Internal Applications are invited for a motivated and experienced Senior Assistant Secretary in the School of the Biological Sciences. This is a full-time, fixed-term position, for a period of 12 months. About the division / school: The School comprises nine Departments and the Centre for Family Research, plus five major research Institutes and an animal hospital. The School Office, in which this role sits, comprises around 30 staff, who provide management and administrative support to the academic leadership of the School. Staff in the School Office provide strategic direction and administrative support for the research and teaching activities that take place in the Departments. About the role: The Senior Assistant School Secretary provides vital leadership and support to the School Secretary and ensures the efficient operation of the School's professional services team. The post holder plays a crucial role in implementing the School's academic strategy, managing resources, and fostering effective partnerships within the School and with external stakeholders. Additionally, the Senior Assistant School Secretary deputises for the School Secretary as needed. The Assistant School Secretary acts as the Departmental Administrator/Business and Operations Manager of the School Office and takes a lead on governance, compliance and risk management. Specific current duties will include REF planning lead for the school office. About you: The ideal candidate will have proven experience of managing operations at a senior level, developing and implementing strategic plans in a complex and collegial organisation, leading and managing people including experience of dealing with challenging HR issues. They should have experience of successfully leading and implementing change processes. Additionally, the candidate should have experience of financial planning and budget monitoring including developing persuasive business cases to underpin investment decisions. The ability to communicate persuasively both in writing and orally as well as to deal with a range of colleagues from the most senior to the most junior with tact, sensitivity and appropriate assertiveness are essential. The candidate should be educated to degree level or equivalent. For a full person specification, key responsibilities and essential requirements, which your application will be scored against, please see the Further Particulars. The University of Cambridge is committed to supporting our staff to thrive both professionally and personally. We aim to support a good work/life balance, whilst retaining the positive aspects of our unique in-person environment and culture. Elements of this role are suitable for hybrid working, where staff can split their time between in-person collaboration and remote working. The frequency of the remote elements of the role can be discussed with the recruiting manager. Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 12 months in the first instance. Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a basic disclosure (criminal records check) check and a security check. The post is offered to internal candidates only on the basis of a secondment from their current role in the University. Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online. Informal enquiries about the role are encouraged and should be directed to Milly Bodfish, Secretary of the School of Biological Sciences, email: Milly.Bodfishadmin.cam.ac.uk If you have any queries regarding the application process please contact Karin Kuchta, HR Coordinator, email: acdhradmin.cam.ac.uk Please quote reference AK44722 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy. The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society. The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK. Further information AK44722 - Further Particulars Apply online