Receptionist/General Secretary (Part time)

Faculty of Human, Social and Political Science, University of Cambridge; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

A prestigious university in Cambridge is seeking a friendly and reliable part-time receptionist. The role involves welcoming visitors, managing communications, and supporting events. Candidates should have excellent people skills and proficiency with administrative systems. This job share position requires good spoken and written English and previous reception experience is preferred.

Qualifications

• Excellent people and communication skills are essential.
• Knowledge of web-based administrative systems and online meeting platforms is important.
• At least 5 GCSEs and good spoken and written English are required.
• Previous reception work experience is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Welcome and direct callers and visitors at a complex site.
• Deal with mail, parcels, and assist with purchasing.
• Support event organization and conduct building safety tours.
• Maintain office equipment and perform related duties.

Skills

Excellent people and communication skills

Knowledge of web-based administrative systems

Good spoken and written English

Previous reception work experience

Education

At least 5 GCSEs

Job description

Overview

The McDonald Institute and the Department of Archaeology are seeking a friendly, reliable and efficient receptionist for a job share.

Responsibilities

• Welcome and direct callers and visitors to a complex site, answering telephone calls and maintaining notice boards.
• Deal with mail and parcels, and assist with purchasing and arranging courier collections.
• Support event organisation and delivery, conduct building safety tours for new starters, and make room bookings.
• Maintain office equipment (photocopiers and franking machine) and perform other duties appropriate to the grade of post and essential for the smooth running of both institutions.

Qualifications

1. Excellent people and communication skills.
2. Knowledge of web‑based administrative systems and online meeting platforms (e.g., Teams) or willingness to acquire them.
3. At least 5 GCSEs. Good spoken and written English is essential.
4. Previous reception work experience and knowledge of university administrative systems and procedures are highly desirable.

Employment Details

The role is part‑time and a job‑share with an existing receptionist who works all day Monday to Wednesday. Applicants must be comfortable with a job‑share arrangement and be good communicators.

Application

Applications should be made online by the deadline of 27 November 2025. Interview for short‑listed candidates will take place in Early December at the McDonald Institute. Please quote reference JC47836 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

Contact

Informal enquiries may be made to Melanie Hugow ([e-mail]) or Emma Jarman ([e-mail]).

Equality and Inclusion

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society. We welcome applications from candidates from a BME background for this vacancy as they are currently underrepresented in our department. The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.