Personal Assistant to Chief Student Officer

Professional Review: Personal Assistant to the Chief Student Officer & Leadership Team at the University of Surrey

The University of Surrey presents an exciting opportunity for a highly organised and proactive Personal Assistant to join their dynamic team, offering crucial support to the Chief Student Officer and the wider CSO Leadership Team. This role is perfectly positioned for individuals looking to make a significant impact within a globally recognised institution committed to life-changing education and research.

Advantages for Potential Candidates:

• Strategic Impact: This role offers a unique vantage point at the core of the University's student experience initiatives. You will be instrumental in shaping and delivering outstanding outcomes for students and colleagues, contributing directly to the University's ambitious vision.
• Professional Development: Working closely with senior leadership within a complex organisational structure provides invaluable exposure to high-level decision-making and strategic planning. This experience is a significant asset for career advancement in administrative and leadership support roles.
• Collaborative Environment: The University fosters a culture that empowers individuals. As a Personal Assistant, you will thrive in a collaborative setting, enjoying the satisfaction of supporting others to succeed and contributing to collective achievements.
• Diverse Responsibilities: The position involves a wide range of duties, from managing complex diaries and coordinating meetings to handling sensitive communications and supporting key projects and events. This variety ensures a stimulating and engaging work experience.
• Visibility and Engagement: You will be liaising with senior colleagues across the University and external partners on a daily basis, providing excellent opportunities to build your professional network and enhance your communication and interpersonal skills.

Key Considerations for Your Career Path:

• Essential Skills: Proven experience in high-level administrative or Personal Assistant support is a must, particularly within a large and complex organisation. The ability to manage multiple priorities with exceptional attention to detail is critical.
• Communication Prowess: Candidates must be adept at communicating clearly and professionally at all levels. This includes strong written communication skills for drafting correspondence and excellent minute-taking abilities.
• Digital Fluency: Strong digital literacy, including proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and MS Teams, is a non-negotiable requirement for this role. The ability to leverage these tools efficiently will be key to success.
• Proactive and Discerning Nature: The role demands a high degree of initiative and discretion. Candidates who are proactive problem-solvers and can handle sensitive information with confidence will excel.
• Commitment to Service Excellence: A genuine passion for delivering exceptional service and a pride in supporting the success of others are central to the ethos of this position.

This Personal Assistant role at the University of Surrey is more than just an administrative position; it's a chance to be an integral part of a forward-thinking institution dedicated to making a real difference. For ambitious professionals seeking to elevate their career in a supportive and impactful environment, this opportunity is certainly worth exploring.