Departmental Administrator and Personal Assistant to the Director

About Us

The Planning and Council Secretariat (PACS) is a small central department at the University of Oxford, responsible for delivering robust governance, change support and effective planning and resource allocation informed by data-driven insights. By connecting central teams, divisions, and departments, PACS advances planning, drives continuous improvement, and supports delivery of the University's mission across governance, planning, trusts, and change management. It facilitates better decision-making and strategic change at the University.

What We Offer 

Working at the University of Oxford offers several 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 

PACS is looking for a Department Administrator/PA to Director to be a key member of the team, responsible for supporting the efficient day-to-day running of the department. This will include being responsible for finance and HR-related administration; providing personal support to the Director of PACS; and coordinating departmental compliance activities. The post-holder will be a key interface with a range of internal contacts, in particular with those in Human Resources, the Finance Division and Assurance Directorate. They will need to build strong relationships across the different parts of the University in order to manage and coordinate complex meeting and other arrangement, often including numerous busy stakeholders.

This is an exciting opportunity for a flexible, friendly and service-oriented Department Administrator/PA who is keen to turn their hand to developing and improving administrative processes across a varied range of responsibilities while supporting a small but critical department at the centre of the University’s decision-making processes.

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 Friday 9 January 2026. 

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