Advancement Administrative Assistant

SOAS University of London is the leading Higher Education institution in Europe specialising in the study of Asia, Africa and the Near and Middle East. SOAS University of London is positioned to play a leading role in reimagining higher education globally, with a new strategic plan in place as the basis for the renewal and revitalisation of the University which commits SOAS to both student responsiveness and research intensity. SOAS is moving towards a new model of international partnerships which is responsive to the transnational character of our global challenges.

About the Department

We are an energetic, creative and committed Advancement team with significant success in raising philanthropic income year-on-year and engaging alumni and key stakeholders around the world. As part of the Directorate, Advancement’s work is central to SOAS’ strategic plan, and we work closely with the Vice-Chancellor and his office to deliver core objectives in generating philanthropic income and increasing alumni engagement. The successful candidate will play an important role in supporting Advancement to deliver these key strategic goals.

About the Role

The Advancement Administrative Assistant delivers a complex and multi-faceted workload which links together all of the functions within Advancement, ensuring that our processes run smoothly and professionally. Reporting to one of the team’s three Philanthropy Managers, and working closely with the Director of Advancement, the role provides crucial support to: arrange meetings and travel; take minutes and track actions; update our relational database of alumni and donors; maintain the Giving pages of the SOAS website; and provide a first point of contact for all levels of stakeholders, both internal and external.

This important position calls for a well-organised administrator and excellent communicator, demonstrating a solutions-focused approach and excellent customer service. The postholder will take initiative and be responsible for a range of tasks needing management and completion to a high standard. They will gain invaluable experience of the various functions in a higher education environment, most particularly of fundraising and alumni engagement, and will develop a broad set of skills, including project management. This role is ideal for anyone actively pursuing a career in university advancement or the third sector.

Candidates wishing to discuss the opportunity on an informal basis should contact Ben Siddall-Jones, Philanthropy Manager, at b.siddall@soas.ac.uk or +44(0)7912487296.

You can find further information on the key criteria for the role in the Job Description and Person Specification, along with a full list of duties and responsibilities, which can be found on the SOAS website.

How to Apply

Closing date: 3^rd June 2024                     

Interviews to be held: TBC, indicatively Friday 14^th June or Monday 17^th June 2024

Further information

We would particularly welcome applications from candidates from working class, first generation Higher Education, the Global South, Black, Asian or other minority ethnic and underrepresented groups. All appointment decisions will be made on merit, following a fair and competitive process.

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