Administrative Assistant - Harris Federation : Job Details

The founder and sponsor of the Harris Federation, Lord Harris of Peckham, opened our first school in 1990. We have, over the past thirty years, implemented ideas and initiatives that have transformed the opportunities of pupils from working class and disadvantaged backgrounds. Harris academies are widely recognised as a force for social mobility. We are immensely proud of the role that our alumni are now beginning to play in the world and of what we believe our current generation of pupils will go on to achieve.

We now have over 50 schools educating more than 40,000 young people across London and Essex, and employ over 5,000 staff across our academies and head office. With the majority of our academies located in areas of high socioeconomic disadvantage, a high-quality education is key to the futures of the pupils we serve.

As a provider of employment and education, we value the diversity of our staff and students, and all our staff are equally valued and respected. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment for our students and staff.

Our work will impact many generations to come, and our staff come from all backgrounds and walks of life, coming together to inspire young minds. We promote an inclusive culture that embraces the valuable and enriching contribution that all of our community make. We continue to be proactive in uplifting and supporting all voices at Harris.

To discover more about our culture, ethos and what it is like to work here, visit the Why Work For Us page to learn more.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Managing the IT Team’s electronic diary, assessing priority of appointments and reallocation as necessary
• Processing correspondence
• Screening calls, enquiries and requests, and dealing with them when appropriate
• Assisting in researching and following up with action on matters which fall within the team's responsibility
• Managing arrangements for meetings
• Liaising effectively with internal divisions/departments and external organisations
• Advising the IT Senior Leadership Team of impending work deadlines for both internal and external commitments
• Ensuring appropriate systems and processes are developed and maintained
• Ensuring smooth flow of information, including action monitoring to achieve deadlines and project milestones
• Effectively planning and coordinating corporate training events, evaluation workshops and conferences
• Providing a confidential and efficient filing system for the team
• Maintaining up-to-date knowledge of and advising on HR processes and procedures
• Assisting with raising Purchase Orders and obtaining quotes
• Ensuring that all hardware, software and services purchased meet specifications  and are in budget

The role is based at our head office, five minutes' walk from East Croydon station, but some travel to academies may be required.

We would like to hear from you if you have:

• Confident communication skills with the ability to be calm, clear and precise 
• Enthusiasm and self motivation, with a can-do attitude and a strong commitment to delivering results on time and to a high quality in a fast paced environment
• Outstanding time management, planning and organisational skills
• A proven track record of balancing priorities and working to strict timescales
• Flexibility and adaptability, with the ability to handle the various pressures and demands associated with this customer focussed IT department
• The ability to react quickly and effectively to issues and opportunities.
• Previous secretarial or generalist administrative experience at senior management level
• Experience in diary management and arranging / supporting events
• Exceptional networking capabilities and be able to anticipate and solve challenging logistical and practical problems
• In-depth knowledge and experience of Microsoft Office and other desktop products
• Proven track record in working to strict timescales and of working with staff at all levels

If you would like to discuss the opportunity further, or if you have any questions, please contact us via email to arrange a conversation.

Before applying please ensure you download the job pack from our careers website, this will help with completing your application. Please note that we only accept applications submitted online before the closing date.

When applying, you will have the option to import your CV or use a LinkedIn profile which will auto populate the online application.

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