Executive Assistant to Dean of School

FTE: 1.0 fte (working 37 hours per week)

Duration of Contract: Permanent

Annual Leave: 25 days plus standard public holidays and an additional 4 days including the closure of our office between Christmas and New Year, increasing to 28 days after 5 years' continuous service

Location: College Lane Campus, Hatfield

Are you an experienced and highly organised professional looking to take on a pivotal role at the heart of a dynamic academic environment? The University of Hertfordshire’s newly formed School of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences is seeking an Executive Assistant to the Dean of School. This is an exciting opportunity to provide comprehensive executive support and co-ordinate a wide range of strategic, administrative and project activities. Acting as the first point of contact for the Dean and senior leadership team, you will play a key role in ensuring the smooth running of operations while contributing to the School’s continued success

Main duties and responsibilities

In this pivotal role, you will provide high-level executive support to the Dean and senior management team, managing diaries, correspondence, and key meetings. You’ll act as the first point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, ensuring smooth communication and effective organisation across the School. From co-ordinating events, projects and strategic initiatives, to supporting HR and finance processes, you’ll play a central role in keeping operations running efficiently. With responsibility for sensitive information, you’ll bring discretion, initiative, and excellent organisational skills to a varied and rewarding position at the heart of the School.

Skills and experience required

We are looking for an experienced and highly organised professional with proven administrative expertise gained in a complex and fast-paced environment. You’ll bring excellent communication, planning and IT skills, with the ability to balance competing priorities and work accurately under pressure. Experience of supporting senior leaders, preparing reports, and servicing committees will be key, alongside the confidence to manage people and supervise others when needed. Discretion, initiative and strong interpersonal skills are essential, as is a flexible, proactive approach to the work load and team requirements. Previous experience in higher education, project co-ordination, budget monitoring or staff development would be an advantage.

Qualifications required

You will hold a degree (or equivalent qualification) or bring significant professional experience that demonstrates your ability to excel in a demanding executive support role. A commitment to ongoing professional development and continuous improvement will be highly valued.

Please view the job description and person specification for a full list of the duties and essential criteria. Click the 'Apply' button above. Please attach a personal statement showing clearly how your skills and experience match the Person Specification.

Internal applicants – please ensure you apply via your employee self service portal.

We regret that we are unable to offer UKVI sponsorship for this post; applicants will either hold UK Right to Work or demonstrate access to UK Right to Work before an offer is made.

Contact Details/Informal Enquiries: Irene Ctori, Dean of School i.ctori@herts.ac.uk

Kim Chase, Interim School Business Manager,  k.chase@herts.ac.uk

Interview Date: To be confirmed

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