HR & Communications Officer in Burgess Hill

Location: Burgess Hill

Hours: Monday – Friday, term time only (with additional 2 weeks during summer)

Salary: £27,234 per annum

Contract: Temporary to Permanent

Start Date: September (with the opportunity to meet the team and visit the provision beforehand)

About the Role

We are looking for a confident, organised, and proactive HR & Communications Officer to join a supportive alternative provision team in Burgess Hill. This is an exciting opportunity for someone with strong administration and office-based experience who enjoys a varied role and wants to be part of a provision making a real difference to young people’s lives. You will work closely alongside the wider team to support the smooth running of the provision, managing a range of administrative and HR-related responsibilities. You will play an important role in supporting staff, maintaining effective processes, supporting policies, and helping ensure the provision operates efficiently. The provision supports young people who have been excluded from mainstream education due to a variety of challenges, including mental health needs, SEMH needs, and barriers to engagement. You will be joining a passionate team dedicated to creating a positive environment where young people can re-engage with education and receive the support they need.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the day-to-day running of the provision office alongside the wider team
• Provide HR and administrative support across a range of roles within the organisation
• Support with recruitment processes, including external candidates applying for positions
• Assist with onboarding and supporting new staff members
• Help manage supply staff, ensuring staffing needs are supported effectively
• Maintain accurate records and support HR systems and processes
• Assist with the development and organisation of school policies and procedures
• Support communication between staff, candidates, and external contacts
• Provide general administrative support to ensure the smooth operation of the provision
• Organise information, documents, and records efficiently
• Be a reliable point of contact for staff and visitors
• Contribute ideas and support improvements to office systems and processes

About You

We are looking for someone who is confident, professional, and highly organised, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a busy environment. The ideal candidate will have:

• Previous experience in an office-based role
• Strong organisational and administrative skills
• Excellent attention to detail
• Confidence communicating with a range of people
• A proactive approach and the ability to use initiative
• The ability to manage competing tasks and deadlines
• Strong IT skills and confidence using office systems
• A positive attitude and willingness to support where needed
• The ability to work independently while being part of a wider team

Experience within HR, recruitment, education, or a similar environment would be beneficial, but the right attitude, organisation skills, and willingness to learn are equally important.

Why Apply?

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a welcoming and supportive team within a unique educational setting. You will have a varied role where no two days are the same, supporting the wider team and helping the provision continue to provide life‑changing support for young people who have faced challenges within mainstream education. The successful candidate will become a key member of the team, helping to create an organised, positive, and supportive environment for both staff and students. The provision is looking to begin meeting potential candidates now ahead of the September start date.