Back to search Personal Assistant - SLT - Cranleigh Abu Dhabi
THE VACANCY
Cranleigh Abu Dhabi is currently seeking an Personal Assistant - Senior Leadership Team. This is an exciting opportunity to join the highly successful Aldar family of schools and to help shape the future of Abu Dhabi’s leading school group.
The PA to the SLT serves as the primary point of contact for the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), managing their schedules, maintaining administrative systems, and handling filing, secretarial, and general administrative tasks. Additionally, the PA oversees office services and acts as the main liaison for parents seeking to meet with any member of the team.
We are looking for first-class employees to join our vibrant team and work with us in our pursuit of excellence. Attractive packages will reflect the professionalism of our staff and the value we place on them
Job Description
General Responsibilities:
Answering telephone calls and managing telephone messages. Maintaining both paper and digital filing systems. Welcoming visitors and managing the sign-in process. Providing or arranging refreshments for visitors. Maintaining strong communication and relationships with administrative staff and the Staff Room. Fostering positive relationships between the SLT, Staff Room, parents, and prospective parents.
Specific Responsibilities:
Diary Management:
Scheduling appointments for current parents, pupils, or staff to meet with SLT members. Coordinating appointments for SLT members visiting other schools. Monitoring the progress of staff appraisals and ensuring all required documents are prepared before meetings. Organising travel arrangements for SLT members. Liaising with staff to ensure optimal use of SLT members' time.
Correspondence Management:
Responding to invitations and course requests on behalf of the SLT. Sending invitations to Trustees and VIPs for school events. Monitoring incoming post and screening emails. Distributing information from the SLT to staff, including photocopying, distributing minutes, and other correspondence. Supporting the Principal’s PA and deputizing when required. Preparing and sending materials for Trustees via the Bursar or their secretary. Drafting, editing, and finalising emails or letters on behalf of the SLT.
General Administrative Duties:
Managing and maintaining custody of all pupil records (past and present). Updating and distributing ‘Future Dates’ information. Compiling and updating staff holiday contact details each term. Preparing and typing correspondence. Ensuring the Management Information System is kept up-to-date. Assisting with the organisation and support of major school events. Providing hospitality and care for school visitors and VIPs. Staying informed about significant events in colleagues’ lives (e.g., births, anniversaries, illnesses) and briefing the SLT accordingly. Preparing and circulating minutes for weekly staff meetings and other meetings as needed. Monitoring and managing budgets associated with SLT members. Liaising with external CPD providers and assisting in organising courses and events.
Admissions/Marketing Support:
Assisting the Head of Admissions in maintaining up-to-date senior school data. Supporting the Admissions and Marketing Department during peak periods.
General Expectations:
Acting as the first point of contact for the SLT, demonstrating discretion and tact to ensure visitors and callers are dealt with professionally. Creating an efficient and welcoming environment at all times. Maintaining absolute confidentiality and discretion in all matters. Flexibility to work early mornings & late evenings. Undertaking any additional reasonable duties requested by the Headmaster to support the school.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in any subject or equivalent professional qualification.
Minimum Experience:
At least two years of experience in a PA, administrative, or secretarial role. Prior experience in a school or educational setting is advantageous but not essential.
Job Specific Knowledge & Skills:
Diary and Schedule Management: Proven ability to manage complex schedules, coordinate appointments, and ensure efficient use of time.
Strong Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written English communication skills to interact effectively with staff, parents, and external stakeholders.
Organizational Skills: Strong ability to manage filing systems, maintain accurate records, and organize resources efficiently.
Professionalism: High level of discretion, confidentiality, and reliability, with strong attention to detail.
Interpersonal Skills: Positive and approachable demeanor, with the ability to build strong relationships with staff, parents, and visitors.
Event Coordination: Experience in supporting the organization of meetings, events, and hospitality for visitors.
IT Proficiency: Competence in using MS Office Suite, Management Information Systems (MIS), and other relevant software tools.
Adaptability and Flexibility: Ability to manage a dynamic workload and prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment.
Team Collaboration: Willingness to work closely with staff and support various teams within the school.
Problem-Solving: Resourceful and proactive in managing tasks and resolving issues independently.
Attention to Detail: Ensuring accuracy in all correspondence, record-keeping, and administrative processes.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Candidates should carefully review the attached Applicant Information Pack to guide their application.
Cranleigh Abu Dhabi is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff and volunteers are expected to share this commitment. An enhanced DBS check will be required for successful applicants.
Please note: This job description is a fluid document and may evolve to reflect the needs of our growing school. Additional tasks reasonably deemed appropriate may be required. A full job description will be provided alongside a formal contract offer.
Cranleigh Abu Dhabi provides a truly transformative experience in which intellectual, artistic, sporting, spiritual and social development is at the heart.
Based on the community and family-oriented ethos of Cranleigh UK, one of England’s leading independent schools founded in 1865, Cranleigh Abu Dhabi opened on Saadiyat Island in September 2014.
Now in our eighth year with a pupil population of over 1,800 spanning Foundation Stage 1 to Year 13, we are proud to be rated as Outstanding by ADEK and ranked in the top 100 Private Schools around the world and in the top 15 Private Schools in the Middle East.
Our educational philosophy centres on the unique talents of each child, recognising and nurturing the innate ability in every individual. Through our supportive family atmosphere, we aim to produce grounded young men and women capable of tackling life’s challenges with confidence, determination and courage.
Teaching and learning at Cranleigh is innovative. The academic team is expected to be energetic, engaging and able to introduce fresh creative ideas into every lesson.
Our focus on innovation is clearly evidenced in our Sixth Form Programme. Sixth Formers at Cranleigh Abu Dhabi are taught using both traditional and Harkness style methods, and study the Extended Project Qualification alongside A Levels and BTECs. Creative opportunities for leadership development, career planning and work experience ensure students gain the insight, confidence and skills required to support their university applications, and ultimately their future lives in the workplace.
Cranleigh Abu Dhabi is located in Saadiyat’s emerging Cultural District in keeping with the school’s motto, ‘Ex Cultu Robur’ – ‘From Culture Comes Stren
