Downside School - External Relations Assistant

Summary

We are currently seeking to fill the position of External Relations Assistant at Downside School.

Detail

Downside is an independent, co-educational boarding and day school for pupils aged 11 to 18, and one of England's oldest and most distinguished Catholic schools. The School is situated at the foot of the Mendip Hills, twelve miles south of the city of Bath.

We are looking to appoint an organised, motivated and creative External Relations Assistant to join our busy External Relations team. This varied role is front facing and provides support across Marketing, Admissions & Development (alumni and fund-raising) teams helping to promote the School, strengthen our community, and deliver an excellent experience for prospective families, pupils, alumni and stakeholders.

About the Role

The External Relations Assistant will work closely with the External Relations Director to provide first line administration support. They will assist with the telephone and email management, admissions and events co-ordination, data entry and data management.

To be successful, you will have:

• Excellent competency in the use of ICT, ideally MS Office and Teams
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• A high level of organisation, accuracy, and attention to detail
• The ability to prioritise and be well organised
• An appreciation of the ethos of a Catholic and Benedictine boarding School, and a commitment to the spiritual life of the School
• A professional and welcoming manner when dealing with parents, staff, pupils, alumni and other visitors
• Calmness under pressure
• Resilience, commitment and confidence
• Experience of working in a secondary school environment will be an advantage.

We can offer the successful candidate:

• An experienced, supportive, skilled, and innovative staff team, providing a warm welcome.
• Excellent catering facility, which offers all our staff a complimentary lunch.
• Free on-site parking.
• Employee Assistance Program and Cycle to Work Scheme.
• Complimentary access to onsite leisure facilities including indoor swimming pool, gym, and squash courts.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to start their career within External Relations.

About Downside School

Nestled in the beautiful Somerset countryside just 25 minutes from Bath, Downside School is a historic Catholic independent school founded in 1606. Our Benedictine ethos fosters integrity, independent thinking, and service, creating a happy, inspiring environment where pupils thrive academically and through over 70 co-curricular activities. With facilities like a 400-seat theatre, indoor pool, and 24/7 Health Centre, we nurture motivated learners in a supportive community praised by the ISI for excellent staff-pupil relationships.

By car, we are within 40 minutes of Bristol, 30 minutes of Bath and 15 minutes of Wells.

Application Process

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews. Downside School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All appointments are subject to enhanced DBS checks and satisfactory references. We encourage applications from diverse backgrounds.

Registered Company No. 11751009 and Registered Charity No: 1184700