Durban Girls’ College, a prestigious institution in KwaZulu-Natal, has opened a promising opportunity for a Personal Assistant to the Executive Head. Founded in 1877, the college has built a strong reputation for providing a forward-thinking, Christian-centered education for girls from Grades 00 to Matric.
The Personal Assistant position is an exciting role for a highly organized, energetic, and professional individual who will play a key part in supporting the Executive Head and ensuring smooth operations at the college.
Job Responsibilities
The successful candidate will be expected to take on a wide range of tasks to support the Executive Head in managing day-to-day responsibilities. A few core duties include:
- Administrative Support: Ensuring the Executive Head is fully informed and organized by preparing reports, handling correspondence, and managing appointments.
- Event Coordination: Organizing conferences and meetings, coordinating venue arrangements, logistics, and schedules, ensuring that all events run smoothly.
- Multitasking: Handling multiple tasks simultaneously, maintaining efficiency and effectiveness under pressure.
- Travel Arrangements: Booking flights, accommodations, and transport for staff and the Executive Head to ensure seamless travel logistics.
- Confidentiality: Given the nature of the institution’s work, candidates must have the ability to manage sensitive and confidential information with the highest level of discretion and professionalism.
Candidates will be expected to demonstrate strong communication skills and interpersonal abilities. The ability to manage and prioritize tasks while staying ahead of deadlines is crucial. Moreover, a good command of the English language and proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace will be necessary to perform these duties effectively.
Qualifications and Skills Required
Applicants must have at least five years of experience as a Personal Assistant, particularly in an educational or executive setting. The ideal candidate should possess:
- Strong Organizational Skills: A well-organized candidate is essential, with experience managing Google calendars, scheduling meetings, and supporting smooth workflows.
- Multitasking Ability: Candidates should be comfortable managing several projects at once, with an ability to manage multiple people and deadlines efficiently.
- Communication Skills: Both verbal and written communication must be strong, as this role involves handling a variety of correspondence, drafting documents, and interacting with a range of stakeholders.
- Attention to Detail: A meticulous attention to detail is essential, especially when handling administrative tasks and preparing important documents.
- Travel Management: Experience with booking flights and accommodations for senior executives, along with managing travel logistics, is necessary.
- Driving License: A valid Code 08 driver’s license is mandatory, as the role involves occasional travel for work-related tasks.
The college seeks candidates who are proactive, demonstrate initiative, and work well both independently and as part of a team. Being a self-motivated and well-presented individual will ensure success in this role.
Personal and Professional Attributes
Beyond technical skills, the college is looking for a candidate who embodies professionalism, discretion, and commitment. As the Personal Assistant to the Executive Head, the individual must be someone who is trustworthy and values confidentiality, especially given the sensitive nature of some information handled at the college.
An ability to work collaboratively with a variety of staff members and other stakeholders is key to excelling in this role. The college emphasizes a strong team player who can build rapport and maintain effective relationships with both internal and external contacts.
Legal and Compliance Requirements
The successful candidate will need to adhere to several legal and compliance standards:
- Criminal Clearances: The candidate must provide current clearance certificates from the criminal record register, the child protection register, and the sexual offenders register.
- Driving License: A valid South African Code 08 driver’s license is required.
- Confidentiality and Data Protection: As part of adhering to the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), the candidate must agree to handle all personal data with the utmost confidentiality.
Application Process
The closing date for applications is June 12, 2025, and interested candidates should submit their CV, along with a letter of motivation and three referees. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews, and applications will not be considered after the closing date.
This Personal Assistant role at Durban Girls’ College represents an excellent opportunity for a capable, dedicated individual to play an essential role in the success of one of South Africa’s leading educational institutions. If you have the experience and skill set needed to provide high-level support in a fast-paced environment, this could be the perfect next step in your career.
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