Job Description
We are seeking an exceptional candidate to join a welcoming and inclusive team in the Executive and Governance Office at heart of the University of Reading.
In this role, you will have the opportunity to build strong and effective relationships with senior colleagues, learn about their portfolios, and make a difference. You will also be joining a team with an excellent track record in developing colleagues helping them to secure promotion to other roles within the University and beyond.
You will serve as the primary point of contact for the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (International), a member of the University Executive Board. In this role, you will take the lead in managing their busy schedule, organising travel, and ensuring seamless coordination with key colleagues across professional services. You will also support high-level meetings and provide a professional, welcoming experience for external guests, working collaboratively to achieve shared goals.
You will also be the first point of contact and diary manager for senior colleagues who report to the Pro-Vice-Chancellor including the Director of External Relations. As part of a small team, you will also have lots of opportunity to support and work with the Vice-Chancellor directly.
As we find ways to facilitate greater flexible working of senior and professional service colleagues, you will have the opportunity to work from home for part of your working week should you wish to and you will also work with your peers across the Executive and Governance Office to ensure that we are a team that offers a resilient service to all those we support.
This post is a fixed term position, for the period of 10 months.
In this role you will:
- Proactively manage complex and dynamic schedules to ensure senior colleagues can work efficiently and effectively.
- Confidently engage with internal, external and senior stakeholders and partners through in-person meetings, phone calls, and other communication channels.
- Take initiative within the executive support team, offering assistance to other senior colleagues, including the Vice-Chancellor, as needed.
- Coordinate key documents and handle email correspondence on behalf of senior colleagues.
- Serve as secretary for various committees and working groups, preparing agendas, taking minutes, and providing essential meeting support.
- Contribute to wider University events, such as Open Days and Graduation, playing an active role in their success.
You will have:
- Strong ability to manage multiple priorities effectively while meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent attention to detail with a high degree of accuracy.
- Proven experience in administrative and supportive roles within a busy office setting.
- Demonstrated ability to resolve issues and queries independently with sound judgment.
- Exceptional organisational and time management skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to ensure effective collaboration and liaison.
- A collaborative mindset, working effectively within a team to achieve shared goals
- Proficiency in IT systems and software, including Microsoft Office and Teams.
- Commitment to delivering a high standard of customer service.
- Ability to maintain accurate administrative and financial records as required.
Closing date: Sunday 16 March 2025
Interview date: Monday 31 March 2025
Contact Name Polly Tudball
Contact Job Title Executive and Governance Manager
Contact Email address p.tudball@reading.ac.uk
Alternative Contact Name Tasha Easton
Alternative Contact Job Title Executive and Governance Manager
Alternative Contact Email address n.easton@reading.ac.uk
Candidates who do not already have permission to work in the UK should note that by reference to the applicable SOC code for this role, sponsorship will not be possible under the Skilled Worker Route. There is further information about this on the UK Visas and Immigration Website .
The University is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and the Race Equality Charter, and champions LGBT+ equality. We are a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2). Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.
