At a Glance
- Tasks: Support daily operations and assist with event planning in a dynamic office environment.
- Company: Join a leading university's Development and Alumni Relations Office.
- Benefits: Enjoy 40 days holiday, a competitive salary, and a supportive work culture.
- Other info: Flexible working environment with opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a difference while gaining valuable experience in the higher education sector.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in English and Maths, strong organisational skills, and a proactive attitude.
The predicted salary is between 27546 - 29171 € per year.
The Operations Assistant will provide a range of operational and administrative support to the Development and Alumni Relations Office. Tasks include administrative support for day-to-day office operations, diary support for the Deputy Director and Associate Directors, support for UK and international travel, alumni and donor campus visits, general financial administration, and preparation materials for new starters. The holder will manage a varied workload and assist the Office Manager.
Main Duties
- Provide diary support, event planning, and financial administration for the Deputy Director and Associate Directors.
- Assist cross-office fundraising teams with logistical arrangements for campus donor visits and ad-hoc operational support.
- Book UK train travel and accommodation; coordinate international travel requests with the Office Manager.
- Act as main point of contact for day-to-day office queries (maintenance, supplies, post) and escalations.
- Serve as superuser for internal University systems and provide guidance to the office.
- Maintain the office environment and undertake training such as fire warden and evacuation chair.
- Assist with staff induction, interviews, and other administrative processes.
- Support the sustainability initiatives of the Office Manager.
- Take notes and provide support to committees and meetings.
- Maintain relationships with key stakeholders and promote equality and diversity.
- Perform any other duties as reasonably expected.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Qualifications
- Minimum GCSEs: grade C/4 in English and Mathematics (or equivalent).
- Attention to detail, accuracy, and strong organisation.
- Ability to work independently and prioritise workload with minimal supervision.
- Identify and solve problems using good practice and experience.
- Suggest procedural improvements proactively.
- Excellent IT skills, particularly MS Office.
- Multitasking and organisational competence.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- Professional conduct with diverse stakeholders, confidentiality, and diplomacy.
- Commitment to continuous professional development.
- Positive, adaptable, and flexible attitude in changing situations.
- Good understanding of the UK Higher Education sector.
- Awareness of equality, diversity, and inclusion policies.
- Ability to respond to equality and diversity issues in line with relevant policies.
Benefits
- Full-time permanent position.
- Salary range £27,546 to £29,171 with potential progression to £32,595.
- 40 days paid holiday per year, one paid volunteering day, occupational sick pay, pension scheme, and subsidised day nurseries.
Contact
Informal enquiries: Rosemary Price, email: r.e.price@bham.ac.uk
Application Information
Use of AI in applications: The University prefers genuine, handwritten application content and discourages heavy reliance on AI.
Operations Assistant - Development and Alumni Relations Office - 106576 - Grade 4 in Birmingham employer: University of Birmingham
The University of Birmingham offers a dynamic and supportive work environment for the Operations Assistant role within the Development and Alumni Relations Office. With a commitment to employee growth, generous benefits including 40 days of paid holiday, and a focus on equality and diversity, this position provides an excellent opportunity for those seeking meaningful employment in the higher education sector. The university's culture promotes collaboration and innovation, making it an ideal place for individuals looking to make a positive impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Assistant - Development and Alumni Relations Office - 106576 - Grade 4 in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees in the Development and Alumni Relations Office or similar roles. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to operations and administration. Think about your past experiences and how they relate to the tasks mentioned in the job description. We want you to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your organisational skills! Bring examples of how you've managed multiple tasks or improved processes in previous roles. This will demonstrate that you’re the perfect fit for the varied workload they'll throw your way.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can keep you fresh in their minds and show your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’d be a fantastic addition to the team!
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Assistant - Development and Alumni Relations Office - 106576 - Grade 4 in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to get to know the real you, so don’t be afraid to show your enthusiasm for the role and how your unique experiences make you a great fit.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the specific duties of the Operations Assistant role. We love seeing how you can contribute to our team, so connect the dots for us!
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t forget to emphasise your organisational and multitasking abilities, as these are key for this position. Use examples from your past experiences to demonstrate how you’ve successfully managed similar tasks or challenges.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it gets to the right people and helps us keep track of all applications. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Birmingham
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the Operations Assistant role. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities like diary support, event planning, and financial administration. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Show Off Your Organisational Skills
Since this role requires strong organisational skills, prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed multiple tasks or projects. Be ready to discuss how you prioritised your workload and solved any problems that arose.
✨Brush Up on Your IT Skills
The job mentions excellent IT skills, particularly in MS Office. Make sure you're comfortable discussing your proficiency with these tools. If you have experience with any specific software used in financial administration or event planning, be sure to highlight that too!
✨Emphasise Your Interpersonal Skills
As you'll be interacting with diverse stakeholders, it's crucial to demonstrate your excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Prepare to share examples of how you've maintained professional relationships and handled sensitive situations with diplomacy and confidentiality.
