At a Glance
- Tasks: Support senior leaders by coordinating priorities and providing high-quality briefings.
- Company: Join the Office for Students, a key player in education policy.
- Benefits: Generous salary, Civil Service pension, and a commitment to diversity.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in education while developing your professional skills.
- Qualifications: Strong writing and communication skills, with a knack for decision-making.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 67000 £ per year.
Job Overview
Senior Private Secretary - Bristol£56,209 - £58,820 plus generous Civil Service defined benefit pension.
As Senior Private Secretary, you will play a central role in supporting the Chair and Chief Executives of the Office for Students (Of S).
You will coordinate complex and fast moving priorities, provide high quality briefings, and help ensure that key decisions and actions are delivered.
Responsibilities
- Coordinate complex and fast moving priorities and ensure that key decisions and actions are delivered.
- Provide high quality briefings to senior leaders, preparing them for meetings and events.
- Support executive decision making and help navigate complex issues and competing demands.
- Lead improvements to how the private office operates.
- Build strong relationships with colleagues across the Of S and with external stakeholders.
Qualifications
Essential criteria
- Understanding of the work of the Of S and the context it operates in.
- Strong writing skills and the ability to provide accurate and reliable information in a timely manner.
- Ability to communicate complex issues effectively through both verbal and written communication.
- Ability to take the initiative and make decisions relating to the operational parts of the role.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues, showing openness, professionalism and an ability to support delivery of senior priorities through others.
- Ability to prioritise work and deliver high quality outcomes under time pressure and in the face of competing demands.
- Ability to exercise judgement, discretion and professionalism appropriate to a senior support role, enabling effective decision making and delivery through others.
Desirable criteria
- Understanding of the Of S's priorities, and the ability to utilise judgement and creativity to apply these priorities to decision making in novel situations.
- Equality and Diversity
We recruit based on fair and open competition and welcome applications from candidates regardless of age, disability, race and ethnicity, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.
We value diversity and the wealth of perspectives, experience and ideas that it brings to our work, and we strive to embed equality of opportunity in everything we do.
Senior Private Secretary in Bristol employer: The Office for Students
The Office for Students (OfS) is an exceptional employer that champions diversity and inclusivity, offering a supportive work culture where every employee can thrive. With a focus on professional development and continuous improvement, the OfS provides meaningful opportunities for growth while ensuring a flexible working environment in the vibrant city of Bristol. Join us to make a real impact in higher education and enjoy the benefits of a generous Civil Service pension scheme.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Private Secretary in Bristol
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like The Office for Students, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like The Office for Students and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Private Secretary in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for The Office for Students and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Office for Students
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with The Office for Students, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for The Office for Students.
