Senior Administrative Assistant


Company:	University of Derby
Salary:	£26,981 to £28,213 a year
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	Derby, DE22 1GB
Working pattern:	On-site
Job type:	Permanent
Posting date:	27 Aug 2026
Closing date:	13 Sept 2026

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Summary

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, high‑impact 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 long‑term 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

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.

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