About West Dean

West Dean is internationally recognised as a centre of excellence for art, design, craft, and conservation education.  The work of staff and students, frequently rooted in traditional skills, is both innovative and world leading.

Our programmes are delivered across two sites in the UK:  West Dean, the idyllic Grade II listed rural campus in the stunning South Downs near Chichester (West Sussex), and our new, prestigious Bloomsbury site in the heart of London.  These inspiring locations provide the ideal environment in which students can work across disciplines and forge exciting new collaborations. 

We are making bold and ambitious moves as an organisation with the expansion of our portfolio, the redevelopment of our estate and our strategic push on diversity and sustainability. 

About the Role

We have an exciting opportunity for a friendly, welcoming and professional Student Welcome Officer (receptionist) to join our vibrant community at West Dean College. 

As a Student Welcome Officer, you will play a crucial role in providing a courteous and efficient service to our students, tutors and visitors, ensuring a warm welcome and that needs are met to the highest possible standard.

General Duties & Responsibilities

• Work on reception to greet and register students, tutors, conference delegates and other visitors on arrival.
• Answer all calls into the Foundation, relaying incoming calls, offering a warm welcome and ensuring that messages are conveyed promptly. Ensure (as far as possible) that calls are responded to promptly and enquires are answered.
• Respond to customers’ needs including room adjustments, answering queries and handling complaints, ensuring that the line manager is kept informed of any customer concerns or complaints so that appropriate action can be taken.
• Ensure the Student Welcome area and desk remains tidy and monitor presentation and parking at the front of the House.
• Act as Gold commanders during your working hours, complying with all fire safety procedures. Manage fire alarm activations for all sites within the historic curtilage in line with company fire procedures.

 
Who we are looking for:

The ideal candidate should have:

• A friendly, welcoming, and professional approach.
• The ability to remain calm during difficult situations or in a very busy environment.
• The ability to work unsupervised.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including a pleasant telephone manner.
• Good administrative skills and the ability to use Office 365 and booking system.
• Great team working skills.
• Previous customer service experience.
• A good standard of education
• Ideally has previous experience in hospitality, an education sector and/or visitor attraction.

Full details of the role are found in the Job Pack.

Hours & Location
 
The role is based at West Dean, the idyllic Grade II listed rural campus in the stunning South Downs near Chichester (PO18 0QZ).
 
The Student Welcome Officer role works on a shift basis, with the below shifts:

Average working hours 36.38 per week (1.04 Full Time Equivalent)
 

WEEK 1	WEEK 2
Monday                    14:00-20:15 – 6.25 hours	Monday                   Off
Tuesday                    08:00-20:00 – 12 hours	Tuesday                   08:00-20:00 – 12 hours
Wednesday               08:00-20:00 – 12 hours	Wednesday              Off
Thursday                   Off	Thursday                  Off
Friday                        Off	Friday                       14:00-20:15 – 6.25 hours
Saturday                    Off	Saturday                   08:00-20:15 - 12.25 hours
Sunday                       Off	Sunday                     08:00-20:00 – 12 hours
Total Hours            30.25 hours	Total Hours            42.5 hours

We are very happy to consider job share options - please let us know if this is something you would like to discuss further in your application.

To Apply

If you are passionate about providing exceptional service, fostering a warm and inclusive environment, and being part of a dynamic team in a vibrant setting, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity.

Please note, early applications are preferable, and interviewing may commence prior to the closing date.

• Please view the Student Welcome Officer Permanent Job Pack 09 2024 document (opens in a pop up)