Head of Administration

This is a high-level, front facing and busy role, at the heart of which is the expectation to provide exceptional executive and administrative support to senior staff and ensure efficient coordination between all parties.

This is a new role requiring an outstanding individual to join our team. The key roles and responsibilities are designed to be indicative rather than restrictive and will evolve over time.

The successful candidate is likely to have relevant experience of PA administrative work in a busy organisation. We want to appoint an organised and hard-working person with plenty of initiative who is kind, happy to get stuck into life in a busy school, at ease when dealing with multiple stakeholders and committed to high standards.

The successful candidate will have:  

·      A meticulous, systematic and thorough approach to work, with excellent attention to detail and an ability to follow detailed procedures, and work to tight deadlines, with the ability to see the ‘big picture’.

·      The ability to communicate well, both verbally and in writing, and to show tact and diplomacy, and have a warm, friendly and professional manner. Be comfortable in a ‘front of house’ role (welcoming visitors, meet and greet) with excellent customer service skills.

·      Experience of dealing with highly sensitive information and maintaining the highest standards of confidentiality.

·      Excellent IT skills (particularly Word and Excel) and an aptitude to utilise other software packages.

·      Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and proactively, but to also work collaboratively and supportively with colleagues and outside stakeholders.

·      Ability to work under pressure, to be resourceful and to demonstrate initiative, and to manage competing priorities effectively.

·      The ability to write formal minutes at board level.

·      A generosity of spirit towards the demands of a busy prep school; the role requires flexibility, a can-do attitude, a sense of perspective, and a degree of grit.

·      Previous experience in an educational setting (desirable but not essential).

Hours

This is a year-round role, working 9.30am to 6pm with a 30 minute unpaid lunch break during term time with some flexibility during holiday periods.

The post will come with a holiday entitlement of 28 days statutory holiday per year, to be taken during the school holidays.

There is a requirement to attend occasional agreed evening and weekend events.

Salary: £30-35k

Being Part of the THS community: 

Tower House is a very close knit community and our relationship with our parents, neighbours and local business is vitally important. We expect a candidate to: 

• Play a full and committed part in the THS Community 
• Participate in the general day to day activities of the school as a whole and undertake a share of staff duties 
• Attend whole school staff meetings, parents’ evenings, Open Days, and INSET days 
• Support pupils and colleagues by attending a range of school productions, functions, and charity events 
• Cover for absent colleagues 
• Be proactive in matters relating to health and safety 
• Attend occasional evening and weekend events.

 Staff benefits:  

In our experience, happy staff make a happy school. Our staff are our single biggest asset and the success of our students depends on them, so we take care of and invest in them. A few of the things we offer are: 

• Generous Pension Scheme contributions 
• A supportive and open leadership team 
• Free school meals, tea, coffee and biscuits throughout the teaching year. 
• Access to an Employee Assistant Programme. 
• Cycle to work scheme. 
• Eye care voucher scheme – all members of staff are eligible for a free eye test. 

 We really value our staff and will do whatever we can to meaningfully demonstrate that. 

 The application process:

Applications will be considered as they are submitted. The School reserves the right to commence or complete the recruitment process at any time prior to the closing date so early application is recommended. 

Prior to interview, an online search will be conducted to identify any past or current incidents or issues that might affect your suitability to work with children and undertake this role. This is in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Please note this online search will be carried out only on publicly available information and limited to issues relating to your suitability to work with children and/or in a school. 

Please see our Safer Recruitment, Selection and Disclosures Policy and Procedures for full details of the recruitment process. Also our Recruitment Privacy Policy for how your data will be used. 

Tower House School is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. 

Applicants will undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and with the Disclosure and Barring Service.