Entry level Assistant jobs

OVERVIEW OF THE ROLE

Beacon is now in its second decade and has grown substantially over the last three years, including a rebrand and expansion into international projects. To support this growth, we are seeking a highly organised, proactive, and intuitive Admin & Operations Officer to help ensure the smooth running of our daily activities and core functions.

This varied role spans many aspects of our work, from administration and resource management to supporting the systems and tools that keep Beacon working efficiently. You’ll work across the charity, supporting our executive leadership, projects teams, and fundraising activities, as well as and ensuring colleagues have the information and resources they need to deliver for our beneficiaries.

The successful candidate will play a key role in the day-to-day running of the charity and in supporting senior staff. As you settle into the role, you’ll have opportunities to develop skills in areas such as financial management, executive support, relationship management, stewardship, or project logistics, depending on your interests and the charity’s needs.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone at an early stage of their career, with full training and support provided. You’ll gain experience with a wide range of platforms and processes – from finance tools, databases, and information management – making it a great foundation for building broad, transferable skills in the charity sector. Where possible, you’ll also have the chance to get involved in other aspects of our work, offering valuable insight into how a small but ambitious organisation operates.

We also welcome applications from experienced administrators, operations professionals, or executive assistants. Such candidates may be appointed as Senior Operations Officer, with additional responsibilities and a higher salary.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Organisational administration

• Lead on day-to-day operational processes to ensure the efficient running of the organisation.
• Provide executive support to the CEO and COO, including diary coordination, scheduling, and meeting logistics.
• Oversee internal financial processes, including processing expenses and invoices, documenting charity income and outgoings, ensuring accurate record keeping, and liaising with our external accounting team.
• Coordinate team activities such as strategy days, team-building events, and the annual Christmas party.
• Support HR-related processes such as managing staff anniversaries, birthdays, departures, and basic record-keeping.
• Act as liaison between the CEO and Board of Trustees as required.
• Collaborate with building management to ensure smooth operation of office facilities.

Fundraising administration

• Provide administrative support for funding applications and reports, including document preparation and submission.
• Monitor timelines and deadlines for all fundraising-related commitments, ensuring requirements are met.
• Maintain accurate fundraising records, keeping donor and income information up to date in our systems.
• Liaise with fundraising partners, sponsors, and donors as required.

N.B. The fundraising aspect of this role is focused on providing administrative and logistical support. This is not a fundraising position, and applicants are not expected to be responsible for income generation.

Team-wide support

• Monitor and respond to incoming enquiries via phone, email, and the Contact Us form, ensuring timely and professional communication.
• Process and respond to volunteer applications, maintaining accurate records and liaising with applicants as required.
• Manage organisational resources, including internal supplies and external materials, monitoring stock levels and coordinating reorders.
• Provide office management support to ensure a well-functioning, well-resourced working environment.
• Organise team travel arrangements for internal and external events.

Occasional duties

• Provide support in the lead-up to major events with preparation of materials as required.
• Support on-the-day delivery of major events alongside other team members.
• Represent the charity at external events and exhibitions.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

This is an excellent opportunity for someone at an early stage of their career who is eager to learn and grow within a supportive team. We’re looking for a proactive and organised individual who can take ownership of their work, spot opportunities to improve processes, and contribute positively to all areas of the charity.

Essential

•   Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple priorities, monitor timelines, and meet deadlines independently. 
•   Self-motivated and able to work proactively, showing initiative to identify needs, address issues, and make improvements to processes and systems.
•   Strong written communication and record-keeping, skills with the ability to convey information clearly and professionally. 
•   The ability to adapt your communication style to different audiences, such as colleagues, beneficiaries, trustees and donors. 
•   A proficient user of various IT systems, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Publisher), G-Suite, and Zoom, with a willingness and aptitude to learn new platforms.
•   A collaborative mindset, with the ability to work effectively across teams, coupled with the confidence to work independently and take ownership of tasks.
•   Flexible and resilient, with the ability to remain level-headed and resourceful in a fast-paced environment.
•   A commitment to Beacon’s mission and desire to represent the charity with professionalism and integrity. ​

Desirable

• Previous experience in an administrative, operations, or executive support role.
• Experience of working or volunteering in a charity or not-for-profit environment.
• Familiarity with fundraising administration, databases, or finance systems.
• Understanding of rare diseases, health charities, or small-organisation dynamics.

Experienced candidates

We welcome applications from candidates with proven experience in administration, operations, or executive support roles, who are interested in a Senior Admin & Operations Officer position.

For this level, we are looking for demonstrated competence in  managing complex administrative tasks, coordinating across teams, and supporting senior leadership with minimal supervision. Senior Admin & Operations Officers should be confident in taking initiative, driving improvements, and handling a broader range of responsibilities. 

WORKING AT BEACON

Beacon is a small, tight-knit team, with a friendly atmosphere and strong commitment to our beneficiaries. We aim to give all employees opportunities to pursue their interests, develop their skills, and shape their career path.

We offer flexible working practices to help our staff balance their personal and professional lives, including hybrid working and flexible hours. While our hybrid policy requires all staff to work in the office at least two days per week, the high level of cross-team collaboration, executive support responsibilities, and office management duties involved in the Operations Officer role mean that regular in-person attendance is particularly important.

After the initial in-person onboarding period, we’d like this role to be based in the office for around three days a week on average, though not necessarily every single week, to help maintain effective teamwork and smooth daily operations.