At a Glance
- Tasks: Support daily operations and enhance student experiences at our vibrant London Centre.
- Company: Join a mission-driven nonprofit focused on global learning and intercultural growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive workplace, and opportunities for personal and professional development.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities to engage in exciting events and activities.
- Why this job: Be the first point of contact for students and visitors, making a positive impact every day.
- Qualifications: Strong organisational skills, customer-oriented mindset, and a passion for supporting diverse students.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 28000 £ per year.
Full Time, London, England
Requisition ID: 1290
Salary: £28,000.00 Annually
Contract Type: Full Time / Permanent
Location: London, England
Reports to: Operations and Compliance Manager, England and Wales
Position Overview
Are you a life-long learner, curious about the world around you? Are you ready to bring your unique skills to a mission-driven organization? Do you enjoy being a part of a student’s journey of personal, academic and intercultural growth? If so, we would love to welcome you to our global community! We are looking for an individual to support IFSA’s programs in England and Wales.
The Centre Operations Assistant supports all IFSA programmes and day to day operations of the London Centre. They serve as a first point of contact for all Centre visitors, and provide administrative, operational, facilities and compliance support, engaging with students, faculty, contractors and external partners. The Centre Operations Assistant works closely with the local Academic team, Student Experience team, Custom Programmes team, and the Director.
The Centre Operations Assistant supports several key areas of IFSA’s operations in London including centre and programme administration, facilities coordination, centre-based events, faculty and visitor assistance, and contractor coordination. The successful candidate will have a customer-oriented mindset, with strong organisational and administrative skills. The Centre Operations Assistant is based in the IFSA London Centre in Mayfair Monday-Friday from 8am until 4pm, and works from the Reception Desk. They are the first person any visitor to the Centre will meet, and are responsible for ensuring a positive first impression.
IFSA (Institute for Study Abroad), a US-based nonprofit organization, creates global learning environments to help students gather the critical perspectives, knowledge, and skills essential for future success. With innovative programming and world-class support, IFSA delivers future-focused study abroad options in 17 countries and 48 cities around the globe. Our commitments to inclusive excellence, intercultural agility, individualized learning and enduring impact are present in every aspect of our programs.
Responsibilities
- Coordinate Centre classroom bookings and timetabling
- Receive phone calls to the IFSA Centre
- Support IFSA faculty with classroom set up, IT equipment, and teaching logistics
- Assist the Operations and Compliance Manager in identifying, reporting and coordinating maintenance, facilities and operational issues
- Coordinate contractor visits, obtain and file service reports, track completion of works and escalate issues
- Liaise between IFSA faculty and students where needed
- Assist with arrangements for implementation of academic accommodations for students where required
- Conduct daily building checks to ensure teaching spaces and common spaces are safe and presentable for daily teaching/student activities and elevate any issues to the Operations and Compliance Manager
- Support the planning and delivery of Centre-based events and activities, including student-facing activities throughout the semester, site visits from US and UK partners, and Global Site Seminars held at the London Centre
- Greet visitors to the Centre and ensure visitor protocols are followed
- Manage and track stock levels of stationery, IT, first aid, excursion kits and kitchen equipment
- Support health and safety/compliance audits and record keeping of those activities
- Supports emergency response for any Centre-based emergencies per IFSA protocols
- Produce student and visitor-facing materials for display on IFSA Centre notice boards
Requirements, Work Experience and Education
- Strong time management and planning skills, with the ability to work independently to execute time-sensitive tasks and duties successfully
- Strong attention to detail in managing records, scheduling and administrative tasks
- Ability to identify issues proactively and implement practical solutions
- Strong digital competencies, including the ability to engage with multiple systems and our database platform, Salesforce
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office systems including PowerPoint, Word, Excel, Outlook required
- Willingness to learn and undertake basic facilities-related tasks, including equipment assembly, workspace setup and minor repairs and cleaning where appropriate
- Proven ability to work well in a team
- Ability to engage with and support students with diverse lived experiences including students of colour, students with mental and physical disabilities, first-generation college students, and LGBTQIA+ students
- An ability to respond calmly and professionally to emergency situations
- The legal right to work in the UK required
We know there are great candidates who won’t check all of these boxes, and we also know you might bring important perspectives, experiences and skills that we haven’t considered. If this describes you, please don’t hesitate to apply and tell us about yourself.
Physical and Work Environment
Working on a computer, making phone/video calls. Regular physical activities throughout a multi-story building such as arranging chairs/tables in classrooms and carrying deliveries and supplies.
In your cover letter, offer a compelling “Why” statement as to your suitability to the role using the job responsibilities and organizational commitments as a framework, including your motivations for applying, and where you see your strengths complementing the role. Review of applications will begin immediately, and the position will remain open until filled. IFSA is an equal opportunity employer, and our hiring process is inclusive of all genders and gender expressions, races and ethnicities, ages, religions and sexualities as well as veterans and people with disabilities.
Centre Operations Assistant (London, England) in City of Westminster employer: Study Abroad
At IFSA, we pride ourselves on being a mission-driven organisation that fosters a supportive and inclusive work culture. As a Centre Operations Assistant in our vibrant London Centre, you will enjoy a collaborative environment that encourages personal and professional growth, with opportunities to engage directly with students and faculty from diverse backgrounds. Our commitment to employee development, coupled with the unique experience of working in the heart of Mayfair, makes IFSA an exceptional employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Centre Operations Assistant (London, England) in City of Westminster
✨Get to Know the Company Culture
Before jumping into applications, it’s super helpful to understand the vibe at Study Abroad. Check out their social media, read reviews on sites like Glassdoor, and see how they engage with customers. It'll give you clues on their values and help tailor your conversation during interviews.
✨Join Customer Support Communities
Dive into online communities like those on Reddit or LinkedIn where customer support pros hang out. Participating in discussions or asking questions can make you more visible to potential recruiters and help you learn about job openings at companies like Study Abroad before they even post them.
✨Attend Job Fairs or Networking Events
Look out for local job fairs or events specifically for customer support roles. This is your chance to meet hiring managers face-to-face, and you might even get the opportunity to interview on the spot!
✨Show Off Your Skills with Customer Interactions
In the customer support world, showcasing your communication skills is key. Consider creating a short video introducing yourself or even doing a mock call to showcase your abilities. It's a memorable way to stand out, especially if you can share this during your interview process!
We think you need these skills to ace Centre Operations Assistant (London, England) in City of Westminster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Communication Skills:In customer support, clear communication is key. Make sure your CV highlights any experience you've had in customer-facing roles and your ability to resolve issues. Don't shy away from including specific examples of how you've gone above and beyond to help customers – this really shows your potential in the role.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Study Abroad:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Tell us why you want to work at Study Abroad specifically. Mention any unique aspects of our company that resonate with you and how your skills can enhance our customer support. This personal touch will set your application apart from the rest!
Highlight Any Relevant Tools or Tech Skills:If you've used customer support software like Zendesk or Freshdesk or have experience with CRM systems, make sure to mention these in your application. Being familiar with industry-standard tools can be a big plus for us when we’re reviewing applications, as it shows you can hit the ground running!
Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Skills:Customer support roles often require a knack for problem-solving. In your application, share examples of past experiences where you've tackled tough situations or resolved conflicts effectively. This will give us a good sense of how you handle challenges—an essential skill for success at Study Abroad!
How to prepare for a job interview at Study Abroad
✨Show Off Your People Skills
In customer support, it's all about communicating effectively. Prepare to share instances from your past experiences where you handled difficult customers or resolved conflicts. We want to hear how you empathised and found the best solutions, so think of specific examples to back up your stories!
✨Know the Tools of the Trade
Familiarise yourself with common customer support tools like Zendesk or Freshdesk, and make sure to review how you’ve used any similar systems in the past. During the interview, being able to discuss your hands-on experience with software or ticketing systems can really set you apart from the competition, so don’t skip this prep!
✨Show Genuine Enthusiasm
As this is a full-time role, employers want someone who isn’t just looking for any job, but wants to grow within customer support. Make sure to express your enthusiasm for helping customers and your desire to develop your skills. Show them why you're passionate about this field!
✨Practice Common Scenarios
Be prepared for role-playing scenarios where you might have to reassess a solution with a frustrated customer or explain a complex process in simple terms. Practising these common scenarios can help us feel more confident and demonstrate our practical skills effectively during the interview.