Job Description

The Academic Administrator supports the work of the Senior Academic Team (SAT) (Dean of the Faculty of Business, Heads of School of Law, Computing and Psychology, the Directors of Library Services, Academic Services and the Centre for Innovation in Learning and Teaching) in their leadership and delivery of academic priorities and projects. They also provide academic support to the Quality Team, with a range of activities. We really are looking for you to deliver a sound administrative service across different academic teams. This will require good levels of planning and organization skills in order to meet the required deadlines.

Key Activities and Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate and robust administrative systems to ensure up to date information is accessible to those that require it.
• Ensure that administrative procedures across the Faculty/Schools comply with University policies and procedures
• Demonstrate high levels of professional behavior in dealing with and communicating about sensitive and confidential issues relating to Colleagues and students.
• Ability to influence and work productively with teams and individuals in diverse roles Use own initiative to identify areas of improvement and enhancement in supporting academic colleagues, for example in making positive changes to systems and processes
• Plan meetings as required, in liaison with relevant colleagues and provide secretarial support to include drafting agendas, checking and distributing paperwork, accurate minute taking and action monitoring.
• Plan other academic related events, for example, PTL meetings, the Annual Academic Conference and events off campus.
• Provide administrative support for the development and launch of new programmes within the Faculty/School (for example assisting with compilation of documentation prior to quality events such as validation/Periodic Review, assisting “programme champions” plan meetings and follow up actions ahead of launch)
• Participate in, co-ordinate and support academic enhancement projects, activities and associated working groups
• Collate NSS actions plans within the Faculty/School and ensure they are updated for presentation to the relevant committee Support in the preparation and maintenance of programme closure and transition plans
• Ensure accurate reporting of issues/information arising from day to day support of SAT members and that enquiries reach the relevant person in a timely manner.
• Maintaining records relevant to tasks and activities (for example attendance at staff training events)
• Ensure clear, accurate communications to all stakeholders and delivery partners, within and external to Arden University
• Provide support in the arrangements for Faculty or School events (arrange venues, travel etc.).
• Work collaboratively and positively with Colleagues within the wider University (for example, academic resources team, marketing, admissions, and registry), distributed across UK and European Study Centre’s. Adopt a flexible and proactive approach to ensure work is delivered as part of an integrated team - this may include covering responsibilities within or outside the immediate area, such as direct support to other members of the Senior Academic Team as discussed and directed by the line manager
• Demonstrate a commitment to continuing personal and professional development.

We value all our colleagues and invest in their development. We also have a great colleague benefits package that you can tailor to your family’s needs. This includes;

• 30 days annual leave
• Christmas closure
• Private Medical Insurance
• Pension Plans
• Health cashback schemes and much more

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Educated to at least “A level” standard OR equivalent with GCSE Mathematics and English Language both at Grade C or above. Training in the use of digital tools and Office 365 to support administrative tasks (use of Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint) Highly skilled and confident communicator (in written and verbal forms) comfortable with working and liaising with diverse teams and areas of service delivery; able to handle sensitive issues with confidentiality and professional behavior at all times. Excellent attention to detail and a systematic approach to work; able to work unsupervised. Effective problem-solver, willing to take initiative to make a positive change to a process/system for the benefit of all stakeholders. Supporting a senior team within an organization on a range of administrative tasks and functions (for example: planning and arranging meetings, minute taking). Extensive experience of use of Microsoft tools for administrative support (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) in a professional context. Experience of organizing and planning external and internal events and meetings. Experience of planning, managing and monitoring a variety of commitments, balancing conflicting workloads of team members to meet service demands and deadlines; comfortable with responding to unexpected demands and working under pressure in an effective and positive manner; excellent time management skills. Digitally literate with a willingness to continue to develop knowledge and skills in this area, in line with the development and future direction of Arden University. Educated to degree level. Up to date training on GDPR and related issues around protection of personal data. IT Skills Qualification Experience of working in a similar role in a higher education/other educational institution in the UK; experience of working with geographically distributed teams. Knowledge of key current issues within the HE sector.