Personal Assistant to the Bursar
The Vacancy
Full-time (4–5 days per week) with some hybrid working
Emmanuel College is seeking a highly organised and proactive Personal Assistant to the Bursar to provide exceptional administrative and organisational support at the heart of one of Cambridge’s friendliest and most historic colleges.
This is a varied and influential role supporting the Bursar across a wide range of non-academic functions—including finance, investment, estates, HR, IT, and operational services such as catering, housekeeping and gardens. The ideal candidate will be an experienced PA or project coordinator who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys building collaborative relationships, and can act with professionalism, discretion, and confidence.
For more detail on key responsibilities, please see the job description and person specification attached.
About You
We are looking for someone who can confidently support a senior leader and enjoys working at the centre of a busy organisation. You will have:
Essential:
- Excellent organisational and problem-solving skills.
- Strong IT skills, including MS Outlook, Word, Excel, SharePoint and Copilot.
- Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive working relationships across the College.
- Proven PA or project management experience.
- A flexible, proactive approach and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
- Tact, discretion and the ability to handle sensitive information.
Why Join Emmanuel?
Emmanuel College is a welcoming, supportive and inclusive environment where staff are valued and encouraged to develop.
This is a full-time position working 36.67 hours per week, Monday to Friday in the College, however applications will be considered from candidates who would like to work over 4 days per week.
If you are considering applying and would like more details about the role, please contact Cheryl Torbett (cb480@emma.cam.ac.uk or 01223 334278).
Closing date for applications is Sunday 22nd March at 10 pm. Interviews are expected to be held in week commencing 30th March 2026.
The College reserves the right to withdraw the advert before the closing date if there is significant interest in the position.
Emmanuel College is an equal opportunities employer. We have a policy of equality of opportunity for all staff. Applications are welcome regardless of race, colour, ethnic or national origin, sex, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, religious beliefs or age.
The Company
Emmanuel College, affectionately known as ‘Emma’ is set in extensive, beautiful (yet peaceful) grounds, in central Cambridge. With a reputation as an inclusive, vibrant, and friendly community, Emma is home to around 700 students (under and postgraduate), 90 Fellows and 170 college staff and is managed, overall, by the Master, Bursar and Senior Tutor.
Being employed at Emma means being a part of long-standing College community, steeped in history and prestige.
The Benefits
Excellent Pension Schemes
Private Healthcare Options
Travel to Work Loan Scheme
Employee Assistance Programme
Generous Annual Leave
Free Lunch On-Site
On-Site Pool & Gym
Training & Development
Documents
Emmanuel College
St Andrew's St, Cambridge CB2 3AP
hr@emma.cam.ac.uk
01223 334222