The Personal Assistant (PA) position to the Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dame Sally Mapstone, is a full-time post based within the Principal’s Private Office (PPO), in College Gate, at the University of St Andrews. This important role is integral to the PPO, offering dedicated and comprehensive support to the Principal.
The work is varied and will include active inbox and diary management, liaison on travel arrangements, preparation and assembly of detailed schedules and itineraries, and the management of specific projects as required. The role-holder line manages the University Driver and the Housekeeper at University House, and supports the Chancellor’s administrative and ceremonial duties.
The successful candidate will have exceptional organisational skills, initiative, and professionalism. The role requires someone who is committed and dynamic, thrives on task variety, welcomes learning opportunities, and enjoys interaction with a wide variety of people. This needs to be balanced by excellent communication skills, an eye for detail, and an ability to work to deadlines and adapt to changing priorities. Confidentiality will be required at all times.
You will be part of a network of PAs who are based in College Gate, work closely with other colleagues across the campus, and interact with a range of external stakeholders. You will be line managed by the Executive Officer to the Principal’s Office.
St Andrews offers more than just a place to work it is a place to belong. We value collegiality, inclusion, and wellbeing, and we are committed to creating a workplace where staff can thrive and perform at their best.
In addition to the salary on offer for this position, there are a wide range of benefits for staff working at the University of St Andrews. The package for the Personal Assistant includes:
- Financial contribution to relocation (subject to eligibility)
- Membership of the S&LAS Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions
- A hybrid working environment, including partial homeworking where appropriate and a range of family friendly policies, supporting work-life balance
- Staff discount scheme for local and national goods and services
- Free staff parking, employee Carshare and Cycle to Work Schemes and subsidised local bus travel
- Subsidised sports membership, reduced tuition fees on degree programmes for staff, access to training and development opportunities including LinkedIn Learning, access to library facilities, salary sacrifice scheme
- 34 Days Annual Leave plus 5 Public Holidays.
At St Andrews, equality, diversity, and inclusion are central to who we are and form a core pillar of our University Strategy. We are committed to creating a fair, inclusive and supportive workplace, reflected in our participation in national diversity charters and awards, including Athena Swan, Carer Positive and the Race Equality Charter.
We particularly welcome applications from people from Black, Asian, minority ethnic and minority religions
Closing Date: 8 June 2026
Please quote ref: CG1102SB
Office of the Principal
Salary: £32,080 - £37,694 per annum
Start Date: As soon as possible
This is a permanent position, however secondment will be considered for internal colleagues
