Senior Administrative Assistant ) - Derby, DE22 1GB
About the University
We have one simple promise – to make a positive impact. Through our ground-breaking research, teaching excellence and commitment to sustainable living, we are changing lives for the better.
The University of Derby is a modern university with a modern outlook. Everything we do is driven by delivering excellence and opportunities for our students, our staff and our region.
We have some of the best university facilities in the UK and achieve outstanding results for our teaching and research and have been awarded Gold in the prestigious Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023 – making it one of the top universities in the country recognised for its outstanding student experience and student outcomes.
Financially strong and seriously ambitious we offer our employees an inclusive culture that centres itself around staff wellbeing, where you can be confident you will receive all the help and encouragement you need to build a rewarding career with lots of opportunities to enhance your skills.
About the College/Department
Our External Relations team is responsible for promoting and raising awareness of our University’s brand in the UK and overseas. From creating all messaging and content for external campaigns and our website, to social media, and managing events – ours is a highly complex and expert marketing, PR and Internal Comms environment, key to making the University shine.
International Recruitment
The International Office takes the lead on international student recruitment, working in its priority regions of China, India, Pakistan, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Europe. We work across the University, with Colleges and Professional Services such as Admissions and Marketing, and externally with recruitment agents, sponsors, and bodies such as the British Council. We also work with Colleges and the Partnership Unit on the business development aspect of collaborative overseas partnerships.
About the Role
We are looking for a proactive and highly organised professional to join our External Relations department, providing high-quality administrative and customer-focused support. This role is central to ensuring the smooth delivery of External Relations services and projects, supporting staff, stakeholders, and key University activities.
As the first point of contact for internal and external customers, you will handle a wide range of enquiries via phone, email, and in person, ensuring responses are timely, accurate, and professional. You will play an important role in supporting service delivery by identifying trends in queries, helping to improve processes, and ensuring systems and protocols are used effectively.
The role involves a varied workload, including project support, relationship management, research, data management, meeting coordination, and maintaining information across systems such as Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platforms and the intranet. You will also assist with marketing and promoting services and events, supporting recruitment campaigns, open days, and major University events such as enrolment and awards ceremonies.
You will work closely with the Associate Director and International Recruitment Team wider, contributing to reports, financial tracking, document creation, and internal and external communications. A strong attention to detail, excellent organisational skills, and a people-centred approach are essential, as is the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys working collaboratively, delivering high standards of customer service, and contributing to the success of high-profile projects and events while role modelling the University’s values and behaviours.
Due to the nature of this role, you will need to be willing to work flexibly and be responsive to business needs and customer expectations (will require some late/evening/weekend work).
About You
We are looking for a proactive and organised individual with strong administrative and customer service experience. You will have experience working in a busy office environment, handling enquiries professionally, and supporting teams with accuracy and attention to detail.
The ideal candidate will be IT literate, confident using Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and other core systems. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential, along with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
You will be adaptable, able to manage competing priorities, meet deadlines, and respond positively to changing circumstances. Discretion and sensitivity when handling confidential information are crucial. Flexibility to support occasional evening, weekend, or travel requirements is also expected.
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 Jodie Masters, International Operations Manager via
For enquiries regarding your application and for sponsorship eligibility, please contact the recruitment team via
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 everybodys concern.
Please find our Safeguarding pages including our Safeguarding Policy here .
Closing Date: 18 Feb 2026
Area: Administrative Support
Salary: £26,981 to £28,213 per annum
(for exceptional performers, there is scope for further progression up to £32,445 per annum)