At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide high-quality PA and administrative support to HR Directors, managing priorities and coordinating information.
- Company: Join the University of Oxford, a world-leading institution with a vibrant community.
- Benefits: Enjoy 38 days of annual leave, flexible working, and a generous family leave scheme.
- Other info: Hybrid working options and opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in workplace culture while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in executive support, strong organisational skills, and excellent attention to detail.
The predicted salary is between 32108 - 37338 £ per year.
4 Worcester Street, Oxford
Are you someone who enjoys supporting others, managing priorities, and making a real difference to how people work? Take on the rewarding role of Administrative Assistant and PA to the HR Directors' Office within the People Department at the University of Oxford, where you'll support colleagues working at the heart of talent, workplace culture, and organisational development in our world-leading institution.
Location: Worcester Street, Oxford (Hybrid working with regular office days)
Salary: £32,108-£37,338 per annum
Contract: Full Time, Fixed Term Contract (2 Years)
About Us
The People Department, part of University Administration and Services (UAS), supports the University's core academic mission by providing expert HR leadership and developing progressive people practices that empower our staff and strengthen our community.
What We Offer
- 38 days of annual leave (inclusive of public holidays) to support your wellbeing, with the option to purchase up to 10 extra days and additional leave after long service.
- One of the most generous family leave schemes in UK higher education, offering up to 26 weeks of full-pay maternity and adoption leave, plus 12 weeks of full-pay paternity/partner leave.
- A commitment to hybrid and flexible working to suit your lifestyle.
- An excellent contributory pension scheme.
- Affordable and sustainable commuting options, including a cycle loan scheme, discounted bus travel, and season ticket loans.
- Access to a vibrant community through our social, cultural, and sports clubs.
About the Role
We have an exciting opportunity for a motivated and enthusiastic individual to provide high-quality PA and administrative support to the HR Director and their Office. Working closely with the HR Director, Director of Talent/Deputy HR Director and Executive Officer, you will help ensure their work is supported in a timely, organised, and effective way. Acting as a central point of coordination, you will support the smooth flow of information, follow up on key actions, and help ensure priorities are delivered on time. The role is varied and engaging, involving diary management, meeting and project support, preparation of reports and documentation, handling sensitive information with care, and occasional involvement in larger events such as the People Conference.
About You
You will bring:
- Experience in providing high-level personal and executive assistant support, including managing complex diaries, coordinating meetings, and arranging travel.
- Strong organisational skills, with the ability to use sound judgement, take initiative, and balance multiple priorities in a fast-paced and supportive environment.
- Excellent attention to detail and high standards of written communication, including accurate typing, proofreading, and the careful handling of confidential or sensitive information.
Sponsorship and Right To Work
This role does not meet the criteria for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa under the UK Visa.
Administrative Assistant and PA to HR Directors Office in Oxford employer: University of Oxford
The University of Oxford is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and dynamic work environment where you can truly make a difference in the lives of others. With generous benefits such as 38 days of annual leave, a strong commitment to work-life balance through hybrid working options, and extensive opportunities for professional growth within a prestigious institution, you'll find a fulfilling career path that values your contributions and well-being.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Administrative Assistant and PA to HR Directors Office in Oxford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at the University of Oxford on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the role and help us stand out in the application process.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the People Department's recent projects and initiatives. This shows us that we’re genuinely interested and ready to contribute to their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common interview questions, especially those related to organisational skills and handling sensitive information. We want to be confident and articulate when showcasing our experience!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after the interview! A quick thank-you email reiterating our enthusiasm for the role can leave a lasting impression and keep us top of mind.
We think you need these skills to ace Administrative Assistant and PA to HR Directors Office in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Administrative Assistant and PA. Highlight your experience in managing diaries, coordinating meetings, and any relevant HR support you've provided. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about supporting others and how you can make a difference in our team. Keep it engaging and personal – we love to see your personality come through!
Show Off Your Attention to Detail:Since this role involves handling sensitive information and producing high-quality documentation, make sure your application is free from typos and errors. We appreciate candidates who take the time to proofread their work – it shows you care!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Oxford
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of an Administrative Assistant and PA to the HR Directors' Office. Familiarise yourself with the key tasks mentioned in the job description, like diary management and handling sensitive information. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
During the interview, be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, highlighting your strong organisational skills and attention to detail, which are crucial for this role.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, you'll likely have the chance to ask questions. Prepare thoughtful ones that show your interest in the People Department and its initiatives. For instance, you could ask about the team culture or how they measure success in this role. This not only demonstrates your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
✨Practice Professional Communication
Since excellent written communication is essential for this position, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely during the interview. You might even want to prepare a brief summary of your relevant experience to present at the start. This will set a professional tone and showcase your ability to communicate effectively, which is key for supporting the HR Directors.
