Executive Assistant EA & Project Officer to the Bursar & COO

Salary/Rate: £57,000 per annumContract Type: Full Time, Permanent, All Year RoundTo start: January 2025 (subject to notice period)Location: Onsite, SW1P 3PF, Westminster, Central LondonClosing Date: Monday 2nd December 2024

We seek a Executive Assistant (EA) and Project Officer to the Bursar & Chief Operating Officer who will be responsible for providing high quality, confidential and efficient administrative, PA and Executive support in a timely and professional manner. This role is primarily onsite, with some flexibility to work from home during school holidays.

The ideal candidate will possess a degree or equivalent professional experience. They should have a proven track record as a PA/Executive Assistant at the executive level and demonstrate a solid understanding of personal finance, particularly in the context of assisting with bursary applications.

Your role will work closely with the Bursar & Chief Operating Officer and the Senior Leadership of the Support & Administration function, forming a key part of the operational team. Key stakeholders include PA's and Executive Assistant to the Senior Leadership of the Schools, the Leadership teams, the chairs of four Board Committees and parents contacting the Bursar & Chief Operating Officer.

Westminster School is an independent day and boarding school for boys aged 13-18 and girls aged 16-18. With a rich history and distinctive ethos, it occupies a unique place in the heart of London. Pupils consistently achieve exceptional examination results and gain entrance to some of the world's top universities. The school is a vibrant, passionate, and purposeful environment where independent and deep thinking are encouraged, enjoyed, and respected by all. Holistic excellence is both nurtured and valued. Renowned for its academic excellence on both national and international levels, Westminster School is dedicated to fostering excellence in academic and personal development. It creates a supportive and inclusive environment for staff and students alike. Located in central London, near Parliament and Westminster Abbey, the school benefits from its historic and vibrant surroundings.

What you'll get in return

• Competitive salary of £57,000 per annum
• Generous pension scheme
• Private health insurance (opt-in)
• Use of school gym (restricted hours)
• Free school lunch and drinks facility onsite
• 25 days of leave plus bank holidays, as well as a discretionary two-week Christmas closure
• Cycle to work scheme
• Season ticket loans
• Offer of fee remission for pupils who are awarded a place at the schools through the admission process

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with bursary applications and reassessments, communicating with parents and supporting the bursary families.
• Support the Co-Ed Project Director with project administration, event management, and documentation.
• Support the role out of the new outsourced procurement service and ongoing oversight of the arrangement
• Serve as the main contact for the Bursar & COO, handling communications and making decisions as needed.
• Manage the Bursar & COO's diary, scheduling appointments and planning meetings.
• Oversee the Bursar & COO's email inbox, responding or directing emails appropriately.
• Act as secretary for senior leadership meetings, setting agendas, taking minutes, and following up on action points.
• Prepare papers and agendas, ensuring deadlines are met and documents are formatted correctly.
• Handle financial administration, including purchase orders, invoices, and budget management.
• Any other activities that are required to support the Bursar & Chief Operating Officer and their direct reports in their roles.

What you will need to succeed

• Educated to a degree standard in any discipline, or equivalent professional experience.
• Experience of working as a PA/Executive Assistant at Executive level
• Knowledge of personal finance that can be applied when assisting with bursary applications
• An understanding and empathy for the ethos and objectives of the charity, including the schools, and the bursary foundations.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a proven ability to communicate and work effectively with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, including parents
• Experience of taking shorthand minutes would be desirable

What you need to do nowIf you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV. For more detailed information, or to view other vacancies with this organisation, please visit our dedicated recruitment website.Equal OpportunitiesWe are an equal opportunities employer. We therefore encourage candidates to apply irrespective of age, disability, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion and belief, gender identity, sex or sexual orientation.Safeguarding and Child ProtectionWestminster School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.

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