PA to Head of Junior School (Maternity Cover role)

When you join the team at Heriot’s, you become part of our community, where the contribution of every individual is important and valued. The Heriot’s motto, to “distribute chearfullie”, is at the heart of school - distributing kindness, support and generosity remains as live today as it was in 1628 when George Heriot founded the school. Our most recent staff survey reported that 97% of employees at Heriot’s feel motivated and happy to work here and we aim to provide a friendly, welcoming, and supportive environment for all of our people.

This aim is reflected in the package we offer which, for Support Staff, in addition to basic salary, includes:

• Enhanced holiday allowance (38 days minimum)
• Generous pension scheme (up to 11% employer contribution with 5% employee contribution)
• Enhanced sick pay, maternity and paternity pay
• Family friendly policies (Including Personal Emergency Leave Days)
• Annual review and opportunities for training and continued professional development
• Travel to work schemes
• School Fee Remission (non-contractual benefit)
• Employee Assistance programme, including 24/7 counselling helpline and high street, supermarket, and general retail discounts
• Opportunities for involvement in the wider school community

We aim to attract and retain a diverse group of talented people, who are committed to upholding the school’s ethos. As an Equal Opportunities employer, we welcome applications from all sections of the community.

We are seeking to recruit a dedicated, organised and efficient Personal Assistant to deliver a high level of administrative support for George Heriot’s Head of Junior School for a 1 year maternity cover post. As part of our talented Support Staff team, the successful candidate will be primarily responsible to the Head of Junior School, but will work across the junior school leadership team to support all administration activities throughout the school.

As the PA, you will manage the HOJS’s time and handle all external communications. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with great administration and relevant experience to add value to George Heriot’s School in a varied, fast-paced and challenging role. Please see attached job description for full duties.

The ideal candidate will have the following skills and attributes:

• A clear understanding of and commitment to the Heriot’s Aims and Values
• Previous experience of providing administrative support to a professional team in a highly confidential environment
• Previous experience of working in a similar role within Education would be advantageous but is not essential.
• Excellent administrative skills – in particular Minute Taking
• Fully conversant in MS Office suite
• Previous experience of using in-house database systems.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively with people of all backgrounds, including Senior Managers, Parents, External Advisors and children.
• Trustworthy and professional in approach to work with a proven ability to maintain confidentiality at all times and to handle sensitive data with care and attention
• Highly organised with excellent attention to detail and a proven ability to meet deadlines consistently
• Enthusiasm, resilience and warmth

Additional Information: Heriot’s is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share in this commitment. This post is considered Regulated Work with Vulnerable Children and/or Protected Adults, under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007 and the successful candidates will be required to obtain membership of the PVG scheme. Please note that parking is not available on our campus.

George Heriot’s Trust is an Equal Opportunities employer and we welcome applications from all sections of the community. George Heriot’s School is governed by George Heriot’s Trust, Scottish Charity number SC011463.