Administrator (Devon Research School & SWIFT Teacher Training)

Devon County Council; Highweek; Hybrid; GBP 15,000 - 16,000; Part time

Job summary

Devon County Council is seeking a highly organised part-time Administrator to support SWIFT Teacher Training and Devon Research School based in Newton Abbot with hybrid working.

The role covers admin, event support, communications, data reporting and financial administration across two educational organisations, helping improve outcomes for children.

You will handle enquiries, maintain records, coordinate conferences and manage social media content as part of ESW's education improvement agenda.

Qualifications

• GCSE English and Maths (Grade C/4 or above) or equivalent.
• Experience in an administrative role.
• Experience of organising events, meetings or training activities.
• Experience of using Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel and Teams.
• Experience of maintaining accurate administrative records and databases.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive administrative support for activities.
• Manage enquiries from schools, partners and programme participants.
• Maintain accurate records, databases and administrative systems.
• Prepare agendas, papers and documentation for meetings and events.
• Support the organisation and delivery of conferences, training programmes and network events.
• Ensure key information, resources and files are maintained and easily accessible.
• Contribute to business continuity by maintaining clear systems, procedures and administrative guidance.

Skills

Organisation

Communication

Digital skills

Attention to detail

MS Office

Customer service

Education

GCSE English & Maths

Tools

Outlook

Word

Excel

Teams

Job description

Location: Based at Coombeshead Academy, Newton Abbot, with flexible and hybrid working arrangements as appropriate. Contracted Time: Part-time, approximately 22.5 hours per week (3 days), with flexibility to support peak periods and events. The post is term-time (39 weeks) plus 1 week during Easter holidays and 2 weeks during Summer holidays., We are seeking an organised, proactive and highly efficient Administrator to support the work of SWIFT Teacher Training and Devon Research School. This is an exciting opportunity to join two influential organisations that work with schools and educational leaders across Devon and the South West to improve outcomes for children and young people. The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring the smooth running of ITT training, professional development programmes, events, communications, research dissemination and administrative systems. They will provide high-quality operational support across a range of activities, acting as a first point of contact for participants, partners and stakeholders, whilst helping to strengthen engagement through effective communications and social media. The role would suit someone who is organised, digitally confident, able to manage multiple priorities and committed to supporting educational improvement.

Administration and Operational Support

• Provide comprehensive administrative support for activities.
• Manage enquiries from schools, partners and programme participants.
• Maintain accurate records, databases and administrative systems.
• Prepare agendas, papers and documentation for meetings and events.
• Support the organisation and delivery of conferences, training programmes and network events.
• Ensure key information, resources and files are maintained and easily accessible.
• Contribute to business continuity by maintaining clear systems, procedures and administrative guidance.

Event Administration

• Set up and manage bookings for ITT course and professional development programmes and events.
• Coordinate registrations, joining instructions, attendance records and evaluations.
• Liaise with venues, facilitators and delegates to ensure successful event delivery.
• Prepare event resources and materials.
• Monitor participant engagement and attendance data.

Communications and Social Media

• Support the promotion of SWIFT Teacher Training and Devon Research School activity through social media platforms.
• Create and schedule social media content to increase engagement and participation.
• Support the production of newsletters, updates and marketing materials.
• Update websites and digital platforms with relevant information and resources.
• Help communicate the impact of programmes and initiatives through digital channels.

Data and Reporting

• Maintain accurate engagement and participation data.
• Prepare reports and summaries for leaders and external organisations.
• Support data returns and reporting requirements for funding and programme delivery.
• Assist with the monitoring and evaluation of projects and events.

Financial Administration

• Liaise with finance teams regarding invoices, purchase orders and budget monitoring.
• Maintain accurate records relating to programme income and expenditure.
• Support financial processes associated with events and professional development programmes.

Stakeholder Support

• Build positive relationships with schools, partners and colleagues.
• Provide excellent customer service to all stakeholders.
• Act as a professional representative for both SWIFT Teacher Training and Devon Research School.

General Duties

• Undertake other administrative duties commensurate with the grade and responsibilities of the post.
• Support continuous improvement by identifying opportunities to enhance administrative systems and processes.
• Work flexibly across both organisations to respond to priorities and workload demands.

SWIFT Teacher Training is one of the South West's leading providers of Initial Teacher Training (ITT), offering Primary and Secondary teacher training programmes leading to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and a PGCE. Working in partnership with schools across Devon, Plymouth, Torbay, Somerset and Dorset, SWIFT trains the next generation of teachers through a school-centred, evidence-informed approach. Trainees benefit from expert mentoring, high-quality curriculum design, strong pastoral support and extensive placement opportunities within a network of partner schools.

As part of the wider South West Institute for Teaching (SWIFT), the organisation plays a key role in developing and supporting teachers and leaders throughout their careers, from initial teacher training through to leadership development and continuing professional learning. Devon Research School is part of the national Research Schools Network and works with schools across the South West to promote evidence-informed practice. The Research School helps teachers and school leaders engage with the best available educational research and apply it effectively in classrooms and school improvement work. Through professional development programmes, implementation support, conferences and training, Devon Research School supports schools to improve outcomes for all pupils, with a particular focus on reducing educational disadvantage and ensuring that research evidence informs decision-making.

Part of Education South West Both SWIFT Teacher Training and Devon Research School are part of Education South West (ESW), a successful multi-academy trust serving schools and communities across Devon and the wider South West. Education South West is driven by its core values of Opportunity, Community, Character and Achievement and is committed to providing exceptional educational experiences for children, young people and staff. In addition to operating a family of primary, secondary and all-through schools, ESW is recognised for its leadership in teacher training, professional development, educational research and school improvement. Working across SWIFT Teacher Training and Devon Research School offers the opportunity to contribute to nationally recognised programmes that support teacher development, evidence-informed practice and educational improvement across the region, helping to make a positive difference to schools, staff and pupils throughout the South West.

Why Join Us?

This role offers the opportunity to contribute directly to school improvement across Devon and the South West. You will work alongside experienced educational leaders, support high-quality professional development, and help ensure that evidence-informed practice reaches classrooms and benefits children and young people. At SWIFT Teacher Training and Devon Research School, we believe that effective administration is fundamental to enabling great professional learning and system-wide improvement. This role is central to making that happen.

Safeguarding Statement

Education South West is committed to safeguarding and protecting the welfare of children. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post. This includes checks with past employers, an online check of publicly available information, including social media, and an enhanced disclosure via the Disclosure and Barring Service.

• GCSE English and Mathematics (Grade C/4 or above) or equivalent.
• Experience of working in an administrative role.
• Experience of organising events, meetings or training activities.
• Experience of using Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel and Teams.
• Experience of maintaining accurate administrative records and databases.

Essential Knowledge and Skills

• Excellent organisational and time management skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and prioritise competing demands.
• High levels of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong digital skills and confidence using a range of online platforms.
• Ability to analyse and present information clearly.
• Professional and customer-focused approach.
• Ability to handle confidential information appropriately.

Desirable

• Experience working in education, training or the public sector.
• Experience of social media management and digital marketing.
• Experience of event management systems and online booking platforms.
• Experience of financial administration.
• Knowledge of professional development programmes within education., Be highly organised and self-motivated.
• Demonstrate initiative and problem-solving skills.
• Be flexible and adaptable.
• Have a positive and collaborative approach to teamwork.
• Be committed to supporting educational improvement and professional learning.
• Be enthusiastic about using digital tools and social media to engage audiences.
• Thrive in a busy environment with multiple concurrent projects and deadlines.
• Grade D8 - D12 Full time equivalent - £27,709 - £29,542
• Prorated D8 - D12 - £15,470 - £16,493
• Hourly rate (excluding 'holiday pay' uplift) £14.36 - £15.31 per hour
• Responsible to: Directors of SWIFT Teacher Training and Director of Devon Research School