At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Head of School with scheduling, administration, and event organisation.
- Company: Public sector organisation in Edinburgh with a focus on education.
- Benefits: Hourly rate of £16.65, contract until November 2026, and valuable experience.
- Other info: Opportunity to work independently and manage high-level responsibilities.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a difference in the educational sector.
- Qualifications: 3+ years as a senior/executive PA and strong IT skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Contract until 30 November 2026, hourly rate £16.65 (PAYE), located in Edinburgh.
About the client: Venesky‑Brown’s client, a public sector organisation in Edinburgh, is recruiting a PA to support the Head of School.
Responsibilities:
- Administer the Head of School’s calendar, schedule appointments and meetings, liaise with senior external representatives, prioritise daily time and decisions, source information for correspondence, meetings and committee papers.
- Provide administrative support including collating, presenting and analysing data, collate honorary position nominations, design and create spreadsheets, implement data presentation, arrange travel and manage expenses claims, and provide support to the Director of Professional Services.
- Organise school events on behalf of the Head of School, liaise with units and external companies, support in‑person and virtual/remote and hybrid events, arrange audio‑visual support such as moderation, recording, break‑out groups as needed, and engage in other similar school projects from time to time.
- Committee administration: provide secretarial and administrative support to the Engineering Development Advisory Committee, School Management Committee, School Health and Safety Committee, School General Purposes Health and Safety Committee, Senior Management Team Meeting and All‑Staff Meetings, including production of high quality minutes and action lists.
- Other relevant duties as they arise from time to time.
Essential Skills:
- SCHOOL education to standard grade or equivalent plus at least 3 years’ experience as a senior/executive PA.
- Rigorous approach to dealing with confidential and highly sensitive matters.
- IT literacy – expert knowledge of Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, MS Teams, MS SharePoint and Visio.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, able to communicate appropriately at all levels.
- Ability to work independently, unsupervised and under pressure, assess matters that can be dealt with without reference to the HoS, DoPS and others, and take appropriate action.
- Experience making complex travel arrangements.
- Experience maintaining a demanding calendar for senior postholder(s).
- Positive, confident, committed attitude to work.
- Flexible approach to work.
PA To Head Of School employer: Venesky Brown
As a public sector organisation in Edinburgh, we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and inclusive work culture that values collaboration and professional growth. Our employees benefit from a competitive hourly rate, flexible working arrangements, and opportunities to engage in meaningful projects that contribute to the community. Join us to be part of a dedicated team where your skills will be valued and your career can flourish.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land PA To Head Of School
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who might know the Head of School or have insights into the role. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the school and its recent projects. Show us you’re genuinely interested in the role by discussing how your skills can help with their specific needs, like managing events or handling sensitive information.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Since this role requires liaising with various stakeholders, we suggest doing mock interviews with friends or family. This will help you articulate your experience and demonstrate your excellent verbal skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression. Plus, it shows us that you’re proactive and genuinely interested in the position.
We think you need these skills to ace PA To Head Of School
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the PA role. Highlight your experience in managing calendars, organising events, and handling sensitive information. 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 the perfect fit for the Head of School's PA position. Share specific examples of your past experiences that relate to the job description.
Show Off Your IT Skills:Since this role requires expert knowledge of various software, make sure to mention your proficiency in Word, Excel, Outlook, and others. We love seeing candidates who are tech-savvy and can hit the ground running!
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Venesky Brown
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re familiar with the responsibilities listed in the job description. Brush up on your calendar management skills and be ready to discuss how you've handled similar tasks in the past, like scheduling appointments or managing travel arrangements.
✨Showcase Your IT Skills
Since the role requires expert knowledge of various software, be prepared to demonstrate your proficiency in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. You might even want to bring examples of spreadsheets or presentations you've created to showcase your skills.
✨Communicate Clearly
Excellent communication is key for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Think about how you can convey complex information simply, as you’ll need to liaise with senior representatives and produce high-quality minutes.
✨Be Ready for Scenarios
Expect situational questions that assess your ability to handle confidential matters and work under pressure. Prepare examples from your previous experience where you had to make decisions independently or manage sensitive information effectively.
