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- Tasks: Provide high-quality administrative support and manage customer enquiries for the External Relations team.
- Company: Join the University of Derby, a top-rated institution committed to excellence and student success.
- Benefits: Enjoy 38 days of annual leave, inclusive of bank holidays, and a supportive work culture.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team making a positive impact through innovative projects and events.
- Qualifications: Strong administrative skills, customer service experience, and proficiency in Microsoft Office required.
- Other info: Flexible working hours with opportunities for professional growth in a vibrant university environment.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
About the University
We have one simple promise – to make a positive impact. Through our ground-breaking research, teaching excellence and commitment to sustainable living, we are changing lives for the better. The University of Derby is a modern university with a modern outlook. Everything we do is driven by delivering excellence and opportunities for our students, our staff and our region. We have some of the best university facilities in the UK and achieve outstanding results for our teaching and research and have been awarded Gold in the prestigious Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023 – making it one of the top universities in the country recognised for its outstanding student experience and student outcomes.
Financially strong and seriously ambitious we offer our employees an inclusive culture that centres itself around staff wellbeing, where you can be confident you will receive all the help and encouragement you need to build a rewarding career with lots of opportunities to enhance your skills.
About the College/Department
Our External Relations team is responsible for promoting and raising awareness of our University’s brand in the UK and overseas. From creating all messaging and content for external campaigns and our website, to social media, and managing events – ours is a highly complex and expert marketing, PR and Internal Comms environment, key to making the University shine.
International Recruitment
The International Office takes the lead on international student recruitment, working in its priority regions of China, India, Pakistan, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Europe. We work across the University, with Colleges and Professional Services such as Admissions and Marketing, and externally with recruitment agents, sponsors, and bodies such as the British Council. We also work with Colleges and the Partnership Unit on the business development aspect of collaborative overseas partnerships.
About the Role
We are looking for a proactive and highly organised professional to join our External Relations department, providing high-quality administrative and customer-focused support. This role is central to ensuring the smooth delivery of External Relations services and projects, supporting staff, stakeholders, and key University activities.
As the first point of contact for internal and external customers, you will handle a wide range of enquiries via phone, email, and in person, ensuring responses are timely, accurate, and professional. You will play an important role in supporting service delivery by identifying trends in queries, helping to improve processes, and ensuring systems and protocols are used effectively.
The role involves a varied workload, including project support, relationship management, research, data management, meeting coordination, and maintaining information across systems such as Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platforms and the intranet. You will also assist with marketing and promoting services and events, supporting recruitment campaigns, open days, and major University events such as enrolment and awards ceremonies.
You will work closely with the Associate Director and International Recruitment Team wider, contributing to reports, financial tracking, document creation, and internal and external communications. A strong attention to detail, excellent organisational skills, and a people-centred approach are essential, as is the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys working collaboratively, delivering high standards of customer service, and contributing to the success of high-profile projects and events while role modelling the University’s values and behaviours.
Due to the nature of this role, you will need to be willing to work flexibly and be responsive to business needs and customer expectations (will require some late/evening/weekend work).
About You
We are looking for a proactive and organised individual with strong administrative and customer service experience. You will have experience working in a busy office environment, handling enquiries professionally, and supporting teams with accuracy and attention to detail.
The ideal candidate will be IT literate, confident using Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and other core systems. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential, along with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
You will be adaptable, able to manage competing priorities, meet deadlines, and respond positively to changing circumstances. Discretion and sensitivity when handling confidential information are crucial. Flexibility to support occasional evening, weekend, or travel requirements is also expected.
Benefits
Generous annual leave entitlement of 38 days inclusive of
Senior Administrative Assistant (0006-26) - Derby, DE22 1GB employer: University of Derby
Contact Detail:
University of Derby Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Administrative Assistant (0006-26) - Derby, DE22 1GB
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at the University of Derby on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing a role in the External Relations team.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the University’s recent projects and initiatives. This shows your genuine interest and helps you connect your skills to their goals during the conversation.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your customer service scenarios. Since this role is all about being the first point of contact, think of examples where you've handled enquiries or resolved issues effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed and shows you’re serious about joining the team at the University of Derby.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Administrative Assistant (0006-26) - Derby, DE22 1GB
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Administrative Assistant role. Highlight your relevant experience in administrative support and customer service, and show how you align with our values at the University of Derby.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to emphasise your IT skills, especially with Microsoft Office applications. We want to see how you can use these tools to enhance your work and support our External Relations team effectively.
Be Professional and Personable: As the first point of contact, it’s crucial to demonstrate your excellent communication skills. Use a friendly yet professional tone in your written application to reflect how you would interact with internal and external customers.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our official website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves and helps us keep track of all candidates efficiently.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Derby
✨Know the University Inside Out
Before your interview, take some time to research the University of Derby. Understand its values, recent achievements, and the role of the External Relations team. This knowledge will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their mission.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
As a Senior Administrative Assistant, you'll need to demonstrate your organisational prowess. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed multiple tasks or projects. Highlight how you prioritised effectively and maintained attention to detail under pressure.
✨Prepare for Customer Service Scenarios
Since this role involves being the first point of contact for enquiries, be ready to discuss your customer service experience. Think of specific situations where you handled difficult queries or improved processes. This will showcase your people-centred approach and problem-solving skills.
✨Be Ready for Flexibility Questions
Given the nature of the role, flexibility is key. Be prepared to discuss your availability and willingness to work outside standard hours if needed. Share examples of how you've adapted to changing circumstances in previous roles, demonstrating your commitment to meeting business needs.
