Administrative Officer/Executive Assistant

University of Southampton; Southampton; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Southampton is seeking a Senior Administrator to support the Head of School in the School of Psychology. The successful candidate will provide high-level administrative support, manage diverse workloads, and foster effective relationships within the academic community. Key qualifications include strong communication skills and experience as an Executive Assistant. This role offers a collaborative work environment with a commitment to diversity and flexible working arrangements.

Benefits

Generous holiday allowance

Flexible working arrangements

Supportive environment for staff and students

Qualifications

• Experience in an Executive Assistant role.
• Ability to demonstrate initiative and manage workload effectively.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-level support to the Head of School.
• Manage complex processes and support local governance committees.
• Organize and minute meetings, and assist in event organization.

Skills

Executive Assistant experience

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Strong interpersonal skills

MS Office skills (including SharePoint and Teams)

Ability to manage a diverse workload

Job description

The Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences is excited to announce the recruitment for a full-time, permanent Senior Administrator to join the friendly Faculty Operating Service (FOS) team supporting the School of Psychology. The role is varied, and no two days are the same. In this role, you'll work closely with the Head of School for Psychology, academic community, and colleagues supporting the core business needs—education, research, and enterprise across the University—to ensure the School is fully supported.

Senior Administrative Officer/Executive Assistant to Professor Charles Leek, Head of School: Psychology. The successful applicant will be motivated, enthusiastic, and a proactive team player capable of working effectively in a flexible and responsive environment.

As a senior member of our busy administrative team, you will provide high-level support to the Head of School and deliver professional and efficient services, including line management, operational assistance, administrative support to the academic community, event organization, financial administration, HR support, organizing and minuting meetings, space management, and resource ordering.

We welcome applicants with experience in an Executive Assistant role and the ability to demonstrate initiative and prioritization of work while contributing to a team, managing a diverse workload, and paying strong attention to detail.

To be successful in this role, you will:

1. Build effective and credible working relationships and liaise confidently with academics and senior colleagues.
2. Be adaptable, flexible, proactive, able to work independently, and a collaborative team leader with strong interpersonal skills and a positive attitude.
3. Have excellent line management and organizational skills to manage workload across a team effectively.
4. Manage complex processes, analyze and interpret business information, and support local governance committees.
5. Demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills, along with up-to-date MS Office skills (including SharePoint and Teams).

The post reports to the School Operations Manager.

We encourage you to complete this application independently, not relying solely on AI tools, to accurately assess your suitability for the role.

As a university, we aim to create an environment where everyone can thrive and foster a culture of inclusion, respect, and equality of opportunity. We believe that diversity enhances our community and are committed to supporting our staff and students through flexible working arrangements and a generous holiday allowance, including additional university closure days. Learn more about our benefits.

We encourage you to complete this application independently, not relying solely on AI tools, to accurately assess your suitability for the role.

Join us in working at the University of Southampton.