Admissions Administrative Assistant, Lancaster (Hybrid) with Visa Sponsorship at University of Cumbria

The University of Cumbria is seeking an Admissions Administrative Assistant in Lancaster (Hybrid). This full-time role is ideal for Nigerian and African immigrants seeking to work in the UK, as visa sponsorship is explicitly available for foreign applicants. The position offers a competitive salary of £24,909, progressing to £26,093, alongside an attractive 33 days holiday plus bank holidays.

Job Description

As an Admissions Administrative Assistant, your primary responsibility will be to manage the processing of applications for a specific group of courses. You will play a crucial role in supporting applicants, recruitment agents, and staff to ensure a timely and efficient application process from initial submission to final decision.

This is a fast-paced environment where your excellent customer service and strong IT skills will be vital. You will be expected to handle various administrative activities, providing timely and informative updates to applicants and agents regarding their application status, ensuring a smooth and positive experience for all involved.

Requirements

• Demonstrated proactive approach and strong administrative skills.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Proficiency in IT skills, particularly with administrative software and databases.
• High level of attention to detail and effective organisational skills.
• Ability to work effectively as a team player in a busy admissions environment.
• Applicants must either have the right to work in the UK or be eligible for Skilled Worker (Tier 2) visa sponsorship.

Benefits

• Competitive salary of £24,909 with incremental progression to £26,093.
• 35-hour full-time working week, promoting work-life balance.
• Generous holiday allowance of 33 days plus bank holidays.
• Hybrid working model, offering flexibility in line with business needs.
• Excellent pension scheme with an 8% employer contribution.

How to Prepare

For Nigerian and African immigrants targeting an administrative role like this, tailoring your application to the UK standard is paramount. Focus on presenting a polished CV that highlights your administrative experience, customer service skills, and IT proficiency in a UK-centric format. Ensure your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date and showcases your professional capabilities, aligning with the expectations of UK employers.

When preparing for the interview, be ready to discuss your organisational skills and how you handle fast-paced environments. For the visa sponsorship aspect, be confident in explaining your eligibility and your commitment to relocating, demonstrating your understanding of the UK immigration process. Practice articulating how your skills directly translate to the needs of a UK university admissions team, even if your experience was gained internationally.

• Update your CV to a UK format, emphasising customer service, administrative support, and IT skills.
• Craft a compelling cover letter that directly addresses the job description and your suitability, including your understanding of the visa sponsorship process.
• Prepare examples of how you've handled high-volume administrative tasks and demonstrated attention to detail.
• Research the University of Cumbria's values and strategic plan to align your responses.
• Be ready to discuss your visa sponsorship needs clearly and confidently during the interview.

Visa Sponsorship & Foreigner Eligibility

Visa sponsorship is available for this Admissions Administrative Assistant position. Foreigners and overseas applicants who require a UK work visa are explicitly encouraged to apply. If your immigration status is complex or borderline, it is advisable to contact Jess Keenan or Lois Bowers (contact details in the job description) for informal enquiries to clarify your eligibility before applying.