Job Introduction

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Personal Assistant with excellent communication skills to join our team at Eton College.

As a skilled PA, you will provide administrative and PA support to three senior positions: Deputy Head of Boarding (DHB), the Director of Boarding Development (DoBD) and the Director of Boarding Management (DoBM). This is a fast-paced, demanding role which requires you to remain ‘one step ahead’ of their daily activities and is involved in everything from diary management and general administration to dealing with staff and parents over the phone and face to face.

Due to the needs of the school and the department, we may interview suitable candidates before the closing date. This job may also close early if a large number of applications are received. You are advised to submit your application as early as possible to avoid missing your chance to apply.

Role Responsibility

• Managing the diaries of the DH(B), DoBD and DoBM, ensuring they are aware of their commitments and are well prepared – e.g. they have all necessary documents they need for their meetings, they have attended relevant pre-meetings where necessary etc.;
• Proactive management of all incoming communications into the offices of the Boarding Team, which may include, but are not limited to, email, post and telephone enquiries. You will be required to filter communications, draw attention to urgent or time-bound issues, draft responses and respond directly where appropriate;
• Processing expenses for all members of the Boarding Team;
• Arranging meetings, preparing agendas, taking accurate minutes of meetings, highlighting action points and supporting the DH(B), DoBD and DoBM to follow up on these;
• Taking notes at investigation interviews and writing up reports as required;
• Drafting letters and a variety of communications on behalf of the DH(B), DoBD and DoBM;
• Undertaking regular filing for all the Boarding Team, ensuring there is an effective filing system in operation at all times;
• Maintaining all relevant office systems, including data management (and supporting the administration and maintenance of central school information systems), and ensuring the office facilities are in order to enable the efficient functioning of the DH(B), DoBD and DoBM offices. This includes ordering and maintaining stationery, toner and office equipment;
• Meeting and greeting all visitors at various levels of seniority, providing refreshments where necessary; 
• Providing general administrative support, such as typing reports, amending documents and policies, creating presentations, proofreading paperwork etc.;
• Working closely with the other PAs and secretaries to ensure the senior management of the school have appropriate administrative support in place at all times;
• Undertaking any other reasonable tasks as requested to ensure the effective running of the DH(B), DoBD and DoBM offices and school as a whole;
• Commitment and promotion of equality, diversity and inclusion;
• All positions at Eton are classed as ‘regulated activity’ as per the Keeping Children Safe in Education 2022 guidance, therefore a good understanding of safeguarding procedures is essential;
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, including by not limited to, completing safeguarding training as required, and ensuring any safeguarding updates issued by the College are read and understood;
• Understand and comply with procedures and legislation relating to confidentiality.

Please see the job description for further details. 

The Ideal Candidate

To be successful in this role, you will need:

• Demonstrable prior experience working in a PA role within a fast-paced organisation. If you also have experience as a ‘team PA’ or supporting more than one individual, this would be particularly advantageous;
• A minimum of Intermediate level expertise in the Microsoft Office suite of applications, with particular strengths using Outlook, Word, and Excel. Advanced level experience would be advantageous;
• The proven ability to successfully manage a variety of competing priorities whilst ensuring that nothing ‘slips through the cracks’;
• The proven ability to produce accurate documentation, including letters and emails, with the ability to proof-read and edit others’ work;
• Experience of taking minutes; shorthand would be desirable;
• Previous experience of working in an academic environment would be desirable.

Package Description

Eton College offers a wide range of benefits, including an 11% employer contribution to your pension (with 4.9% employee contribution), Employee Assistance Programme, enhanced Maternity / Paternity scheme, free eyecare vouchers, a cycle to work scheme, subsidised lunches during term time, free access to the College’s sport and leisure facilities and discounts at local retailers and businesses.

About the Company

We are an equal opportunities employer and are seeking applications from suitable candidates from all backgrounds. We are dedicated to creating and sustaining an environment that values individuality and difference and celebrates the diversity of both staff and pupils by fostering perseverance, tolerance and integrity. We believe in equal opportunity for everyone, irrespective of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation or socio-economic background.

If you have any queries about the application process or any problem with submitting your application online, the Recruitment Team will be happy to help. Should you require any reasonable adjustments to be made or facilities provided to enable you to apply online, please do not hesitate to contact us on recruitment@etoncollege.org.uk so we can make adjustments accordingly. 

DISCLOSURE CHECKS

Eton College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including reference checks with past employers, an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service, an online search and, where applicable, a Barred List, Prohibition and EEA checks. If you are successful in your application, you will be required to complete a DBS Disclosure Application Form.  Any information disclosed will be handled in accordance with any guidance and/or Code of Practice published by the DBS. The College is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore all convictions, cautions, reprimands and final warnings (including those which would normally be considered as “spent” under the Act) must be declared, subject to the DBS filtering rules. It is a criminal offence for any person who is barred from working with children to attempt to apply for a position at the College.

Eton College