Research and Innovation Services Assistant

Research and Innovation Services Assistant

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Advert Reference Number: 2038

Job Location:

Milton Keynes Department: RIS Operations Salary: £27,319 to £30,378 pro-rata (actual £13,659.50 - £15,189) Closing Date: 5 November 2026 Weekly

Working Hours:

18.5 Contract Type:
Permanent Fixed Term

Contract:

End Date:
Not a fixed term contract. Welsh Language:
Not Applicable

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As a Research & Innovation Services (RIS) Directorate Assistant, you will support day-to-day operations of the Research & Innovation Pro Vice-Chancellors Office by providing proactive, flexible, and professional support to the PA (Personal Assistant) to the PVC (Pro Vice-Chancellor) that allows them to do their job effectively. The role also requires some flexibility, as they could be asked to help with Heads of Service workload and take on tasks for the Research & Innovation Operations team.

You will also support the identification, dissemination, and implementation of good practice as part a commitment to continuous improvement and the development of operational capabilities.

The Directorate RIS Assistant is a key member of the RIS Team, sitting within the Directorate and Operations area, providing responsive and focused support to the PA for the PVC and across the RIS Unit. This varied role sits at the heart of day-to-day Directorate operations and is ideal for someone who enjoys working with a wide range of colleagues, managing competing priorities, and helping to ensure an efficient and well-supported working environment.

The successful candidate will coordinate a broad range of administrative activities, including diary management for the Director of Research & Innovation, maintaining SharePoint sites, booking travel, helping with event organisation and catering, and managing shared mailboxes.

The Directorate RIS Assistant may get involved in helping Heads of Service with day to day administration, and support the RIS Operations Team. Working collaboratively with colleagues at all levels, the role contributes directly to the smooth running of the PVC Office and the delivery of a professional, high-quality service.

Support and Finance

Providing administrative and secretarial support, working in conjunction with the Personal Assistant to the PVC. Activities could include but are not limited to:

• Diary management and secretarial support for the Director of Research & Innovation Services.
• Travel and hotel arrangements for the Director and PVC of Research & Innovation.
• Providing administrative support and carrying out routine Directorate office duties – dealing with general correspondence, travel and hotel bookings, expenses, and maintaining and updating electronic filing systems.
• Ensuring that all relevant meeting papers are saved into the Directors and PVC’s SharePoint site.
• Supporting the Heads of Service by booking meetings at their request.
• Supporting the organisation and delivery of meetings, events, and conferences in conjunction with the RIS Assistants.
• Raising purchase requisitions and paying invoices for the PVC Office.
• Any other ad hoc tasks that arise within the PVC Office.
• Prioritising own work, having an awareness of the workload of the PA, and supporting other colleagues when necessary.

Strategy, Planning, Policy and Governance

• Servicing committees/meetings, including arranging rooms, booking AV equipment and catering when required.
• Working with the Senior Manager, Operations, to ensure that key strategic meetings are in the diary for the Director and Heads of Service.

Wider Influence

• Working collaboratively with colleagues at all levels, the role contributes directly to the smooth running of the PVC Office/Unit and the delivery of a professional, high-quality service.

Essential Criteria:

• Literacy and numeracy skills appropriate to the role and a willingness to reflect and develop these in accordance with the role.
• Diary management skills commensurate with the role.
• Communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust, establish constructive…