Administrative Assistant


Company:	Lancaster University
Salary:	£26,093 - £26,093
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	LA1 4YW
Job type:	Temporary
Posting date:	20 Aug 2026
Closing date:	7 Sept 2026

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Summary

Is this the job for you?

Are you an organised and customer-focused administrator who enjoys supporting people and making a difference? Do you thrive in a busy environment where no two days are the same?

The post is a maternity leave for 9 months in the first instance, start date 28/09/26 and end date 25/06/27.

We are seeking an enthusiastic and professional Administrative Assistant to join our Pre-School Centre team. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in the day-to-day operation of our highly regarded service, providing reception, administrative and business support to families, staff, students and visitors.

What you'll be doing

The Pre-School Centre is open approximately 50 weeks of the year with closures at Easter, Christmas and all Bank Holidays.

As an Administrative Assistant, you will be the first point of contact for parents, carers, visitors, University staff and students. You will provide a welcoming and professional reception service while supporting the efficient running of the Centre through a range of administrative, financial and customer service duties.

Your responsibilities will include:

providing a friendly and professional reception service
responding to enquiries by telephone, email and in person
supporting bookings, waiting lists and attendance records
maintaining accurate electronic and paper records
preparing correspondence, newsletters and parent communications
assisting with routine financial administration and invoicing processes
supporting meetings, events, inspections and open days
maintaining confidential records and ensuring compliance with safeguarding and data protection requirements
producing routine reports, spreadsheets and administrative information
working collaboratively with colleagues across the Centre and wider University.

About you

To be a great fit for our Pre-School team, you will have:

excellent customer service and communication skills
experience in an administrative or reception role
strong organisational skills and attention to detail
experience using Microsoft Office applications, including Excel
experience maintaining electronic records and databases
the ability to manage competing priorities in a busy environment
a flexible and team-focused approach
a commitment to personal development and learning.

Experience of working in an education, childcare or early years environment would be advantageous, as would knowledge of safeguarding practices.

Why work with us?

Our Pre-School Centre is rated Good by Ofsted, and our dedicated team makes a real difference to children and families every day. We are proud of our supportive and inclusive working environment and would love you to be part of it.

Take a look at our facilities here: https://youtu.be/81Aw-nL95qo

Lancaster University’s main Bailrigg campus is a wonderful place to work, combining a vibrant community atmosphere with beautiful green surroundings. There are many facilities on campus including:

a sports centre
shops and cafés
a post office
a multi-faith centre
an excellent library
social groups, clubs and staff networks.

Lancaster University provides an environment that strongly supports employee wellbeing and promotes a healthy work-life balance.

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including:

competitive salary with annual reviews
generous employer pension scheme
39 days annual leave, including University closure days and bank holidays
a family-friendly approach for those with caring responsibilities
flexible employee benefits and salary-saving schemes
training and development opportunities.

Find out more about our employee benefits on our website:

https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/jobs

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