At a Glance
- Tasks: Be the friendly face of the Royal Geographical Society, welcoming visitors and supporting events.
- Company: Join a historic charity dedicated to geography and education in South Kensington.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Flexible team environment with opportunities for training and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a difference as the first point of contact for thousands of visitors each year.
- Qualifications: Great communication skills and a passion for customer service are essential.
The predicted salary is between 27675 - 28550 £ per year.
The Royal Geographical Society (with the Institute of British Geographers) is seeking to appoint a Front of House Receptionist.
Location: South Kensington, London SW7.
Hours: Full Time. 35-hour working week
Contract: Permanent
Salary: £27,675 - £28,550 per annum depending on experience and qualifications.
About Us: The Royal Geographical Society (with the Institute of British Geographers) is the learned society and professional body for geography and geographers. It is also a charity and a membership organisation. The Society was founded in 1830 and has been one of the most active of the learned societies ever since.
About You And The Role: The Front of House Receptionist will help deliver the provision of an efficient and welcoming service as the first point of contact with the Society, together with other administrative duties in support of the Facilities team's operation of the premises and the efficient use of its rooms. More than 150,000 visitors come through the Society’s doors each year to enjoy both the Society’s own resources and activities, and the events of a wide variety of not-for-profit and commercial organisations who hire the 750 seat Ondaatje Theatre and other of the Society’s fine rooms.
The Front of House Receptionist is the vital first point of contact for callers, visitors, members, staff, and tenants, as well as undertaking administrative duties in support of the Facilities team operation of the premises and the efficient use of its rooms. The Front of House Receptionists work as a flexible team. They complement each other and support the wider team in both event management and operation. The post requires a broad knowledge of the Society’s activities in general, plus a more detailed understanding of the work handled by the various departments of the Society, and its tenants. Close attention to the weekly programme of activities is critical, together with awareness of unpublicised activities and of future events.
Key Responsibilities:
- Reception: Ensuring that Reception is always staffed between 9.00am and 5:30pm on weekdays, in conjunction with the fellow Front of House Receptionist on duty and other members of the Facilities team. Receiving visitors to the Society arriving at Reception, ensuring that security procedures are followed, and directing them as necessary to the appropriate rooms. Assisting visitors with enquiries and requests; calling on the appropriate members of staff when necessary.
- Event support: Supporting Society and external events outside of normal working hours involving either early morning starts or late evening finishes. Duties will include welcoming and supporting external event organisers to ensure that the Society delivers a high quality of service to its customers. Overtime will be paid for these additional hours, and sufficient notice will be provided. Handling of enquiries and recording bookings for the Society’s own meetings and events on the events database.
- Switchboard: Operating the telephone switchboard, receiving, and disseminating calls helpfully, quickly, and efficiently.
- Administration: Recording new staff, tenants, and volunteers onto all relevant contact lists. Ensuring that the Society’s Safety Policy is read and understood, and all relevant contact details are recorded on the contact database.
- Post duties: Sorting and franking the external post in an accurate and timely manner for the daily collection. Managing the franking machine via the supplier to ensure the unit is supplied with sufficient credit, supplies and the ordering of supplies.
- Other: Act as First Aider. Training will be provided. Dealing with First Aid incidents. Deputising for the building First Aid Coordinator to always ensure an adequate corps of certified First Aiders, liaising on training and maintaining first aid kits throughout the building including the reordering of supplies. Act as Fire Warden. Training will be provided. Deputising for the Fire Incident Coordinator to always ensure an adequate corps of certified Fire Wardens. Undertaking weekly building checks ensuring compliance with fire safety.
Salary and Benefits: This is a full time, permanent contract. The salary range for this post is £27,675-£28,550 per annum, pro rata depending on experience and qualifications. The post is based in Kensington, London. 35-hour working week with core working hours between 10.00am and 4.00pm. 25 days annual leave per annum, pro rata, plus public bank holidays. Society closure between Christmas and New Year, in addition to the basic annual leave allowance. Pension scheme - 3% employee, 7.5% employer. Group Life Assurance at four-times basic annual salary. Corporate eye care vouchers. Cycle to work scheme. Free 24-hour Employee Assistance helpline with available counselling support.
Applications must be received by 9.30am on Friday 6 February. Interviews are planned to take place in the week commencing 16 February. Interested? If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position. The Society aims to be an equal opportunities employer. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. The Society is unable to offer work visa sponsorships. No agencies please.
Front of House Receptionist employer: Royal Geographical Society (with IBG)
The Royal Geographical Society offers a dynamic and supportive work environment, perfect for those passionate about geography and events. With flexible working arrangements and a focus on employee growth, this role provides an excellent opportunity to develop skills in event coordination while contributing to meaningful programmes in the heart of London. Join a team that values collaboration and innovation, making it an ideal place for motivated individuals seeking rewarding employment.
Contact Details:
Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Front of House Receptionist
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Royal Geographical Society! Familiarise yourself with their activities and values. This will help you stand out during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! As a Front of House Receptionist, you'll be the first point of contact for visitors. Role-play common scenarios with friends or family to boost your confidence and ensure you can handle enquiries smoothly.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can provide insights about the role and the work culture, plus it shows your initiative and enthusiasm for the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy and know how to navigate online platforms, which is a great skill for a receptionist.
We think you need these skills to ace Front of House Receptionist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know the Role:Before you start writing, take a good look at the job description. Understand what the Front of House Receptionist does and think about how your skills match up. We want to see that you get what the role is all about!
Be Yourself:When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We love authenticity, so don’t be afraid to show us who you are. A friendly tone can go a long way in making your application stand out.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application for this specific role. Highlight relevant experience and skills that relate directly to the responsibilities mentioned. We’re looking for someone who’s ready to jump in and contribute right away!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need there to make your application as strong as possible.
How to prepare for a job interview at Royal Geographical Society (with IBG)
✨Know the Society Inside Out
Before your interview, take some time to research the Royal Geographical Society and its activities. Familiarise yourself with their events, resources, and mission. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you answer questions more effectively.
✨Practice Your Reception Skills
As a Front of House Receptionist, you'll be the first point of contact for visitors. Practice your greeting and how you would handle common enquiries. Role-playing with a friend can help you feel more confident and prepared for real-life scenarios.
✨Highlight Your Team Spirit
This role requires working closely with other receptionists and the Facilities team. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in previous roles. Emphasising your ability to work as part of a flexible team will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Prepare Questions to Ask
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the Society's upcoming events or the team dynamics. This shows that you're engaged and eager to contribute, plus it gives you valuable insights into the role and workplace culture.
