About Heriot Watt University: 

Heriot-Watt University has five campuses: three in the UK (Edinburgh, Scottish Borders and Orkney), one in Dubai and one in Malaysia. The University offers a highly distinctive range of degree programmes in the specialist areas of science, engineering, design, business and languages. 

With a history dating back to 1821, Heriot-Watt University has established a reputation for world-class teaching and practical, leading-edge research, which has made it one of the top UK universities for business and industry. We connect with industry at every level and develop programmes to match their needs – so employers get work-ready industry-fit graduates. 

Heriot-Watt is also Scotland's most international university, boasting the largest international student cohort. 

We have an established set of values that help us to nurture innovation and leadership, and show our commitment to continuous improvement and development in all our activities. 

Purpose of the Role

The School of Social Sciences is looking for an organised, proactive and people-focused School Administrator to join our Professional Services team. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in supporting the smooth day-to-day running of the School, working closely with academic colleagues, professional services teams, students and external partners.

As a central point of support, you will help create a positive experience for students and staff by providing high-quality administrative assistance across a wide range of activities. From coordinating events and meetings to supporting student activities, onboarding new colleagues and helping academic programmes run smoothly, no two days will be the same.

We are seeking someone who enjoys working with people, takes pride in delivering excellent service and can comfortably manage a variety of tasks in a busy and collaborative environment. You will be part of a supportive team that values professionalism, flexibility and continuous improvement, with opportunities to contribute ideas and make a real impact on the School community.

Key Responsibilities

Supporting the School

• Provide day-to-day administrative support to ensure the efficient running of the School of Social Sciences.
• Act as a friendly and professional first point of contact for administrative queries from students, colleagues and external stakeholders.
• Maintain accurate records, documentation and administrative processes.

Supporting Students and Academic Activities

• Assist with the administration of academic programmes and student activities, including field trips, guest events and end-of-course celebrations.
• Support assessment and examination processes where required.
• Help coordinate student induction activities, welcome events and engagement initiatives.
• Respond to routine student enquiries and direct more complex matters to the appropriate colleague.

Meetings and Events

• Organise and support meetings, workshops, seminars, guest lectures and School events.
• Arrange venues, prepare documentation, distribute agendas and record action points where required.
• Support follow-up activities to ensure agreed actions are completed.

Operational Support

• Assist with purchase orders, supplier communications and invoice processing in line with University procedures.
• Coordinate travel and accommodation arrangements when required.
• Monitor office resources and support the smooth delivery of administrative services.
• Help facilitate onboarding and induction arrangements for new members of staff.

Working as Part of the Team

• Collaborate with colleagues across the School, Dubai Campus and wider University.
• Contribute ideas to improve processes, efficiency and the overall service experience.
• Provide support and cover for colleagues during busy periods or absences.
• Undertake other duties appropriate to the role and grade.

Who We're Looking For

We are looking for someone who is highly organised, personable and motivated, with experience providing administrative support in a professional environment. You will be confident managing multiple priorities, communicating with a wide range of people and delivering excellent customer service.

You'll thrive in this role if you:

• Enjoy working with and supporting people.
• Have strong organisational and time-management skills.
• Take a proactive approach and use initiative.
• Communicate clearly and professionally.
• Are comfortable working independently as well as part of a team.
• Have excellent attention to detail and can manage confidential information with discretion.
• Are proficient in Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint.

Experience within a university or educational environment would be advantageous but is not essential.

About Heriot Watt University: 

Heriot-Watt University has five campuses: three in the UK (Edinburgh, Scottish Borders and Orkney), one in Dubai and one in Malaysia. The University offers a highly distinctive range of degree programmes in the specialist areas of science, engineering, design, business and languages. 

With a history dating back to 1821, Heriot-Watt University has established a reputation for world-class teaching and practical, leading-edge research, which has made it one of the top UK universities for business and industry. We connect with industry at every level and develop programmes to match their needs – so employers get work-ready industry-fit graduates. 

Heriot-Watt is also Scotland's most international university, boasting the largest international student cohort. 

We have an established set of values that help us to nurture innovation and leadership, and show our commitment to continuous improvement and development in all our activities. 

Purpose of the Role

The School of Social Sciences is looking for an organised, proactive and people-focused School Administrator to join our Professional Services team. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in supporting the smooth day-to-day running of the School, working closely with academic colleagues, professional services teams, students and external partners.

As a central point of support, you will help create a positive experience for students and staff by providing high-quality administrative assistance across a wide range of activities. From coordinating events and meetings to supporting student activities, onboarding new colleagues and helping academic programmes run smoothly, no two days will be the same.

We are seeking someone who enjoys working with people, takes pride in delivering excellent service and can comfortably manage a variety of tasks in a busy and collaborative environment. You will be part of a supportive team that values professionalism, flexibility and continuous improvement, with opportunities to contribute ideas and make a real impact on the School community.

Key Responsibilities

Supporting the School

• Provide day-to-day administrative support to ensure the efficient running of the School of Social Sciences.
• Act as a friendly and professional first point of contact for administrative queries from students, colleagues and external stakeholders.
• Maintain accurate records, documentation and administrative processes.

Supporting Students and Academic Activities

• Assist with the administration of academic programmes and student activities, including field trips, guest events and end-of-course celebrations.
• Support assessment and examination processes where required.
• Help coordinate student induction activities, welcome events and engagement initiatives.
• Respond to routine student enquiries and direct more complex matters to the appropriate colleague.

Meetings and Events

• Organise and support meetings, workshops, seminars, guest lectures and School events.
• Arrange venues, prepare documentation, distribute agendas and record action points where required.
• Support follow-up activities to ensure agreed actions are completed.

Operational Support

• Assist with purchase orders, supplier communications and invoice processing in line with University procedures.
• Coordinate travel and accommodation arrangements when required.
• Monitor office resources and support the smooth delivery of administrative services.
• Help facilitate onboarding and induction arrangements for new members of staff.

Working as Part of the Team

• Collaborate with colleagues across the School, Dubai Campus and wider University.
• Contribute ideas to improve processes, efficiency and the overall service experience.
• Provide support and cover for colleagues during busy periods or absences.
• Undertake other duties appropriate to the role and grade.

Who We're Looking For

We are looking for someone who is highly organised, personable and motivated, with experience providing administrative support in a professional environment. You will be confident managing multiple priorities, communicating with a wide range of people and delivering excellent customer service.

You'll thrive in this role if you:

• Enjoy working with and supporting people.
• Have strong organisational and time-management skills.
• Take a proactive approach and use initiative.
• Communicate clearly and professionally.
• Are comfortable working independently as well as part of a team.
• Have excellent attention to detail and can manage confidential information with discretion.
• Are proficient in Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint.

Experience within a university or educational environment would be advantageous but is not essential.