Personal Assistant

The Role

About Loretto

 Founded in 1827, located in a spacious campus just outside Edinburgh, we are one of the UK’s leading independent coeducational schools, for both boarding and day school pupils. Traditional and innovative educational methods, first-class facilities and the advantages offered by a small school all combine to provide a uniquely rounded learning experience for girls and boys.

Our emphasis on the whole person is really what sets us apart. From day one, Loretto’s Founder was dedicated to blending academic excellence with a wealth of experiences beyond the classroom.

By helping girls and boys to excel in mind, body and spirit, we aim to help them unlock and realise their full potential.

Today’s staff and pupils are living proof of the clear benefits offered by that ethos. Being a small school enables us to share our big heart and ambition, and offer big opportunities for our young people.

Also reflecting Loretto’s commitment to help bring out the best in all, are our high standards of teaching and a diverse yet rigorous curriculum.

The enormous range of co-curricular activities we offer away from the classroom ensures that each pupil can grow and develop wherever their interests and talents may lie.

The School’s achievements in music, art and drama and our strong reputation in sporting endeavours – rugby, hockey, cricket, lacrosse and golf to name just a few – are both testament to that.

Personal Assistant 

(flexible working arrangements may be considered)

We have an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic individual to join our team as a Personal Assistant.

This is a full-time, permanent post working 52 weeks per year. Consideration may be given to applicants wishing a flexible working arrangement. Salary will be determined by experience and aptitude for the role but will be in the region of £28,000 to £31,000 per annum plus benefits.

We are  looking to appoint a highly organised and proactive individual to support the Head and Senior Deputy Head in their day to day administration. The role will be part of an effective administration team with a ‘can-do’ approach to provide a first-rate, efficient administrative and secretarial support that also supports the SLT in the strategic and operational management of the School.

 The core responsibilities of this role will involve the efficient management of the work diaries, managing correspondence via email and telephone, welcoming visitors, proof reading and maintaining meeting records.

The right candidate will be:

 An excellent written and verbal communicator

You will need to:

• Bring a high degree of professionalism and precision to all written and verbal communications, both internally and externally
• Have strong inter-personal skills and the ability to build positive professional relationships with all stakeholders

Quality-driven

You will need to:

• Have excellent attention to detail, working with diligence and accuracy while observing strict confidentiality
• Have proven organisational skills, with the ability to perform well whilst dealing with multiple tasks seamlessly

A team player

You will need to:

• Be able to work well as part of a small but effective team who work cohesively to offer an efficient administrative service across the School
• Have the ability to work collaboratively in a team and with people at all levels in an organisation
• Be a team player who can also operate effectively independently

Positive and flexible

You will need to:

• Approach tasks with a proactive, can-do manner, bringing a natural desire to independently and collaboratively problem-solve 
• Respond positively to new challenges
• Be proactive and flexible, willing to work flexibly where required

 Proficient IT skills

You will need to:

• Be competent in the Microsoft Office suite, including Microsoft PowerPoint and Excel.
• Strong calendar management and familiarity with Microsoft Outlook
• Be comfortable with or willing to learn how to use new software

Experience

Required:

• We will consider a range of experiences but at a minimum, you should have proven administrative experience in a demanding role and exceptional organisational skills;
• Experience working in an administrative role within a School is desirable but not essential.

The successful candidate will work five out of six days per week, working 08:30 to 16:30 with a one hour unpaid lunch break. 

Benefits

You will enjoy the excellent benefits of working with Loretto which include:

• Generous pension scheme 
• Enhanced holiday allowance 
• Family friendly policies 
• Annual review and opportunities for training and continued professional development
• A range of enhanced staff benefits including Bike to Work Scheme
• School Fees Remission (non-contractual benefit)
• Opportunities for involvement in the wider school community

We aim to attract and retain a diverse group of talented people, who are committed to upholding the school's ethos. As an Equal Opportunities employer, we welcome applications from all sections of the community.

Application

If you think that this is the right opportunity for you, visit our website for an application form. You should return your completed application and, should you wish, supporting statement/CV to jobs@loretto.com

Closing Date: Monday 7^th October 2024 at 4pm (BST)

The School is committed to equal opportunities for all its pupils and staff. 

Loretto is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Loretto meets the requirements in respect of exempted questions under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, all applicants who are offered employment will be subject to Disclosure Scotland Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme checks before the appointment is confirmed. This will include details of cautions, reprimands or final warnings, as well as convictions. The cost of this application will be met by the School. Annually, every member of staff at the School is required to undergo, complete, and sign to confirm that they have received child protection training and will uphold it. 

 At Loretto, we're always on the lookout for new talent to enrich our strong team. We welcome diversity and encourage anyone who has the necessary skills and experience to get in touch. 

Applicants must be able to provide evidence of having the right to live and work in the UK. Loretto School is an equal opportunities employer.