events and Trust-wide activity
- Creating engaging content across social media, websites and marketing materials
- Managing press and media opportunities
- Strengthening internal communications and community engagement
What we’re looking for:
- A highly organised and proactive individual with excellent attention to detail
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Experience in administration and/or communications/marketing
- The ability to build relationships with a wide range of stakeholders
- Creativity, initiative and a “can-do” approach
Why join us?
At Orchard Learning Alliance, we are committed to delivering excellent education and building strong communities. This role offers the opportunity to make a real impact, both behind the scenes and through how we share our story.
We offer:
- A flexible, hybrid working environment
- A supportive and collaborative culture
- The opportunity to develop a varied skillset across leadership support and communications
The Orchard Learning Alliance is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people in its schools.
PA to Chief Executive Officer & Communications Lead in Reading employer: Orchard Learning Alliance
At Orchard Learning Alliance, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that values flexibility and collaboration. Our supportive work culture fosters professional growth, allowing you to develop a diverse skillset while making a meaningful impact in education and community engagement. With a hybrid working model and a commitment to safeguarding, we provide a rewarding environment for those looking to contribute to our mission.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land PA to Chief Executive Officer & Communications Lead in Reading
✨Tap into Leadership Networks
Join industry-specific groups on platforms like LinkedIn or attend local management meetups. Networking with fellow leaders can open doors to part-time roles and help you get a feel for the corporate culture at companies like Orchard Learning Alliance.
✨Leverage Your Existing Connections
Don’t hesitate to ask your professional contacts if they know of any part-time leadership positions. Sometimes it's all about who you know, and your connections might have the inside scoop on opportunities that aren't publicly advertised.
✨Spotlight Your Leadership Skills
When you show up to interviews or networking events, make sure to highlight your leadership experience and successes. Tailor your discussion points to how you can bring value to Orchard Learning Alliance in a part-time capacity, focusing on your ability to drive team performance.
✨Consider Consulting for Flexibility
If you're keen on part-time leadership roles, think about contracting or consulting. It can provide you with a broader range of experiences and allows you to build a diverse portfolio of projects, showcasing your leadership across different challenges.
We think you need these skills to ace PA to Chief Executive Officer & Communications Lead in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Leadership Style:Incorporate examples from your experiences that highlight your leadership style and effectiveness. We want to see how you've managed teams or contributed to strategic initiatives, even if it was in a part-time capacity. Make sure to reflect on your decision-making process and any measurable outcomes you've achieved.
Cater to the Corporate Environment:Tailor your CV to highlight skills that are crucial for corporate leadership, like strategic thinking, problem-solving, and people management. Don’t forget to mention relevant coursework or certifications that align with the part-time role. It's all about showing how you can bring value to Orchard Learning Alliance through your academic and professional background.
Make Your Part-Time Availability Clear:Since this is a part-time role, be upfront about your availability in your cover letter. Let us know how many hours you can dedicate each week and how your schedule fits with the needs of Orchard Learning Alliance. This helps us understand how you can seamlessly integrate into our team while balancing your commitments.
Engage with Our Vision:In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for Orchard Learning Alliance’s mission and how your values align with our corporate culture. We want to see your passion for leadership and management in action, so don't hold back on conveying what draws you to this specific part-time opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Orchard Learning Alliance
✨Show Off Your Strategic Thinking
In corporate leadership, they’re looking for someone who can think strategically and make tough decisions. Be ready to discuss past leadership experiences where you had to analyse complex situations and come up with solutions. Think of using the STAR method to structure your answers—it's a game changer for giving clear examples!
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Expect plenty of behavioural questions during your interview with Orchard Learning Alliance. They might ask how you've handled team conflicts or how you’ve inspired others. Brush up on key leadership theories or practices you've applied before, so you can demonstrate your fit for a part-time role without sacrificing experience.
✨Know Your Numbers
Even in part-time corporate roles, you might be asked to discuss key performance indicators or metrics relevant to the position. Brush up on how you’ve used data to drive decisions or track project success. It's a good way to show you understand the business side of leadership and can contribute meaningfully from day one!
✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Commitment
In a part-time role, the ability to adapt to changing priorities is key. Be prepared to talk about how you manage your time and remain committed to your responsibilities. Share a few anecdotes showcasing your dedication and how you maintain high performance even with part-time hours. It's all about showing you can make a difference without being full-time!
