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- Tasks: Provide top-notch PA support to the Vice-President for Research & Innovation and manage complex schedules.
- Company: Join the prestigious University of Sheffield, known for its commitment to innovation and research.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous annual leave, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Be at the heart of research and innovation, making a real difference in a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: Experience in PA or senior admin roles, strong communication skills, and IT proficiency required.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a vibrant academic setting with a diverse community.
The predicted salary is between 32080 - 36636 £ per year.
Based in the Rotunda, part of the prestigious Firth Court Building, you will play a key role in the Research and Innovation support team. Working alongside the current PA, this shared role directly supports the Vice‑President for Research and Innovation, Deputy Vice‑President for Research and Deputy‑Vice President for Innovation. The office forms part of a wider group of executive support staff who, together, support the work of the President, Vice‑Chancellor, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Finance Officer and the Vice‑President for Education. Close working with other executive support colleagues within this wider team is essential.
The role requires strong team‑working skills, a high level of written and oral communication, proficiency in a range of IT software, excellent organisational, diplomatic and customer service skills. You will have the autonomy to coordinate your own workload, balance priorities and work quickly to meet tight deadlines, managing conflicting priorities and taking responsibility for coordinating and organising events and visits.
Main Duties and Responsibilities- Provide professional, comprehensive, and confidential PA support, including complex diary management, meeting coordination and travel arrangements for the VPRI, DVPR and DVPI.
- Manage email inboxes: highlight emails requiring immediate attention to the VPRI and DVPI, draft responses when appropriate, and pass on communications or queries to other colleagues ensuring timely follow‑up.
- Prepare, format and quality‑assure briefing papers, agendas, presentations, reports and interview schedules.
- Coordinate and support meetings related to research and innovation governance, including senior committees, boards and working groups.
- Draft documents, presentations and agendas; collate papers, track actions and ensure follow‑up on decisions.
- Support the organisation of high‑level events, away days and strategic planning sessions.
- Prepare detailed itineraries and travel arrangements for visits by the VPRI, both in the UK and overseas; coordinate with other executive staff.
- Organise visits to the university and other associated events that are of strategic importance to the university and where external visitors have complex itineraries and high customer‑care requirements.
- Undertake financial administration duties including processing expenses, purchase orders, coding Barclaycard transactions for the VPRI and DVPI, and other administrative tasks in line with university procedures.
- Support all administrative aspects of the VPRI’s office: filing systems, archiving, estates matters, IT matters, HR matters and welcoming guests and visitors.
- Liaise with colleagues in the Office of the President & Vice‑Chancellor to ensure smooth and efficient running of the Rotunda and provide high‑level customer care for all visitors.
- Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.
Our diverse community recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and are respected. Even if your past experience doesn’t match perfectly, your contribution is valuable – we encourage you to apply. Please reference the application criteria in your application statement.
CriteriaEssential
- Significant experience providing PA or senior administrative support at executive or senior management level.
- Excellent organisational and time‑management skills, managing multiple priorities and tight deadlines.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, producing high‑quality documentation.
- Experience working with confidential and sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.
- High level of IT proficiency, including Microsoft Office, SAP and Barclaycard systems.
- Ability to work independently, use initiative and exercise sound judgement.
- Experience working in a higher education or research‑intensive environment.
Desirable
- Familiarity with research, innovation or knowledge exchange activities.
- Experience supporting committees and senior governance structures.
- Understanding of the University of Sheffield’s structures, policies and culture.
Grade: 6
Salary: £32,080 – £36,636 (potential to increase to £39,906)
Work arrangement: Full‑time
Line manager: Dawn Stewart
For informal enquiries: or
The selection process is expected to take place on either week commencing 09 or 16 March 2026. It will consist of an interview and a possible test. Candidates will be informed of progression on the week commencing 02 March 2026. If you need support, equipment or adjustments to participate in any element of the recruitment process, please contact Dawn Stewart.
Our Vision and Strategic PlanWe are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision.
What We OfferA minimum of 38 days annual leave, including
PA to Vice-President for Research & Innovation in Sheffield employer: The University of Sheffield
Contact Detail:
The University of Sheffield Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land PA to Vice-President for Research & Innovation in Sheffield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at the university, especially those in similar roles. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the Vice-President's recent projects and initiatives. This shows your genuine interest and helps you tailor your responses to align with their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Since this role requires strong written and verbal abilities, consider doing mock interviews with friends or using online platforms to refine your pitch.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team.
We think you need these skills to ace PA to Vice-President for Research & Innovation in Sheffield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of PA to the Vice-President for Research & Innovation. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since strong written communication is key for this role, ensure your application is clear, concise, and free of errors. We want to see your ability to produce high-quality documentation right from the start!
Highlight Your Organisational Skills: Demonstrate your excellent organisational abilities by providing examples of how you've managed multiple priorities or tight deadlines in the past. This will help us see how you can handle the demands of supporting senior executives.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to the right people and shows your enthusiasm for joining our team at StudySmarter.
How to prepare for a job interview at The University of Sheffield
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a PA to the Vice-President for Research & Innovation. Familiarise yourself with diary management, meeting coordination, and travel arrangements. This will help you answer questions confidently and demonstrate your suitability for the role.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've managed multiple priorities and tight deadlines in previous roles. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, highlighting your excellent organisational skills and ability to work independently.
✨Communicate Clearly and Professionally
Since strong written and verbal communication skills are essential, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Bring along samples of high-quality documentation you've produced, like reports or presentations, to showcase your proficiency and attention to detail.
✨Demonstrate Your IT Proficiency
Brush up on your knowledge of Microsoft Office, SAP, and Barclaycard systems. Be ready to discuss how you've used these tools in past roles to enhance efficiency and support senior management. If possible, mention any experience you have with research or innovation activities to further align with the role.
