Administrative Assistant & PA to the HR Directors' Office

University of Oxford; Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 32,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious educational institution in Oxford is seeking a motivated Administrative Assistant and PA to the HR Directors' Office. In this role, you will provide high-quality executive support, manage diaries, and coordinate meetings. The ideal candidate will possess strong organizational skills and effective communication capabilities. The position offers hybrid working arrangements and an attractive benefits package, including 38 days of annual leave and a contributory pension scheme.

Benefits

38 days of annual leave

Generous family leave schemes

Flexible working arrangements

Excellent pension scheme

Cycle loan scheme

Access to social and cultural clubs

Qualifications

• Experience managing complex diaries and coordinating meetings.
• Ability to balance multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent attention to detail and standards of written communication.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality PA and administrative support to HR Director.
• Manage diary, meetings, and travel arrangements.
• Ensure smooth flow of information and follow up on actions.

Skills

High-level personal and executive assistant support

Strong organizational skills

Clear communication skills

Attention to detail

Confident use of digital tools

Tools

MS Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Overview

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

Spanning the historic streets of the "city of dreaming spires", the University of Oxford has been ranked the world’s leading university for ten consecutive years. A place where centuries of tradition meet world-changing innovation, we offer you the chance to shape the future while working in an inspiring environment that promotes excellence. Here, you’ll contribute to ground-breaking research that tackles global challenges - from advancing sustainability to pioneering healthcare solutions - and join a diverse, inclusive community that champions your wellbeing, development, and aspirations. Apply now to become part of our extraordinary legacy.

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

Working at the University of Oxford offers several exclusive benefits, such as:

• 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.
• Clear and respectful communication skills, both in person and by telephone, with a positive and inclusive approach to customer service and collaboration.
• Excellent attention to detail and high standards of written communication, including accurate typing, proofreading, and the careful handling of confidential or sensitive information.
• Confident use of digital tools and office technologies, including MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, email, and web-based systems, with openness to learning and adapting to new ways of working.

Sponsorship and Right To Work

This role does not meet the criteria for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa under the UK Visa & Immigration points-based system. We are therefore unable to offer sponsorship for this role.

Application Process

To apply, please upload:

• A covering letter/supporting statement
• Your CV
• The details of two referees

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on 16 February 2026.

Interviews will take place in end of February/beginning of March, and will be held face-to-face.