Senior Administrative Assistant (0231-26) – Derby, DE22 1GB
About the University
We have one simple promise – to make a positive impact. Through our ground-breaking research, teaching excellence and commitment to sustainable living, we are changing lives for the better.
The University of Derby is a modern university with a modern outlook. Everything we do is driven by delivering excellence and opportunities for our students, our staff and our region.
We have some of the best university facilities in the UK and achieve outstanding results for our teaching and research and have been awarded Gold in the prestigious Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023 – making it one of the top universities in the country recognised for its outstanding student experience and student outcomes.
Financially strong and seriously ambitious we offer our employees an inclusive culture that centres itself around staff wellbeing, where you can be confident you will receive all the help and encouragement you need to build a rewarding career with lots of opportunities to enhance your skills.
About the College/Department
The External Relations department brings together student recruitment, marketing, PR, social media, profile and reputation management, development and fundraising, alumni relations and stakeholder engagement into one dynamic, expert function. The team is responsible for telling the University’s story in the UK and internationally – shaping how we are seen, understood and experienced by our audiences.
From creating compelling messaging and content across campaigns, digital channels and events, to building influential partnerships and driving sustainable income, External Relations delivers complex, highimpact work that is central to the University’s success. Our work supports growth, strengthens trust and reputation, and makes a significant contribution to the University’s longterm ambitions.
About the Role
We are seeking a highly organised and proactive Senior Administrative Assistant to join our External Relations Department. This varied and rewarding role will provide comprehensive administrative support to the Director of External Relations and the wider External Relations portfolio, helping to deliver an outstanding experience for internal and external stakeholders.
You will coordinate a wide range of activities including diary and correspondence management, travel arrangements, visitor management, room bookings, minute taking, financial administration, recruitment support, event coordination and project administration. Acting as a key point of contact for internal colleagues and external stakeholders, you will demonstrate exceptional communication and customer service skills while managing competing priorities in a fast-paced environment. You will also play an important role in maintaining and enhancing the systems used across the Directorate, including databases, spreadsheets, diary and email management systems, and the External Relations intranet site, contributing to continuous improvement initiatives and more efficient ways of working.
We are looking for someone with excellent organisational skills, strong IT capability, attention to detail and the confidence to work autonomously, using initiative to resolve issues and support the successful delivery of External Relations activities.
Anticipated interview date: Friday 25th September 2026
About You
You will be exceptionally organised with excellent attention to detail and able to manage a varied workload while meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment. A confident communicator, you will possess strong written and verbal communication skills and be comfortable building effective relationships with colleagues, customers and external stakeholders.
You will have experience providing high-quality administrative support within a busy office environment and be able to work independently, using your initiative to resolve issues and respond to queries effectively. Strong IT skills are essential, including confidence in using Microsoft Office applications, databases and digital systems. Above all, you will be passionate about delivering outstanding customer service, committed to continuous improvement, and motivated to identify smarter, more efficient ways of working that enhance both team performance and the stakeholder experience.
Benefits
- Generous annual leave entitlement of 38 days inclusive of bank holidays and concessionary days (pro rata)
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Suite of holistic wellbeing benefits and support including family-friendly policies, generous sick pay provision and comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme
- Access to a variety of staff discounts at high street retailers
- Discounted onsite gym
- Cycle to Work scheme
- A flexible working environment
- A commitment to personal and professional development
Key Contact
For further information and informal enquiries regarding the role, please contact Elly Sample, Director of External Relations via e.sample@derby.ac.uk
For enquiries regarding your application and for sponsorship eligibility, please contact the recruitment team via recruitment@derby.ac.uk
Important Information
The University is unable to sponsor the employment of international workers under the Skilled Worker route for this role; however, applications are welcome from candidates who are able to demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK.
Please visit our website for more information.
The University of Derby is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our staff, students and children. At the University of Derby, safeguarding is everybody's concern.
Please find our Safeguarding pages including our Safeguarding Policy here.
Closing Date: 13 Sep 2026
Area: Administrative Support
Salary: £26,981 to £28,213 per annum (for exceptional performers, there is scope for further progression up to £34,643.75 per annum)
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