At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Executive Director with scheduling, meetings, and confidential correspondence.
- Company: Join one of the world’s leading universities with a vibrant community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, and flexible work options.
- Other info: Championing equality and diversity in a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team making a real impact in higher education.
- Qualifications: Strong organisational skills and experience in a high-level administrative role.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Grade UE05: £29,588.00 - £33,951.00 per annum
CSG / Accommodation, Catering and Events
Full-time: 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday
Open-ended (permanent)
The Opportunity
We are seeking a highly skilled PA to provide exceptional support to the Executive Director of Commercial and Residential Services. In this dynamic role, you will handle highly confidential correspondence and liaise with a variety of organisations and senior figures. The role involves efficiently managing and coordinating the Executive Director's complex and demanding schedule, as well as organising and attending meetings, accurately handling all related administrative tasks such as preparing meeting papers, drafting agendas, taking comprehensive minutes, and coordinating meetings and events to maximise productivity. It also involves overseeing the Executive Director’s inbox, monitoring emails and communications to prioritise urgent items and ensure timely responses. The postholder will provide additional administrative support to the wider directorate of Accommodation, Catering, and Events.
Qualifications and skills required include:
- Excellent organisational skills
- The ability to manage sensitive information discreetly
- Experience in a similar high-level administrative role
Your Skills and Attributes for Success:
- School education to standard grade or equivalent, with recent experience working in a PA or senior administrative support role
- Meticulous approach to handling confidential and highly sensitive matters
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate appropriately at all levels
- Experience of maintaining a demanding calendar for senior postholder(s)
- Positive, confident, committed and flexible attitude to work
- IT literacy; expert knowledge of Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, SharePoint and MS Teams
How to Apply:
Please include the following documents in your application: CV, Cover letter
Benefits:
- Working within one of the world’s leading universities
- Good salary/pay rates
- Responsibility and autonomy
- Excellent benefits and support
- A competitive salary
- An exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work
- To be part of a diverse and vibrant international community
- Comprehensive staff benefits, including generous annual leave entitlement, a defined benefits pension scheme, a wide range of staff discounts, family-friendly initiatives, and flexible work options
Championing Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion:
The University of Edinburgh holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. We are members of the Race Equality Charter, and we are also Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champions, actively promoting LGBT equality.
Before any employment commencing with the University, you will be required to evidence your right to work in the UK. The University is unable to sponsor the employment of international workers in this role. International applicants will therefore be unable to apply for and secure a Skilled Worker visa. They will only be able to take up this role if they can demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK.
Key Dates to Note:
The closing date for applications is 1st July 2026. Unless stated otherwise, the closing time for applications is 11:59 pm (UK time). Interviews will be ongoing from 2 weeks after closing date.
PA to Executive Director, Commercial & Residential Services employer: The University of Edinburgh
Join the University of Edinburgh as a PA to the Executive Director of Commercial and Residential Services, where you will thrive in a vibrant and diverse international community. Enjoy a competitive salary, excellent benefits, and the opportunity for personal and professional growth within one of the world’s leading universities, all while contributing to a positive and inclusive work culture that champions equality and diversity.
Contact Details:
The University of Edinburgh Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land PA to Executive Director, Commercial & Residential Services
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at The University of Edinburgh!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at The University of Edinburgh.
We think you need these skills to ace PA to Executive Director, Commercial & Residential Services
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at The University of Edinburgh. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to The University of Edinburgh and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at The University of Edinburgh. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to The University of Edinburgh's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at The University of Edinburgh
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with The University of Edinburgh.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at The University of Edinburgh will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact The University of Edinburgh and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
